Mental health care is evolving, and for many individuals in Encino, Agoura Hills, and Sherman Oaks, ketamine therapy has emerged as a powerful option when traditional treatments fall short. At PointHealth Clinic (PointKetamine), ketamine therapy is delivered in a medical setting with psychiatric oversight, offering a modern approach to treating complex mood disorders.
This guide explains what ketamine therapy is, who it’s for, and why PointHealth Clinic is a trusted provider in the San Fernando Valley and Conejo Valley areas. The clinic is committed to providing easy access to advanced mental health care for residents of Encino, Agoura Hills, Sherman Oaks, and surrounding areas.
What Is Ketamine Therapy?
Ketamine therapy is a medically supervised treatment that uses low-dose ketamine to support brain pathways involved in mood, cognition, and emotional regulation. Ketamine blocks NMDA receptors in the brain, counteracting glutamate overactivity, which is linked to mood regulation and pain transmission. Unlike conventional antidepressants, ketamine works on the glutamate system by acting on the brain’s NMDA receptors, promoting neuroplasticity and the formation of new synaptic connections. Ketamine also stimulates the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), enhancing neuroplasticity and improving mood and thought patterns. Studies suggest that ketamine works by modulating glutamate, a neurotransmitter involved in brain plasticity, and resetting dysfunctional neural pathways. Compared to traditional antidepressants, which may take weeks to show results, ketamine therapy offers a rapid and effective alternative for many patients, especially those with treatment-resistant conditions.
Many patients seek ketamine therapy because:
Traditional medications have not worked
Symptoms persist despite therapy
Faster symptom relief is needed under medical care
At PointHealth Clinic, ketamine therapy is administered with clinical protocols designed for safety, effectiveness, and long-term benefit.
Why Ketamine Therapy Is Gaining Attention in Encino and Agoura Hills
Residents of Encino and Agoura Hills often look for advanced mental health options that combine medical expertise with compassionate care. Ketamine therapy has gained attention because it may help address:
Treatment-resistant depression
Anxiety disorders
PTSD and trauma-related symptoms
Mood disorders requiring specialized care
Most patients experience significant improvement and rapid reduction in symptoms, including pain relief, often within the first few sessions. Ketamine therapy is associated with best outcomes for treatment-resistant cases, providing rapid relief and reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and chronic pain. Ketamine has also been shown to rapidly decrease suicidal thoughts, sometimes within hours. Significant improvement in depression and anxiety symptoms is often reported after just one to three ketamine sessions.
Many patients report noticeable changes within the early stages of treatment, though individual results vary based on diagnosis and care plan.
How Ketamine Therapy Works at PointHealth Clinic
At PointKetamine, ketamine therapy is never a one-size-fits-all approach. Each patient begins with an initial evaluation and a comprehensive medical evaluation, which includes a thorough review of current medications to ensure safety and suitability for ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP). Our clinic’s staff includes board-certified physicians with specific training in administering ketamine.
The process typically includes:
A detailed consultation and medical screening conducted by our medical team, including the Journey Clinical medical team if applicable
Development of a unique treatment plan tailored to each patient’s needs and progress
Medically supervised ketamine sessions
Ongoing follow-up care where our medical team monitors outcomes to track progress, adjust treatment plans, and ensure effectiveness
If collaborating with Journey Clinical, their team supports the medical aspect of KAP, including prescriptions, medication management, and integration sessions.
This structured approach ensures that ketamine therapy is used responsibly and effectively.
Assisted Psychotherapy Options
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) represents a breakthrough in mental health treatment, especially for individuals facing treatment-resistant depression, anxiety disorders, and other persistent mental health conditions. This innovative treatment combines the powerful effects of ketamine with guided psychotherapy, creating a unique therapeutic environment that supports deep emotional healing and transformation.
During KAP sessions, ketamine works to enhance neuroplasticity by increasing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which helps the brain form new neural pathways and break free from rigid, maladaptive thought patterns. This process can “reset” the brain, making it more receptive to positive change and emotional growth. Assisted psychotherapy with ketamine is tailored to each patient’s needs, allowing for a highly personalized approach that addresses the root causes of emotional pain and trauma.
For many patients who have not found relief with other treatments, KAP offers a new path forward. By integrating ketamine with psychotherapy, individuals can access deeper levels of insight and healing, often experiencing lasting improvements in mood, resilience, and overall well-being. At PointHealth Clinic, KAP sessions are designed to support your journey toward recovery, providing hope and effective alternatives for those struggling with complex mental health challenges.
IV Infusion and KAP Sessions
IV infusion and KAP sessions are essential components of ketamine therapy at PointHealth Clinic, offering rapid and sustained relief for a range of mental health conditions, including major depressive disorder, chronic pain syndromes, and anxiety disorders. Each session is carefully structured to maximize comfort and therapeutic benefit, with a typical ketamine dosing session lasting about two to three hours.
