Interviewer: I've heard that ketamine has a history of illicit drug use. Is it safe and how will you monitor my reaction during the infusion?

Dr. Colvin: With my many years of experience I have a thorough understanding of how to provide for a safe and comfortable experience with my patients. We want to make sure that you understand how ketamine works, what to expect in the infusion session, and how to judge the benefit over time. Our infusions are conducted in a comfortable and relaxing envrironment with close supervision at all times from our staff.

Interviewer: Why do you have patients complete a psychological evauation before the procedures?

Dr. Colvin: While other clinics will offer services with minimal psychological evaluation and care our clinic is committed to careful screening in order to gain a complete understanding of the person seeking treatment and what the target goals of care are. This is not just a one-time contact but the start of on-going contact with our team psychologist Dr. Carr and his support staff that will extend throughout the treatment and post-procedure care coordination with your other providers.

Interviewer: Why doesn't insurance pay for these procedures:

Dr. Colvin: There is a great deal of challenge in the healthcare market place with insurance carriers and provision of care. While slow to adopt to new technologies I hope that this can be resolved and the procedures covered in the next several years. It takes time for carriers to recognize how to embrace new technologies no matter how impression their effects may be.

Interviewer: What can I expect with the infusion treatment? How long will the benefits last?

Dr. Colvin: We've set up a comfortable series of rooms in my office, equipped with anti-gravity chairs, low lighting, and ambient music to provide for a relaxing experience. We encourage clients to dress comfortably in loose fitting clothing. Staff is present at all times monitoring vital signs and taking notes documenting the process.

You are then seated in the anti-gravity chair and tiled back to a comfortable position. The IV is started and a saline drip is initiated followed by the introduction of the Ketamine solution. This will infuse for about 50 minutes. During that time you may experience a pleasant light-headedness and relazation moving through your body. Vision and sounds may be brightened and enhanced. Many patients report a sense of peace and calmness.

At the end of the infusion you will be re-oriented and monitored until you return to your usual baseline of functioning. A brief post-procedure interview will be conducted so that we can document treatment progress. We ask that someone drive after the appointment to ensure your safe return home.

The treatment protocol calls for you to have three treatments the first week, followed by two the second week, and ending up with one the third week. Follow up maintenance procedures may vary from every two weeks to every 3-4 months depending on your own individual needs.

Interviewer: Is this an important advancement or just the latest hype?

Dr. Colvin: Whenever new treatments are reported it is essential that we review and consider unbiased studies that are scientifically based. The data surrounding the use of these infusions for depression, PTSD and chronic pain are standing up to review. I'm pleased that we can offer such cutting edge services here in West Texas and I look forward to talking with people interested in what we can do for them.