Trusted Knowledge. Empowered Healing.

Research shows that a series of 6–8 infusions over 3–4 weeks provides the best results, followed by maintenance treatments as needed. We’ll tailor your plan based on your goals and progress.

Yes. Integration is essential for turning the insights from ketamine into real-life changes. We offer virtual integration sessions and a group integration space for post-infusion reflection.

We’ve intentionally set our rates lower than many clinics to make care more accessible. Prices are based on 90-minute treatment sessions. If you’d like extra time to rest afterward, you can stay in our group integration space at no extra cost.

Most insurance plans don’t cover ketamine for mental health at this time, but we can provide superbills for possible out-of-network reimbursement.

No—you can self-refer. You’ll complete an intake and medical screening before starting.

We recommend a light meal 2–3 hours beforehand and avoiding heavy foods right before your appointment.

No. You’ll need a ride home from each session.

Come with an open mind and a sense of curiosity. Setting an intention for your session can help guide your experience.

People with uncontrolled high blood pressure, certain heart conditions, active psychosis, or a history of ketamine abuse may not be eligible. We’ll review your medical history carefully during your intake.

When used in a clinical setting and at therapeutic doses, ketamine is not considered addictive.

Not necessarily. Some people can reduce or discontinue medications with their provider’s guidance, while others use ketamine alongside ongoing treatment.

Velara was created to transform how we heal and humanize mental health care. We combine evidence-based medicine, nervous system support, and soul-level care in a calm, supportive environment. Unlike many clinics that medicate and move on, we stay with you—from intake to integration—honoring the whole person, not just their symptoms.

We’re in a peaceful coastal setting in San Diego County, designed to make you feel safe, supported, and cared for from the moment you walk in.

Your care will be led by Meghan McCann, PMHNP, who has facilitated over 1,000 ketamine journeys and is trained in integrative psychiatry, trauma-informed care, and nervous system regulation.

No. In addition to ketamine-assisted therapy, we provide integrative psychiatric care, thoughtful medication management, psychotherapy referrals, and nervous system–focused wellness strategies.

KAP combines the use of ketamine—a medication known for its rapid antidepressant effects—with guided psychotherapy. The ketamine sessions help facilitate emotional openness and new perspectives, while therapy provides tools to integrate these insights into lasting healing.

CBT helps identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors by exploring the link between thoughts, feelings, and actions. Through structured sessions and practical exercises, CBT equips you with coping strategies to improve mental health and well-being.

KAP is often used for treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, PTSD, and certain trauma-related disorders. It can also support healing from grief, chronic pain, and some substance use challenges under professional guidance.

The number of KAP sessions varies based on individual needs and treatment goals. Typically, an initial series of 4–6 sessions is recommended, with ongoing therapy to support integration and lasting change.

Yes. CBT is one of the most researched and effective therapies for anxiety and depression. It helps break negative thought cycles and encourages positive behavioral changes.

Absolutely. At Velara Wellness, we integrate CBT and KAP to provide a comprehensive approach. The insights gained during ketamine sessions can be deepened and maintained through CBT, offering both rapid relief and sustainable progress.

During a KAP session, you’ll receive a controlled dose of ketamine in a safe, supportive environment, guided by your therapist. Sessions include preparation, the ketamine experience, and post-session integration to process insights and emotions.

Common short-term effects include mild dissociation, dizziness, or nausea, which typically resolve shortly after the session. Your medical team will monitor you closely to ensure safety throughout the process.

CBT sessions usually last between 45 to 60 minutes and are typically scheduled weekly or biweekly depending on your treatment plan.

No referral is necessary. You can schedule a consultation directly to discuss your needs and determine the best treatment approach for you.

Progress is tracked through goal setting, self-report measures, and regular reviews with your therapist to adjust techniques and focus as needed.

KAP is generally safe when conducted under professional supervision, but it may not be appropriate for individuals with certain medical or psychiatric conditions. A thorough assessment is done before starting treatment.

It rapidly increases glutamate and BDNF, creating a window of neuroplasticity that typical antidepressants can take weeks to open. Most clients feel a mood lift within a few hours up to 24 hours.

IV and IM ketamine treatments use racemic ketamine, which includes both R- and S-ketamine molecules and is administered by infusion or injection. Spravato® is a nasal spray that contains only S-ketamine (esketamine) and is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression. While Spravato® is often covered by insurance, IV/IM ketamine is typically used off-label and is not usually reimbursed. Both are fast-acting and can offer relief from depression, but they differ in composition, delivery method, and regulatory status.

In the United States, "off-label" use refers to prescribing a medication for a condition, dose, or patient population that is not specifically listed on the FDA-approved label. This practice is common and legal, and it's often guided by strong clinical evidence, expert consensus, or emerging research. In fact, studies show that nearly 1 in 5 prescriptions in the U.S. are written off-label, particularly in fields like psychiatry, oncology, and pediatrics. Many well-known and widely accepted treatments—such as the use of certain antidepressants for chronic pain or ketamine for depression—began as off-label uses before gaining broader recognition. When done thoughtfully and under professional supervision, off-label prescribing can be both safe and effective, allowing patients access to innovative and personalized care when standard treatments fall short.

Ketamine has been used in hospital settings for 50+ years. At Velara a board-certified nurse practitioner monitors every session, and vitals are tracked continuously.

Most people enter a dream-like, dissociative state but remain loosely aware. You can speak if needed; staff are present the entire time.

Standard induction is six ketamine sessions over three weeks plus integration. Boosters are scheduled based on symptom return and personal goals.

No. You’ll need a trusted ride home and 12 hours of rest before operating a vehicle.

Spravato® may be covered; IV/IM ketamine is typically private-pay. We accept HSA/FSA cards and offer financing options.

Integration is the most important part of Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP). It’s the process of taking insights, emotions, and experiences that surface during the ketamine session and turning them into meaningful, lasting change. This might include therapy, journaling, body-based practices, or behavior shifts. Integration helps you make sense of what comes up and apply it to your daily life—so the healing continues long after the medicine wears off.

Usually not. Our psychiatric team reviews all prescriptions and adjusts only if a safety conflict exists.

Severe uncontrolled hypertension, active psychosis, or certain cardiac conditions may preclude treatment. Screening occurs at intake.