Ketamine Infusion Therapy in Riverside, CA
A scientifically validated, physician-administered treatment for chronic and nerve pain — delivered personally by our board-certified anesthesiologist at our Riverside clinic.
Serving Riverside, Moreno Valley, Corona, Jurupa Valley, Grand Terrace, Colton, Redlands, Loma Linda, Rialto & Eastvale across the Inland Empire.
Begin With a Consultation
A thorough one-on-one evaluation with our physician to determine whether ketamine infusion therapy is safe and appropriate for you. The $95 consultation fee is credited toward treatment if you proceed.
Medical History Review
A thorough review of diagnoses, prior treatments, medications, and response to therapies.
Safety Screening & Candidacy
Screening for contraindications — cardiac status, psychiatric history, and eligibility factors.
Personalized Treatment Plan
Individualized dosing protocol, number of sessions, scheduling, and what to expect.
Full Q&A & Informed Consent
All questions answered before treatment begins. No surprises.
Most consultations take 45–60 minutes. Your $95 fee is credited toward your treatment cost if you proceed — it is never lost. We give you an honest assessment, including telling you clearly if ketamine therapy is not right for your situation.
How Ketamine Works
Ketamine works through an entirely different mechanism than conventional pain medications and antidepressants — which is why it helps patients for whom other treatments have failed.
NMDA Receptor Blockade
Interrupts the abnormal pain-signaling pathways that become hard-wired in chronic pain by blocking glutamate receptors in the brain and spinal cord.
Rapid Neuroplasticity
Stimulates regrowth of synaptic connections in the prefrontal cortex and limbic system — areas that atrophy under chronic pain.
Central Sensitization Reset
Reduces the overall gain on the pain system — the amplified, dysregulated signaling underlying fibromyalgia, CRPS, and neuropathic conditions.
Anti-Inflammatory Action
Modulates neuroinflammation by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines — a key driver of chronic pain.
Opioid System Interaction
Interacts with opioid receptors as a partial agonist, reducing opioid tolerance — valuable in opioid-dependent pain patients.
Faster Than Antidepressants
Acts on the glutamate system and can produce measurable improvement within 24–48 hours versus the weeks required for conventional medications.
▶ Watch: Can IV Ketamine Help Chronic Pain? — Dr. Rainier Guiang
Who Ketamine Therapy Helps
University Pain Consultants is a pain-medicine practice. Ketamine infusion therapy has clinical evidence for a range of chronic and nerve-pain conditions — our primary focus.
Among the strongest evidence bases — Type I & II refractory to other treatments.
Addresses central sensitization underlying widespread pain and fatigue.
Centrally mediated pain unresponsive to conventional treatments.
Diabetic, peripheral, and post-herpetic neuropathy.
Failed back surgery syndrome, chronic radiculopathy, refractory axial pain.
Intractable cases unresponsive to conventional preventive therapies.
Central pain mechanisms respond to NMDA blockade with documented improvement.
Ketamine for Mental Health — as an Adjunct to Your Specialist's Care
We also offer ketamine infusions for mental-health conditions such as treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, anxiety and OCD — but only as an adjunct to care directed by your own mental-health specialist. A referral from your psychiatrist, therapist or other mental-health provider is required. We are not your primary mental-health treatment provider; we administer the infusion and coordinate with your existing specialist so ketamine complements the care you're already receiving.
If you are experiencing a mental-health emergency or thoughts of self-harm, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or go to your nearest emergency room. This clinic does not provide emergency or crisis services.
Safety Profile & Side Effects
At sub-anesthetic doses, ketamine has a well-established safety record. Side effects are almost always transient and resolve within minutes to hours after the infusion ends.
During Infusion
Dissociation / dreamlike state, mild perceptual changes, transient nausea, dizziness or lightheadedness, transient elevated blood pressure and heart rate, transient blurred or double vision, transient headache, and rarely anxiety or agitation.
After Infusion
Fatigue or drowsiness, and rarely vivid dreams. Most patients feel well enough for light activity the same evening.
