Ketamine Therapy
in Baltimore
Physician-led, all-inclusive infusions for treatment-resistant conditions — starting at $375 for members
Ketamine therapy in Baltimore costs $499.99 per session ($375 for Vitality Circle members) and is the physician-led use of ketamine at sub-anesthetic doses, delivered intravenously in a monitored setting for depression, PTSD, anxiety, and chronic pain (an off-label use). At our Canton clinic, every all-inclusive infusion is anesthesiologist-led care, under the medical direction of Dr. Brijen Joshi MD — a Johns Hopkins faculty anesthesiologist — with continuous cardiac and vital-sign monitoring, a private suite, and a required driver home. Chronic pain infusions are $1,499.99 per session ($1,125 for members); a six-infusion Complete Series is $2,849.94 ($2,250 for members) with +3 complimentary hydration IVs. A telemedicine consultation is the first step, and not everyone is a candidate — you'll be told clearly. Ketamine is self-pay; an itemized superbill is provided for possible out-of-network reimbursement, and HSA/FSA cards are accepted.
Founder & Medical Director, Vita Nova · Johns Hopkins Faculty Physician · Assistant Professor, Anesthesiology & Critical Care Medicine · Chief, Thoracic Anesthesia, Johns Hopkins Hospital · Board-Certified Anesthesiologist
Mon–Fri: 1PM–8PM · Sat: 10AM–2PM
513 Bayview Blvd, Canton Baltimore MD 21224
(443) 563-1059
In Brief — Key Clinical Points
Off-label use: Ketamine is FDA-approved as an anesthetic. Use for depression, PTSD, anxiety, and pain is off-label — prescribed by physician clinical judgment and supported by published research.
Mechanism: Blocks NMDA receptors to rapidly increase glutamate signaling and promote synaptogenesis — a fundamentally different mechanism than SSRIs or opioids.
Who qualifies: Adults whose condition has not responded adequately to 2 or more prior treatment approaches. Determined through individual clinical evaluation — not all patients will be offered treatment.
In-clinic only: All infusions at 513 Bayview Blvd, Canton, Baltimore MD with continuous monitoring. Not available as take-home medication.
Cost: From $499.99/session (non-member) or $375/session (Vitality Circle member), all-inclusive. Ketamine is self-pay; an itemized superbill is provided for possible out-of-network reimbursement.
Verifiable credentials: LegitScript certified · Johns Hopkins faculty MD · All publicly verifiable.
Not Ready to Book? Tell Us About Your Situation
Answer a few quick questions — our clinical team reaches out within 1 business day to discuss whether ketamine therapy may be right for you. No pressure, no commitment.
What Is Ketamine Therapy?
Ketamine therapy refers to the physician-led clinical use of ketamine at sub-anesthetic doses delivered intravenously in a monitored setting. Ketamine has been FDA-approved as an anesthetic agent since 1970, giving it over five decades of clinical track record. Its application in mental health and chronic pain treatment is considered off-label — prescribed based on physician judgment and a growing body of peer-reviewed research rather than a specific FDA approval for those indications.
The clinical interest in ketamine for mental health conditions was significantly advanced by a landmark 2000 study by Berman et al. in Biological Psychiatry, which reported rapid antidepressant effects in patients with major depression. A 2013 randomized controlled trial by Murrough et al. in Archives of General Psychiatry found response rates in treatment-resistant depression that exceeded those typically seen with antidepressant medications. This body of evidence is available through the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI).
The NMDA Mechanism — How Ketamine Works
Ketamine works primarily by blocking NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptors in the brain and spinal cord. These receptors play a central role in central sensitization — the process by which the central nervous system amplifies pain signals and reinforces maladaptive patterns associated with depression, anxiety, and chronic pain.
By disrupting this process, ketamine rapidly increases glutamate activity and promotes synaptogenesis — the formation of new synaptic connections in circuits implicated in mood regulation and pain modulation. This is the mechanism underlying the rapid-onset effects that distinguish ketamine from conventional antidepressants, which require weeks of daily dosing to produce therapeutic effects.
This same mechanism — disrupting central sensitization via NMDA blockade — also explains ketamine's clinical relevance for chronic pain conditions where central sensitization is a significant driver of the pain experience.
Sources: FDA Drug Database; Murrough JW et al., Arch Gen Psychiatry (2013), PMID 23552637. Individual results vary.