During these sessions, patients self-administer ketamine lozenges while relaxing in a supportive environment, often with an eye mask and soothing music to enhance the experience. A therapist is present throughout the session, providing guidance and support to help patients navigate the therapeutic effects of ketamine. This approach allows for a safe and meaningful exploration of thoughts and emotions, promoting healing and mental clarity.
Preparation is key to successful outcomes, so regular therapy sessions prior to dosing help patients set intentions and align with the process. Dosing and integration sessions are scheduled to ensure that each patient receives the right support at every stage, with personalized treatment plans developed based on individual medical history and therapeutic goals. Integration sessions following dosing help patients process their experiences and reinforce positive changes, leading to lasting relief from symptoms and improved quality of life.
Ketamine Therapy With Psychiatric Oversight
One of the most important aspects of ketamine therapy is medical supervision. After the first sentence, it is essential to note that a clinic environment designed to promote relaxation, calmness, and privacy can significantly enhance the therapeutic experience for patients. At PointHealth Clinic, ketamine services are provided with psychiatric involvement, helping ensure proper diagnosis, dosing, and follow-up care.
IV ketamine infusion therapy is typically conducted in a supervised medical environment to ensure patient safety. Available forms of ketamine administration include IV ketamine infusion therapy, oral ketamine (lozenges), and FDA-approved nasal spray (such as Spravato). The nasal spray is FDA approved for certain indications, such as treatment-resistant depression, and may be covered by insurance. All methods are administered under medical supervision for safety and effectiveness.
This level of oversight is especially important for patients managing complex mental health conditions, as it prioritizes both safety and outcomes.
Who Is a Candidate for Ketamine Therapy for Treatment Resistant Depression?
Ketamine therapy may be appropriate for adults who:
Have not responded to standard antidepressants
Experience persistent depressive symptoms
Are seeking alternative, evidence-informed mental health care
Want treatment overseen by medical professionals
Ketamine therapy may also be considered for individuals struggling with substance abuse or other mental health conditions, as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
A consultation at PointHealth Clinic helps determine whether ketamine therapy aligns with your mental health needs.
What to Expect from Treatment
When you begin ketamine therapy at PointHealth Clinic, you can expect a comprehensive, patient-centered approach designed to support your mental health journey from start to finish. The process starts with an initial consultation, where the medical team reviews your medical and psychiatric history to determine if ketamine therapy is appropriate for your needs. If you are a good candidate, a personalized ketamine prescription is created, and an outcome monitoring plan is established to track your progress.
During your first KAP session, you will learn how to self-administer ketamine lozenges and monitor your vital signs under the supervision of the medical team. Mild dissociation is a common and temporary side effect, typically resolving soon after the session ends. Many patients notice rapid improvements in their mental health conditions, with some experiencing lasting relief after just a few sessions.
Throughout your treatment, the medical team remains closely involved, adjusting your treatment plan as needed to ensure the best possible outcomes. Ketamine lozenge refills are prescribed as appropriate, and your progress is carefully monitored to maximize safety and effectiveness. With its long history of safe use and growing evidence for its benefits, ketamine therapy at PointHealth Clinic offers a promising alternative to traditional treatments, helping many patients find relief and renewed hope for their mental well-being.
Serving Encino and Agoura Hills With Accessible Care and Personalized Treatment Plans
PointHealth Clinic serves patients across Encino, Agoura Hills, and surrounding Los Angeles communities, making advanced ketamine therapy accessible without traveling far from home.
Ketamine therapy typically involves a series of six infusions administered over two to three weeks, depending on individual needs and treatment response. In Encino, ketamine therapy is available through clinics such as PointHealth, Elite Urgent Care, and Yofi Mind Health.
These locations allow patients to receive specialized mental health services in a professional, supportive environment close to where they live and work.
Why Choose PointHealth Clinic (PointKetamine)?
Patients choose PointHealth Clinic for ketamine therapy because of:
Medical and psychiatric oversight
Personalized treatment plans
Experience with complex mood disorders
Multiple Southern California locations
A patient-centered, evidence-based approach
We provide transparent cost information, with ketamine infusion therapy typically ranging from $400 to $800 per session, and encourage patients to request a detailed cost breakdown. Most traditional ketamine treatments are not covered by insurance, except for the FDA-approved nasal spray Spravato, which may be covered with prior authorization. As part of ongoing care and monitoring, our medical team can also prescribe ketamine lozenge refills to support your treatment plan.
The goal is not just symptom relief, but meaningful improvement in mental health and quality of life.
Schedule a Ketamine Therapy Consultation
If you’re exploring ketamine therapy in Encino or Agoura Hills, a consultation at PointHealth Clinic (PointKetamine) can help you understand whether this treatment is right for you. During your consultation, you’ll learn about preparation sessions and kap preparation, which are designed to ensure you are mentally and emotionally ready for treatment.
Speaking with a qualified medical provider is the first step toward informed, responsible mental health care. Our medical team will help you schedule your first kap dosing session and plan for your next dosing session as part of your personalized treatment plan.
