Ketamine Therapy in Florida: A 2026 Guide

Ketamine therapy has moved from the margins of psychiatry to a recognized option for people living with treatment-resistant depression and related conditions. Florida — one of the most populous states in the country — has a growing network of clinics offering both intravenous (IV) ketamine infusions and the FDA-approved nasal spray Spravato (esketamine). This guide explains how ketamine therapy works in Florida, who oversees it, and what you should know before your first appointment.

What Is Ketamine Therapy and Who Is It For?

Ketamine is an anesthetic that, at sub-anesthetic doses, has demonstrated rapid antidepressant effects in clinical settings. The FDA approved Spravato (esketamine) in 2019 for treatment-resistant depression (ICD-10: F33.2) and, subsequently, for major depressive disorder with acute suicidal ideation. IV ketamine infusions remain an off-label use billed under CPT codes such as 99213/99214 for associated evaluation and management visits, 90791 for a psychiatric evaluation, and J3490 for off-label drug administration.

Ketamine therapy is generally considered for adults who have tried two or more antidepressant medications without adequate relief — a threshold commonly used to define treatment-resistant depression. It may also be considered for certain anxiety presentations (ICD-10: F41.1) and other conditions at a prescribing clinician’s discretion.

This is not a treatment for everyone. A thorough psychiatric and medical evaluation is essential before anyone begins a ketamine protocol.

Florida’s Regulatory Landscape

In Florida, ketamine can only be prescribed and administered by licensed physicians or, in some settings, by advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) working within their scope. The Florida Board of Medicine, operating under the Florida Department of Health, licenses physicians and sets standards of practice. APRNs in Florida currently practice under a collaborative agreement with a supervising physician for most prescribing activities, though the regulatory landscape continues to evolve.

Spravato (esketamine) must be dispensed and administered in a certified healthcare setting under the FDA’s Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program. Patients self-administer the nasal spray under direct supervision and must be observed for at least two hours after each dose. This means Spravato cannot be taken at home — you must attend an in-office session each time.

IV ketamine infusions are performed in clinic-based settings. Because IV ketamine is off-label, regulations around its administration fall primarily under general physician practice standards rather than a specific REMS program. The Florida Board of Medicine expects practitioners to follow evidence-based protocols and maintain appropriate documentation.

For a current list of licensed Florida physicians, you can search the Florida Department of Health’s MQA Online Services portal.

Insurance and Coverage in Florida

Coverage for ketamine therapy in Florida depends heavily on which type of treatment you receive and who your insurer is.

Spravato (esketamine) has a more defined reimbursement pathway. Because it is FDA-approved, major commercial insurers in Florida — including Florida Blue (Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida) and other large carriers — have medical policies for Spravato. Coverage typically requires prior authorization and documentation that the patient meets criteria for treatment-resistant depression. Patients should request a Letter of Medical Necessity from their prescribing clinician and confirm prior authorization before the first dose.

Florida Medicaid, administered through the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care (SMMC) program, covers Spravato for eligible enrollees who meet clinical criteria. Each managed care plan within SMMC — such as plans administered by Molina Healthcare of Florida, Humana, or Centene-affiliated plans — may have its own prior authorization requirements. Contact your specific plan to confirm current coverage.

IV ketamine infusions are almost universally considered off-label and are not routinely covered by insurance. Most patients pay out of pocket, and clinic prices vary significantly across Florida. Some clinics offer financing options or reduced-rate programs.

If your insurer denies a claim, you have the right to appeal. Ask your provider for clinical documentation supporting medical necessity and request a peer-to-peer review between your clinician and the insurer’s medical director.

Finding a Provider in Florida

Florida has ketamine clinics in most major metro areas, including Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, and Fort Lauderdale, as well as a growing number of practices in mid-size cities. When evaluating a provider, look for:

Board certification in psychiatry, anesthesiology, or another relevant specialty
Transparent protocols — ask about dosing rationale, monitoring during infusions, and what happens if you have an adverse reaction
Integration with mental health care — ketamine is most effective when paired with ongoing psychotherapy or psychiatric management
Clear informed consent — you should receive written information about risks, benefits, and alternatives

You can verify a Florida physician’s license status and any disciplinary history through the Florida Department of Health’s online lookup. The NPPES NPI Registry can help you confirm a provider’s specialty and practice location.

Contact our directory to connect with vetted Florida providers.

What to Expect in a Ketamine Session

A typical IV ketamine infusion lasts 40 to 60 minutes and is administered in a clinical setting with monitoring equipment. Most patients experience dissociative effects during the infusion — altered perception, dreamlike states, or mild hallucinations — that resolve shortly after the infusion ends. You will need a driver for the remainder of the day.

A standard initial course is often six infusions over two to three weeks, though protocols vary by clinic and by the condition being treated. Maintenance infusions may be recommended depending on your response.

Spravato sessions follow a different rhythm: twice weekly for the first month, weekly for the second month, and then weekly or biweekly thereafter, with each session requiring in-office observation.

Neither format is a standalone cure. Most clinical guidance emphasizes combining ketamine with therapy, medication management, and lifestyle support for durable results.

This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a licensed clinician about your specific situation.

Drafted by AI and reviewed by our editorial team. Last updated 2026-05-30.