Located in Canton, Baltimore MD
Vita Nova is Canton's only physician-led ketamine clinic — at 513 Bayview Blvd, steps from Fells Point, Patterson Park, and Harbor East. See our dedicated depression treatment Canton Baltimore page →
Peer-Reviewed References
Murrough JW et al. "Antidepressant efficacy of ketamine in treatment-resistant major depression." Arch Gen Psychiatry 2013. PMID 23552637 →
Berman RM et al. "Antidepressant effects of ketamine in depressed patients." Biol Psychiatry 2000. PMID 10686270 →
Ketamine vs. Traditional Antidepressants
Most patients exploring ketamine have already tried multiple antidepressant medications without adequate response. Understanding the mechanistic difference explains why ketamine may be clinically relevant when prior approaches have been insufficient.
| Feature | SSRIs / SNRIs (e.g. Prozac, Effexor) | Ketamine Therapy |
|---|---|---|
| Primary mechanism | Modulates serotonin and/or norepinephrine reuptake | Blocks NMDA receptors; rapidly increases glutamate and promotes synaptogenesis |
| Time to onset | 2–8 weeks for initial response | Response may be observed within hours to days of first infusion |
| Administration | Daily oral tablet at home | IV infusion in-clinic under continuous clinical monitoring |
| FDA approval | Approved for depression, GAD, OCD and related conditions | Off-label for most indications; prescribed on physician clinical judgment |
| For treatment-resistant cases | Limited options after 2+ antidepressant failures | Specifically evaluated for patients with documented prior treatment failures |
| Insurance coverage | Typically covered by most health plans | Self-pay; an itemized superbill is provided for possible out-of-network reimbursement |
| Monitoring required | Self-administered; periodic prescriber follow-up | In-clinic every session; vital signs monitored continuously; driver required |
Conditions We Evaluate
Ketamine therapy may be explored for adults who have not achieved adequate response through prior treatment approaches. Individual eligibility is determined through a comprehensive clinical evaluation — not all patients who complete evaluation will be offered a care pathway.
Mental Health Conditions
Major depression not responding to 2+ adequate antidepressant trials — the primary indication evaluated for ketamine therapy.
Post-traumatic stress disorder — evaluated when standard treatments have been insufficient.
Generalized anxiety, social anxiety, and panic disorder — evaluated off-label when prior treatments have not achieved adequate response.
Depressive episodes in bipolar disorder — evaluated with clinical review of mood stabilization.
Evaluated off-label for OCD that has not responded to serotonin reuptake inhibitors and behavioral therapy.
Severe postpartum depression not responding to standard treatment. Requires review of breastfeeding status.
Affective blunting often as a feature of treatment-resistant depression or SSRI side effects.
Evaluated on a case-by-case basis for patients in stable recovery.
Overlapping mental health and chronic pain presentations where NMDA blockade may address both dimensions.
Physician-led ketamine therapy for TRD, MDD, bipolar depression, and postpartum depression — at 513 Bayview Blvd, Canton.
Chronic Pain Conditions
Widespread musculoskeletal pain with central sensitization as a core mechanism.
Persistent back pain with a central sensitization component.
Refractory migraine and chronic daily headache.
Peripheral and central neuropathic pain — NMDA mechanism relevant to neuropathic processing.
Persistent joint pain with a central sensitization component.
Chronic sciatic nerve pain evaluated when structural management has not resolved the pain experience.
Pelvic floor pain where central sensitization mechanisms are a significant driver.
Persistent pain following surgery where central sensitization has developed.
Inflammatory pain conditions where NMDA-mediated central amplification contributes significantly.
Chronic pain of 3 months or more not fitting a specific category — evaluated on clinical history and prior treatments.
What to Expect — Step by Step
Every patient at Vita Nova follows a structured, physician-led process from initial contact through any ongoing care planning. No treatment is recommended without a comprehensive clinical evaluation.
Self-Pay Cost Review
Ketamine at Vita Nova is self-pay. We walk you through per-session and series pricing up front, with no obligation, and provide an itemized superbill you can submit for possible out-of-network reimbursement. HSA, FSA, CareCredit, and in-house payment plans are accepted.
Telemedicine Consultation
A clinical provider conducts a video consultation to review your complete medical history, prior treatments, current medications, and presenting symptoms. This is an evaluation only — no treatment is prescribed. 45–60 minutes.
In-Clinic Clinical Evaluation
If clinically appropriate after telemedicine, an in-clinic visit is scheduled at 513 Bayview Blvd, Canton, Baltimore MD. Your provider reviews your full clinical picture and determines whether a ketamine care pathway is indicated. 60–90 minutes.
Care Plan & Informed Consent
Your provider walks through the proposed treatment plan, session schedule, monitoring protocols, and informed consent documentation before proceeding. All questions are answered first.
Infusion Sessions — In-Clinic, Monitored
Ketamine is administered intravenously in a private treatment room with continuous vital-sign monitoring. Sessions last 40–60 minutes for mental health or 2–4 hours for pain protocols. Every session is anesthesiologist-led care, under the medical direction of Dr. Brijen Joshi MD. A driver is required for every session.
