Van Diest Medical Center is proud to offer one of the only Ketamine Clinics in the Central Iowa area. We're dedicated to helping individuals with treatment-resistant depression, severe anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and other mental health concerns. All ketamine treatments are administered by experienced CRNA Shawn Tulp who is focused on helping people with depression find relief, offering hope in what can feel like a hopeless situation.

Van Diest Medical Center offers two types of Ketamine Therapy: Ketamine Infusion and FDA approved, Esketamine Nasal Spray.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ketamine Therapy?
Ketamine was initially developed as an anesthetic; it received FDA approval for this use in 1970. In 2006, a landmark study on the use of ketamine in treating depression was published by the National Institute of Mental Health. The study revealed that a single intravenous dose of ketamine produced "robust and rapid antidepressant effects" within just a few hours.

How does Ketamine work?
Ketamine works differently than standard depression medications (like Prozac, Zoloft and others) by NMDA receptor modulation as a novel mechanism for accelerated improvement in severe and chronic forms of depression. Ketamine in addition to standard anti-depressants has been shown to help some depression patients have significantly better outcomes than oral anti-depressants alone. In fact, patients may find significant improvement in depression symptoms after completing their initial treatment regimen.

How long does treatment take?
Each infusion takes about 40 - 60 minutes; the entire appointment lasts approximately 1.5 hours. Most patients need six infusions over two to three weeks for optimal results. Esketamine nasal spray is taken in conjunction with an oral antidepressant, and patients are monitored for two hours after receiving a dose. Esketamine nasal spray is taken in conjunction with an oral anti-depressant, and patients are monitored for two hours after receiving a dose.

Will I be awake during treatment?
Yes, you’ll be awake during treatment.

Will I continue care with my current mental health care provider?
Yes. We encourage that ketamine patients continue care with their current psychiatrist, therapist or other mental health care professional.

Do I have to continue taking my antidepressant medication?
Yes, you have to be taking antidepressant medication to qualify for ketamine/Esketamine therapy. Any medication changes need to be given by your mental health provider.

Why doesn’t my clinician offer ketamine?
Administering ketamine requires special equipment and training, so most psychiatric practices aren’t set up to offer this kind of treatment.

Are there risks with ketamine treatment?
A low dosage of ketamine is used to treat depression, making the treatments very safe. During the treatment, we monitor blood pressure, heart rate and other vitals to ensure patient safety.

Is ketamine addictive?
Ketamine itself, like some other medications prescribed for depression and anxiety, can be addictive. However, studies have shown that ketamine treatment, when administered in low doses and in a controlled setting presents virtually no risk of abuse or addiction.

I have a medical marijuana card. Can I receive ketamine therapy?
The use of medical marijuana does not disqualify patients from receiving therapy, however it is necessary to discuss with the provider first.


CRNA Shawn Tulp
Shawn Tulp, RN, MS, ARNP, CRNA, NSPM-C

Ketamine Clinic Schedule:
Tuesdays and Thursdays by appointment

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 515.832.7746.