Why an Anesthesiologist Matters
Because our infusions are administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist who has used ketamine routinely throughout a career, the risk of adverse events is substantially lower than in clinics staffed by non-anesthesiologist providers. We are equipped and trained to manage any eventuality.
Patient Safety: Contraindications
Ketamine therapy is not appropriate for everyone. During your consultation we screen carefully for the following. "Absolute" means ketamine is not offered; "relative" means it may be possible with appropriate clearance and co-management.
| Condition | Classification | Clinical Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Schizophrenia / schizoaffective disorder | Absolute | Ketamine can precipitate or worsen psychosis. |
| Uncontrolled hypertension | Absolute | Risk of hypertensive crisis. |
| Active mania (Bipolar I, manic phase) | Absolute | Risk of precipitating or exacerbating mania. |
| Recent myocardial infarction (<6 months) | Absolute | Cardiovascular stimulation poses unacceptable risk. |
| Elevated intracranial pressure | Absolute | Ketamine can further raise ICP. |
| Active stimulant / dissociative substance use | Absolute | Dangerous interactions and misuse risk. |
| Pregnancy | Absolute | Potential teratogenic and neurodevelopmental risk. |
| Unstable coronary artery disease | Relative | Requires cardiologist clearance. |
| History of psychosis (in remission) | Relative | Case-by-case with psychiatric co-management. |
| Severe hepatic insufficiency | Relative | May accumulate unpredictably. |
| Uncontrolled hyperthyroidism | Relative | Treat thyroid disease first. |
| Poorly controlled seizure disorder | Relative | Requires neurology consultation. |
What to Expect
We work hard to make every infusion safe, comfortable, and as positive an experience as possible.
Before Your Infusion
Fast for 4–6 hours. Arrange a driver — you may not drive yourself. Bring headphones and a playlist; music significantly enhances the experience for many patients.
During Your Infusion
You recline in a private, dimly lit room. Your IV is placed and the infusion runs 40–60 minutes (pain) or 2–4 hours (ultra-low-dose). Vitals are monitored continuously by the physician.
The Ketamine Experience
At sub-anesthetic doses you remain conscious. Most patients describe a dreamlike, floating sensation that resolves fully within minutes of the infusion ending.
Recovery & Discharge
Rest in our recovery area for 30–60 minutes. Once discharge criteria are met you are released to your driver. Most patients feel well enough for light activity that evening.
When Will I Feel Better?
Pain relief can begin within 24–72 hours of the first infusion. Results accumulate across a series — most experience the greatest benefit after 4–6 sessions.
Maintenance & Follow-Up
Many patients require periodic maintenance infusions — monthly to quarterly — to sustain their response. We create a long-term plan tailored to your needs.
The Treatment Process
A clear, five-step path from first visit to lasting results.
Transparent Pricing
Clear, honest pricing with no hidden fees. Insurance does not typically cover ketamine therapy, so we offer a meaningful discount for the recommended initial series.
Single Session
- Physician-administered infusion
- Continuous vital-sign monitoring
- Private infusion suite
- Recovery period included
- Post-infusion physician check
Series of 4 Sessions
- All single-session inclusions ×4
- Pre-series physician planning call
- Mid-series response assessment
- Personalized maintenance recommendation
- Consultation fee credited toward package
HSA/FSA cards accepted • Financing options available — ask at your consultation.
Our Riverside Location
Centrally located on Brockton Avenue, serving patients throughout Riverside and the surrounding Inland Empire.
6900 Brockton Avenue, Suite 203
Riverside, CA 92506
951-900-3253
Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ketamine infusion therapy at our Riverside clinic.
What pain conditions does ketamine infusion therapy treat?
Who administers the infusions?
How much does treatment cost?
Do you treat depression or PTSD directly?
Is insurance accepted?
Which areas do you serve besides Riverside?
Ready to Explore a New Path Forward?
Schedule your consultation today. Most appointments are available within 1–2 weeks. Your $95 consultation is credited toward treatment if you proceed.
6900 Brockton Avenue, Suite 203
Riverside, CA 92506
951-900-3253
Mon–Fri, 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
