Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) at our clinic is private care. For depression and related conditions, it is used outside the range approved in Japan. Here is what we want you to know when considering treatment.

Insurance does not apply (private care)

This ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is private care. Public health insurance does not apply, and you pay the full cost yourself.

Used outside the approved range (off-label)

Ketamine is approved in Japan as an anesthetic, but not for depression or related conditions. That means this is what is called an off-label use.

Typical fees

The initial consultation and eligibility assessment is ¥16,500. Treatment plans range from ¥148,500 to ¥528,000 (all private care, paid in full by you). See the Pricing page for details.

Possible side effects and risks

With ketamine, people may experience dissociation (a changed sense of reality), a temporary rise in blood pressure or heart rate, nausea, dizziness, or temporary changes in vision. Many of these are temporary, and clinicians stay with you and respond as needed. How strong they feel varies from person to person.

How we obtain the medicine

The ketamine used at our clinic is obtained lawfully through domestic pharmaceutical wholesalers.

Approved alternatives in Japan

At present, there is no domestically approved medicine with the same composition and effect as ketamine for treating depression.

Research and safety overseas

Clinical studies overseas have reported antidepressant effects in treatment-resistant depression. Research into long-term safety is still ongoing. We also refer to publicly available information from authorities such as the FDA.

Not covered by the national relief system

Because this is an off-label use, even if a side effect occurs, it is not covered by Japan’s national relief system for adverse drug reactions.

Important notice