FAQ
Common Questions About Veda House & Services
General Psychiatry FAQ
Appointments & Access
How do I schedule an appointment?
You can schedule by phone, email, or via the messaging feature on the patient portal once your account is established. Our team will help find a time that works for you.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Bring a list of current medications, past medical or psychiatric records, a copy of your insurance card, and any questions or concerns you’d like to discuss.
How long are appointments?
Most initial evaluations are 60 minutes, with some exceptions. Follow-up appointments are typically 20 minutes but can be extended to 40–60 minutes based on your needs.
Can I see the same provider for every visit?
Yes. Continuity of care is prioritized whenever possible.
Treatment & Therapy
How do I know if I need medication, therapy or both?
Your provider will perform a comprehensive evaluation and recommend a personalized treatment plan based on your goals and needs.
How long does treatment last?
Treatment is individualized. Some patients need short-term support, while others benefit from ongoing management.
Do you offer telehealth appointments?
Telepsychiatry is available for medication management sessions; however, in-person visits are required for the initial evaluation and at least twice per year (subject to change). This is due to regulations for certain prescribed medications and is also determined by the provider’s discretion to ensure safety and compliance.
Insurance & Payment
Do you accept insurance?
We currently accept commercial CDPHP and MVP. We are in the process of paneling with Highmark, Cigna, Aetna, and Anthem, expected by Spring 2026. Acceptance of other insurance plans varies, so please contact us to confirm your coverage.
What forms of payment are accepted?
We accept credit/debit cards, cash, checks, and HSA/FSA accounts.
Can I submit claims to insurance for out-of-network reimbursement?
Payment is required in full at the time of service. Afterwards, we will give you superbills or statements of services that you can use to seek possible out-of-network reimbursement.
Do you offer discounts for fee-for-service/cash clients?
Yes. We offer a cash-pay discount for clients who are paying out-of-pocket on the day of service and are not submitting a superbill for out-of-network insurance reimbursement. If payment is not made at the time of service, a surcharge will be applied to cover billing processing through our third-party contractor.
Privacy & Confidentiality
Is my treatment confidential?
Yes. All patient information is protected under HIPAA and other privacy laws.
Can my family or employer get updates on my treatment?
Only with your written consent.
Safety
What should I do if I have a mental health emergency?
Call 911, go to the nearest emergency room, or contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Please refer to our resources page for additional information.
Ketamine Treatment FAQ
Treatment Basics
What is ketamine-assisted psychotherapy?
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy combines the use of ketamine with guided therapy to help reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health conditions. Ketamine acts as a catalyst to enhance therapy, not as the treatment itself.
What is ketamine, and how does it work for depression or mental health?
Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic and an FDA Schedule III medication. Research has shown that ketamine can be highly effective for depression, even in individuals who have not responded to other treatments. Its effects can be rapid, with some individuals noticing improvements within hours. Ketamine may also:
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- Reduce anxiety
- Improve sleep, appetite, and energy patterns
- Benefit PTSD and other anxiety-related conditions
- Help with obsessive thinking or rumination
How does ketamine work for depression and mental health?
Ketamine works on the brain’s glutamate system, helping it form new connections and break rigid thought patterns. This can lead to rapid improvements in mood, anxiety, sleep, and energy.
Do I need a mental health diagnosis to receive treatment?
Yes. A documented mental health diagnosis is required, and records from your current or previous providers will be requested. Ketamine is not provided for recreational purposes.
How is ketamine different from traditional antidepressants?
Unlike most antidepressants, ketamine can work rapidly, sometimes within hours, and can help individuals who haven’t responded to other treatments.
Who can benefit from ketamine?
This approach is ideal for individuals seeking:
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- Relief from treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, or trauma
- Greater clarity and self-understanding
- Tools to overcome patterns that have held them back
- Accelerated progress toward personal growth and life goals
Process & Appointments
What are the steps from time of inquiry to receiving treatment?
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- Call or email us to begin the screening process.
- Documentation review and a full psychiatric and medical evaluation.
- If medically cleared, an intake with an integration therapist to set goals and prepare for treatment.
- Personalized treatment plan developed, including session number and frequency.
How long does each session last?
