Are you tired of trying different meds and psychotherapies only to see that your depression symptoms keep coming back? If you struggle with treatment-resistant depression, hard-to-treat anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder, ketamine therapy might offer a solution when traditional treatment options don’t work.
What Is Ketamine Therapy?
Ketamine therapy uses small doses of ketamine, a type of psychedelic drug called a dissociative drug, that has been used as an anesthetic for more than 50 years. In recent years, clinicians have used it to treat mood disorders, trauma, depression, and chronic pain because of its minimal impact on essential bodily functions. Ketamine therapy today offers new hope for patients with suicidal thoughts and treatment-resistant depression (TRD), a type of severe depression that does not get better with other treatments.
Some people still experience depression despite taking antidepressants and undergoing talk therapy. Research suggests that depression may stem from connectivity issues between nerve cells in mood-regulating areas of the brain. Chronic depression may be linked to a reduced number of synapses, which enable communication between nerve cells. Controlled doses of ketamine, such as those used in Bespoke Treatment’s California clinics, can help relieve depression quickly. This includes ketamine infusions and Spravato, an FDA-approved nasal spray.
These treatments work by restoring balance to brain chemicals, such as glutamate. By targeting glutamate, a neurotransmitter that boosts brain plasticity, mood, and cognitive flexibility, ketamine helps the brain form healthier connections. This, in turn, reduces negative thoughts and improves mood. Many patients feel relief after the first session.
Who Qualifies for Ketamine Therapy?
Ketamine therapy is a safe and well-tolerated treatment when a mental health professional prescribes it and supervises it in a therapeutic setting. You may be eligible for ketamine therapy if you:
· are 18 years of age or older
· have treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, PTSD, or chronic pain conditions
· have tried different medications with no relief from your symptoms
· have not responded to other therapies.
What Is Medicaid (Medi-Cal) in California?
Medicaid is a federal health insurance program that provides either free or low-cost medical services to eligible individuals and families.
Medicaid vs. Medi-Cal: What’s the Difference?
In California, Medicaid is called Medi-Cal. It’s the same public insurance program, but each state runs its version of the federal Medicaid program with different names and rules. In California, it’s administered by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS).
You may be eligible for Medi-Cal if you:
· Are a low-income adult (aged 19-64)
· Are a child or a teenager up to the age of 19
· Are over the age of 65
· Live with a disability, medical
· Are pregnant
· Are enrolled in foster care or formerly in foster care
· Have a mental health condition deemed medically necessary to treat or manage your illness
Does Medicaid Cover Ketamine Therapy in California?
Medicaid covers esketamine nasal spray (Spravato), which is approved by the FDA for treatment-resistant depression and depressive episodes with suicidal thoughts. You’ll have to meet certain criteria, though. These include:
· Having a diagnosis of treatment-resistant depression
· Having failed at least two prior antidepressants.
· Receiving treatment at a REMS-certified clinic
Coverage requires prior authorization, and not all clinics that offer Spravato accept Medi-Cal.
Coverage Limitations & Barriers Ketamine Treatment Options in Los Angeles
If you’re considering ketamine treatment in Los Angeles, it’s important to know that traditional ketamine infusions (the kind given through an IV or injection) usually aren’t covered because they’re considered “off-label” for mental health treatment. Then, it can be hard to find a certified clinic in LA that both offers Spravato and accepts Medi-Cal.
Alternative Payment and Support Options
If you need payment flexibility, at Bespoke Treatment in LA and Santa Monica, we offer Spravato under the manufacturer’s “Spravato withMe” copay program, which caps your drug cost at no more than $10 per treatment—even though the medication itself can cost thousands per year. We also accept most major commercial and Medicare plans and provide payment plans to make treatment more accessible for everyone.
How to Check Your Medicaid Coverage
To verify your eligibility, you can call or visit your local Medi-Cal office or call Medi-Cal’s helpline at 800-541-5555. The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) lists all county Medi-Cal agencies on its website, along with their addresses, phone numbers, and links. Visit www.dhcs.ca.gov for more information.
Contact Us to Learn More About Your Options
Have questions or want to know if ketamine treatment is right for you? Our Bespoke Therapy team is here to help. Contact us to learn more about your options, insurance coverage, and next steps.
