IV ketamine often has a clearer self-pay sticker price. Spravato can have a lower patient cost when insurance approves it, but the bill is more plan-dependent.
| IV ketamine | Spravato | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical payment model | Often self-pay for psychiatric use; some providers discuss possible out-of-network reimbursement. | Can be covered through insurance when plan criteria are met. |
| Published NYC examples | Current Ketamine Compass research includes provider examples around $500 to $550 per infusion. | No single cash price is reliable across NYC because medication, office/observation charges, benefit design, and prior authorization vary. |
| Initial phase | Providers often use a multi-infusion induction or foundational series. | FDA labeling for treatment-resistant depression uses twice-weekly dosing during weeks 1 to 4, followed by less frequent dosing. |
| Insurance leverage | Often limited for off-label psychiatric IV ketamine. | Potentially substantial if approved by the plan. |
A self-pay IV series can be easy to calculate from a clinic's published price. Spravato may be harder to estimate before benefits are checked, but some covered patients can owe much less than the full treatment cost. Manufacturer support may also be available to eligible commercially insured patients.
Sources: SPRAVATO withMe cost support · FDA Spravato prescribing information
The better comparison is the total expected cost over the initial treatment phase, plus likely maintenance. Ask each provider for a written estimate that includes intake, treatment sessions, monitoring, therapy/integration, and recurring costs.
There is no universal answer. IV ketamine often has a direct self-pay price, while approved Spravato can be less expensive to the patient when insurance covers it.
The final patient cost can combine medication, monitored visit charges, deductible, copay or coinsurance, and prior authorization.
Not by itself. Compare the estimated cost of the initial course and expected maintenance.
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