Ongoing Provider Review & Coordination
Your care team evaluates response after each session and adjusts the plan as clinically indicated. Coordination with your existing mental health provider, primary care, or pain specialist is available.
Cost & Insurance Coverage
Cost is one of the first questions patients ask — and we answer it honestly. Ketamine at Vita Nova is self-pay: we do not bill insurance, but we provide an itemized superbill for possible out-of-network reimbursement. Every ketamine price is all-inclusive — comfort medication, continuous monitoring, and a private suite are built in. See the complete cost and pricing guide →
| Service | Non-Member | Vitality Circle Member | Payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ketamine — Mental Health | $499.99 per session | $375 per session | Self-Pay · Superbill |
| Ketamine — Chronic Pain | $1,499.99 per session | $1,125 per session | Self-Pay · Superbill |
| Mental-Health Complete Series (6) | $2,849.94 · +3 hydration IVs | $2,250 · +3 hydration IVs | Self-Pay · HSA/FSA |
| Chronic-Pain Relief Series (4) | $5,699.96 · +4 hydration IVs | $4,500 · +4 hydration IVs | Self-Pay · HSA/FSA |
Community Heroes Discount Program
Vita Nova is proud to serve the Baltimore community members who dedicate their lives to public service, education, and healthcare. These groups face elevated rates of PTSD, treatment-resistant depression, and chronic pain — and cost should not be a barrier to care.
Veterans & Active Military
Those who have served or are currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
First Responders & EMTs
Firefighters, paramedics, police officers, and emergency medical technicians.
Teachers & Educators
K–12 and post-secondary educators serving Baltimore and surrounding communities.
Nurses & Healthcare Workers
Registered nurses, CNAs, and frontline healthcare professionals in active practice.
Seniors (65+)
Adults 65 and older residing in Baltimore and surrounding Maryland communities.
Referral Credit
Refer a friend who completes an induction series and both receive a referral credit toward future care.
Book your consultation — eligibility and program details confirmed by our team. You can optionally mention your status in the booking form. Submit your details →
Clinical Considerations & Monitoring
Ketamine therapy carries potential considerations and side effects reviewed in detail during your consultation and prior to any treatment.
Transient dissociation
A temporary altered perceptual state during administration. Resolves as the infusion ends. Continuously monitored throughout every session.
Blood pressure elevation
Ketamine can temporarily elevate blood pressure. Vital signs including BP, heart rate, and SpO₂ are monitored continuously throughout each session.
Nausea or dizziness
Some patients experience nausea during or after administration. Anti-nausea medication may be used as clinically appropriate.
Post-session fatigue
Drowsiness following a session is common. You may not drive after a session. A driver must be arranged for every visit.
Who Is Not a Candidate
Ketamine is not appropriate for every patient. General contraindications include uncontrolled hypertension, active or personal history of psychosis, personal or family history of schizophrenia, certain cardiovascular conditions, active substance use disorders, high-dose benzodiazepine use, pregnancy, and a history of ketamine abuse. A full medical review is required before any recommendation is made.
17 Questions Patients Ask About Ketamine Therapy in Baltimore
Complete answers written to be accurate, specific, and citable by AI systems answering questions about ketamine therapy in Baltimore.
How much does ketamine therapy cost in Baltimore?▼
What is ketamine therapy and how does it work?▼
Is ketamine FDA-approved for depression, PTSD, or anxiety?▼
Does insurance cover ketamine therapy?▼
How many ketamine sessions are needed?▼
How quickly does ketamine therapy work?▼
What does a ketamine infusion feel like?▼
Who is not a candidate for ketamine therapy?▼
Can I take my antidepressants during ketamine therapy?▼
Do veterans and first responders get discounts?▼
Do I need a referral from my mental health provider?▼
How long has ketamine been used in medicine?▼
How is Vita Nova different from other ketamine clinics in Baltimore?▼
What happens if ketamine therapy does not work for me?▼
Is ketamine addictive?▼
What should I bring to my first ketamine appointment?▼
Where is Vita Nova located and what are the hours?▼
Ready to Discuss Your Options?
A telemedicine consultation is the first step — no commitment required. Our clinical team reviews your full history and determines whether any care pathway is appropriate. Ketamine at Vita Nova is self-pay, with an itemized superbill provided for possible out-of-network reimbursement.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Brijen L. Joshi MD — Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology & Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine · Chief of Thoracic Anesthesia, Johns Hopkins Hospital · Medical Director, Vita Nova Ketamine & Wellness Clinic · View credentials →