Each session typically lasts 60–90 minutes for the effects of the medication, but patients are required to remain on-site for at least 2 hours for monitoring and post-session observation to ensure safety.
What is integration therapy?
Integration therapy helps you process insights from your ketamine session and apply them to daily life. It is a key part of achieving lasting benefits.
Safety & Side Effects
What are the side effects of ketamine?
Possible side effects include:
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- Dream-like or dissociative experiences
- Double vision or uncontrolled eye movements
- Flushing or unusually warm skin
- Nausea or loss of appetite
- Pain at the injection site
- Rarely, vomiting
Most side effects are mild and temporary, and all sessions are supervised by medical professionals.
Are there any risks or long-term effects?
Ketamine is generally safe when administered under medical supervision. Serious side effects are rare, and patients are carefully screened for medical and psychiatric stability.
Who cannot receive ketamine treatment?
Ketamine may not be appropriate for individuals with certain heart, liver, or psychiatric conditions. Your provider will review your history to ensure safety.
Administration & Logistics
How is ketamine administered?
Administration is tailored to individual needs and may include troche (oral dissolvable) or intramuscular injection.
Do I need someone to accompany me?
While not required, it is strongly recommended to have a responsible adult available for support following your session. For safety, patients are not permitted to drive to or from treatment.
Can I drive after a session?
No. Patients should not drive or operate machinery until the following day. You may resume these activities after a full night’s sleep.
What should I do to prepare for a session?
Follow any guidance provided by your therapist or medical provider, which may include fasting or avoiding certain medications.
Cost & Insurance
How much does ketamine treatment cost?
Costs vary based on your individual needs, number of sessions, and treatment plan. Please call us to discuss current pricing and available options.
Does insurance cover ketamine treatment?
Currently, we do not accept insurance. We provide statements of services for you to submit for possible reimbursement. HSA and FSA accounts are accepted.
Outcomes & Expectations
How soon will I notice results?
Some individuals experience improvements within hours, though therapy and integration are essential for lasting change. Evidence indicates that the majority of individuals begin to experience benefits between the second and fourth treatment sessions.
How long do the effects last?
The duration varies. Benefits may be immediate but are strengthened through continued therapy and follow-up sessions.
Can ketamine cure depression or anxiety?
Ketamine is not a cure. It is a therapeutic tool that enhances therapy, helping you address underlying issues and develop skills for long-term improvement.
Myths & Misconceptions
Is ketamine addictive?
When used in a medically supervised therapeutic setting, ketamine has a low risk of addiction.
Is ketamine the same as “Special K”?
No. Recreational use of ketamine is very different from medically supervised therapy. At Veda House, it is used safely and purposefully as part of a treatment plan.
Will I lose control or consciousness during treatment?
No. Ketamine may induce a dream-like or dissociative state, but you remain aware and guided by your support team.
Spravato (Esketamine) FAQ
What is Spravato?
Spravato is a prescription nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression, used alongside ongoing mental health care. It is part of a REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy) program, which ensures it is administered safely under medical supervision.
How does it work?
Targets the brain’s glutamate system to promote new neural connections and break rigid thought patterns.
Who can receive Spravato?
Adults with treatment-resistant depression who have not responded to at least two prior antidepressants. Currently individual insurance companies have their own criteria for approval.
How is it administered?
Self-administered as a nasal spray under medical supervision at our clinic.
How long is a session?
Sessions typically last 2 hours, including monitoring and post-treatment observation.
Do I need someone with me?
Recommended to have support after treatment. Driving to/from sessions is not allowed.
What are the side effects?
May include: dissociation, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, headache, or increased blood pressure. Side effects are usually temporary.
Can Spravato be addictive?
Low risk of addiction when used in a supervised clinical setting.
How often are sessions?
Spravato is delivered on a rigid schedule:
Induction Phase: Twice weekly for the first 4 weeks.
Maintenance Phase: Frequency is reduced to once weekly for the next 4 weeks, after which maintenance dosing is individualized and varies based on clinical response.
How quickly does it work?
Some patients notice improvement within hours or days, though ongoing care supports lasting benefits.
Does insurance cover it?
Coverage varies by plan. Receipts/statements can be provided; HSA/FSA payments are accepted.
