How Many Infusions Will I Need? The Series and Maintenance, Explained

One of the most common questions we hear — and the honest answer is that it depends. Here’s how to think about it.

If you’re considering ketamine therapy, you probably want to know what you’re signing up for. How many sessions? For how long? While the details are individual, the general shape of treatment is easier to picture than you might expect.

The initial series

Ketamine for mood conditions is typically delivered as a short series of infusions rather than a single dose. A common approach involves a handful of sessions over a few weeks — enough to establish whether you respond and to build on the effect. Much of the clinical research uses a comparable structure of repeated, spaced infusions during an acute phase.

Why more than one?

A single infusion can lift symptoms quickly, but the effect from one dose tends to fade. Repeating doses during the initial phase helps deepen and extend the benefit. Think of the series as establishing a foundation rather than a one-time event.

Maintenance

After the initial series, many people benefit from occasional maintenance sessions — spaced weeks or months apart — to sustain their gains. The right interval varies a lot from person to person, and it’s guided by how you’re doing over time rather than a fixed formula. Research on maintenance regimens — including studies of oral ketamine — suggests benefits can be sustained with ongoing, individualized dosing.

How your plan gets set

Your response is the guide. Providers track your symptoms with standardized check-ins and adjust frequency accordingly — some people need more, some less. There’s no reliable way to predict the exact number in advance, which is why a monitored, flexible plan beats a rigid package.

The bottom line

Expect an initial series to find out if and how well you respond, followed by maintenance tailored to you. The goal isn’t a set number of infusions — it’s the least amount of treatment that keeps you well.

Curious whether this could be a fit for you? Refound Center offers clinician-led care in the North Denver to Fort Collins area. Reach out to schedule a consultation and we’ll talk through your history and options together.

Medical disclaimer

This article is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Ketamine therapy is not appropriate for everyone. Talk with a qualified clinician about your history, medications, and goals before starting any treatment. If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 (the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) in the U.S.

Sources & further reading (studies identified via PubMed):

Beaglehole B, et al. Six weeks open-label oral ketamine for treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, or OCD. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1177/02698811251344710