Awakenings Infusion Center of NC
If antidepressants haven't given you your life back, there is another way.
Ketamine infusions and Spravato are not a last resort. They are a different door entirely.
Ketamine and Spravato work differently than traditional antidepressants. And, for many patients, relief begins within hours of the first treatment, not weeks.
Learn more below...
Awakenings Infusion Center of NC
If antidepressants haven't given you your life back, there is another way.
Ketamine infusions and Spravato are not a last resort. They are a different door entirely.
Ketamine and Spravato work differently than traditional antidepressants. And, for many patients, relief begins within hours of the first treatment, not weeks.
Learn more below...
You've probably tried things that did not work.
Maybe several things.
If you have followed the processes, filled the prescriptions, waited the weeks you were told to wait, and still found yourself in the same place, Ketamine or Spravato might be a good fit for you.
This experience is more common than most people realize. The good is is you're NOT out of options.
Ketamine and Spravato work differently than traditional antidepressants. Not slightly differently. Fundamentally differently. They act on the glutamate system in the brain rather than the serotonin system, which is why they can reach people that standard medications simply cannot. And they work fast. For many patients, relief begins within hours of the first treatment, not weeks.
At Awakenings Infusion Center of NC, these treatments are administered right here in our clinic, with full monitoring throughout every session, and with your broader psychiatric care woven in from the very beginning.
The Treatments
Two treatments. One goal.
Ketamine Infusions
Intravenous ketamine therapy for depression and more
Ketamine has been studied in clinical settings since the early 2000s, when researchers first documented its rapid and significant impact on depressive symptoms. What sets it apart is both its mechanism and its speed. While a traditional antidepressant may take four to six weeks to produce any noticeable effect, ketamine can begin working within hours.
IV ketamine is administered directly into the bloodstream in a controlled clinical setting, allowing for precise dosing and close monitoring throughout the session. Each infusion typically lasts 45 to 60 minutes, followed by a short recovery period before you are cleared to go home. You will need a driver for your appointment.
Ketamine infusions are typically self-pay. Pricing is available upon request.
Contact us with any questions. Or, book an appointment below.
Spravato (Esketamine)
FDA-approved. Insurance-covered for qualifying patients.
Spravato is an FDA-approved nasal spray form of esketamine, a closely related compound to ketamine. It is specifically approved for treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder with suicidal ideation, and it is covered by most major insurance plans for patients who qualify.
Spravato is administered in our office under medical supervision and requires a two-hour monitored observation period per FDA guidelines. You will not be able to drive yourself home after treatment.
Our team will verify your insurance benefits prior to your first Spravato appointment so there are no surprises on the financial side.
Contact us with any questions. Or, book an appointment below.
Is This Right For You?
Who these treatments are designed for:
Ketamine and Spravato are not right for everyone, and we take the evaluation process seriously. These treatments tend to be the strongest fit for adults who meet the following criteria:
You have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder or treatment-resistant depression
You have tried two or more antidepressants without adequate relief
Your depression is significantly affecting your daily functioning, your relationships, or your ability to work
Your depression is significantly affecting your daily functioning, your relationships, or your ability to work
You may also be experiencing suicidal ideation, PTSD, or severe anxiety alongside depression
You are medically stable and able to complete a thorough psychiatric and medical evaluation
If you are not sure whether you qualify, the best first step is a conversation.
We will help you figure out whether this is the right path.
Contact us or book an appointment below.
What To Expect
What the process looks like, step by step
Step 1:
Evaluation and Medical Clearance
Before any treatment begins, we conduct a comprehensive psychiatric and medical evaluation to determine whether Ketamine or Spravato is appropriate for you.
This includes a review of your full medical and mental health history, your current medications, and any labs or coordination with your primary care provider that may be needed.
This step exists to protect you and to make sure that if we move forward, we do so with confidence.
Step 2:
Your Treatment Series
For ketamine infusions, the standard initial protocol is a series of six infusions administered over two to three weeks.
For Spravato, the FDA protocol begins with twice-weekly treatments for four weeks, then weekly, then biweekly as you progress.
Many patients find that music enhances their experience during treatment. There are curated ketamine therapy playlists available online and you are welcome to explore those and bring what feels right for you.
Step 3:
Monitoring Throughout
Every treatment session is administered in our clinic with monitoring throughout.
You will not be left alone.
Before you leave, a member of our care team will check in with you to make sure you are feeling stable and ready to go.
Please plan to have a driver with you for every appointment.
Step 4:
Follow-Up and Maintenance
After your initial treatment series, many patients transition to maintenance treatments on a monthly basis or as needed.
This ongoing care is coordinated alongside your broader psychiatric treatment plan, including medication management and any outside therapy you may be engaged in.
The goal is not just a short window of relief. It is lasting improvement.
What To Expect
What the process looks like, step by step
Step 1: Evaluation and Medical Clearance
Before any treatment begins, we conduct a comprehensive psychiatric and medical evaluation to determine whether Ketamine or Spravato is appropriate for you.
This includes a review of your full medical and mental health history, your current medications, and any labs or coordination with your primary care provider that may be needed.
This step exists to protect you and to make sure that if we move forward, we do so with confidence.
Step 2: Your Treatment Series
For ketamine infusions, the standard initial protocol is a series of six infusions administered over two to three weeks.
For Spravato, the FDA protocol begins with twice-weekly treatments for four weeks, then weekly, then biweekly as you progress.
Many patients find that music enhances their experience during treatment. There are curated ketamine therapy playlists available online and you are welcome to explore those and bring what feels right for you.
Step 3: Monitoring Throughout
Every treatment session is administered in our clinic with monitoring throughout. You will not be left alone.
Before you leave, a member of our care team will check in with you to make sure you are feeling stable and ready to go.
Please plan to have a driver with you for every appointment.
Step 4: Follow-Up and Maintenance
After your initial treatment series, many patients transition to maintenance treatments on a monthly basis or as needed.
This ongoing care is coordinated alongside your broader psychiatric treatment plan, including medication management and any outside therapy you may be engaged in.
The goal is not just a short window of relief. It is lasting improvement.
Why Awakenings Infusion Center?
Integrated care, not an isolated procedure
A lot of ketamine clinics treat infusions as a standalone service. You come in, you receive the treatment, and you leave without any real connection to ongoing psychiatric care.
We do things differently.
Because Awakenings Infusion Center is part of Restoring Balance Psychiatry and Wellness, your infusion treatment is integrated with your full psychiatric care plan from day one. Your response to treatment informs your broader plan. Your broader plan informs your treatment. Nothing exists in a silo.
We also prioritize your long-term wellbeing over the volume of treatments. If Ketamine or Spravato is working for you, we will tell you. If something needs to change, we will tell you that too. Honestly and directly.
These treatments are administered right here in our clinic, with full monitoring throughout every session, and with your broader psychiatric care woven in from the very beginning.
Common Questions About Ketamine & Spravato
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ketamine safe?
Yes, when administered in a clinical setting with proper screening and monitoring. Ketamine has been used safely in medical settings for decades. The doses used in psychiatric treatment are much lower than anesthetic doses, and every session at our clinic includes vital sign monitoring and direct clinical oversight throughout.
Will I feel high or out of control?
Ketamine can produce a dissociative experience during the infusion, meaning you may feel a sense of detachment from your surroundings. This is temporary, it is part of how the treatment works, and it takes place in a safe, monitored environment with our team present. Most patients describe the experience as manageable and some find it quite peaceful. We will prepare you for what to expect before your first session.
How many treatments will I need?
The standard initial series is six ketamine infusions over two to three weeks. Spravato follows its own FDA-approved protocol. After the initial series, some patients achieve sustained remission. Others benefit from periodic maintenance treatments. Your response will guide that conversation.
Is Spravato covered by insurance?
Spravato is covered by most major insurance plans for patients who meet qualifying criteria, including a diagnosis of treatment-resistant depression or major depressive disorder with suicidal ideation. Our team will verify your benefits before treatment begins so you know exactly where you stand.
What if I am already seeing a therapist or another provider?
That is great. We actively coordinate with outside therapists and providers because we believe integrated care produces better outcomes. You do not have to choose between us and someone else you trust.
Ready To Get Started?
You have waited long enough to feel better.
Getting started is simple. You can schedule a consultation directly through our online patient portal below, or your current psychiatry or primary care provider can fax a referral to 919-238-1146.
Once we receive your information, we will reach out to walk you through the next steps, answer your questions, and make sure you feel informed and comfortable before anything else happens.