Frequently asked questions

We help people with treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, anxiety, suicidality, and chronic pain (e.g. fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain, CRPS, spinal pain, migraines), and other complex conditions where advanced therapies may provide relief.

Our core treatments are ketamine therapy (intravenous infusions, intranasal, oral, and injectable forms) and stellate ganglion block (SGB). Both target the nervous system differently from standard medications.

Clinical research shows that ketamine provides rapid symptom improvement in many patients, including reductions in depression, anxiety, and pain. SGB has demonstrated benefits for PTSD, anxiety, and selected pain syndromes.

Yes. Treatments are performed in accredited medical facilities with close supervision by experienced clinicians, following strict safety protocols. Patients undergo screening before treatment, and safety monitoring is provided during and after each treatment to minimise risks and ensure the best possible outcomes.

Eligibility is determined through a comprehensive medical and psychiatric assessment, reviewing your history, current health, and treatment goals to ensure the therapy is safe and appropriate for you.

If you do not experience meaningful improvement we will review your response and discuss alternative options or referrals with you.

Ketamine may benefit treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, certain chronic pain conditions, and suicidal thoughts - particularly when other treatments have failed or provided limited relief.

Anodyne offers all forms of ketamine. This can include intravenous infusion, intranasal (Spravato), oral, subcutaneous (injection under the skin) or intramuscular (injection in the muscle). At Anodyne, we tailor the route to your condition, medical history, goals, and clinical needs.

When administered by experienced clinicians in a medical setting, ketamine therapy is generally safe. 

Side effects are usually short-lived and you are carefully monitored throughout each session. Some people experience temporary nausea, dizziness, blurred vision, or mild dissociation during treatment. These effects usually resolve within hours, and our team monitors you closely to ensure safety.

When prescribed and monitored medically, ketamine is considered safe. However, potential long-term risks may include bladder irritation, liver enzyme changes, or cognitive effects, particularly with very high or prolonged use. At Anodyne, we minimise these risks with careful screening, regular blood and urine monitoring, and outcome tracking. Recreational use or unsupervised dosing carries far greater risks and is not comparable to medical treatment.

Many patients notice improvements within hours to days after treatment. The speed of response is one reason ketamine is sometimes considered for urgent cases, such as severe depression or suicidality.

Some people feel relaxed, dreamlike, or mildly detached from their surroundings during treatment. These effects are temporary and monitored closely for your safety and comfort.

Treatment plans vary. Many start with a series of sessions over several weeks, followed by maintenance at intervals based on your individual response and goals.

Ketamine may work alongside existing medications. Changes to your prescriptions are always guided by your treating doctor or specialist to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Ketamine therapy may reduce your symptoms enough to lower your reliance on other medications, such as antidepressants, mood stabilisers, or opioid-based painkillers. However, any changes to your regular medications should only be made gradually and under medical supervision. Please do not self-cease any regular medications.

We may work with your referring doctor to explore medication reduction as part of a broader treatment plan. Reducing or stopping medications too early — or without professional input — can risk relapse, withdrawal symptoms, or other complications.

Our goal is always to optimise your treatment while supporting safety, stability, and quality of life.

Costs vary depending on the form of ketamine, number of treatments, whether you are an inpatient or outpatient, and whether your care is covered by insurance. 

If you have private health insurance, then the costs of inpatient treatment may be covered by the hospital. Outpatient treatment is not funded by Medicare or private health. Medical review appointments and SGB treatments will have a Medicare rebate, but ketamine treatments do not. 

Approved DVA, ADF, and third-party (e.g. ICWA, TAC, workers compensation) patients are fully funded. 

Please contact us for a complete fee schedule.

No. Due to temporary effects on alertness and coordination, you must arrange for someone to drive you home and avoid driving until the next day.

Ketamine acts on NMDA receptors rather than serotonin or opioid systems, creating rapid effects on mood and pain without daily dosing or the same dependency risks.

Yes - ketamine therapy may not be suitable for people with uncontrolled cardiovascular disease, certain psychiatric conditions (such as psychosis or schizophrenia), recent stroke or heart attack, pregnancy, or severe liver disease. A full medical and psychiatric assessment will determine suitability.

All treatments are delivered in Anodyne’s specialised clinical settings, which includes inpatient and outpatient options. All treatments are under direct supervision of experienced doctors and nurses, with advanced monitoring to ensure your comfort and safety at every stage.

The length of each ketamine treatment varies depending on your needs and goals. For example, IV infusions for depression typically last 40–60 minutes, while pain management infusions can run up to four hours. These are then both, followed by an observation period of approximately 2 hours to ensure safety.

You’ll be comfortably seated in a monitored treatment space. Ketamine is administered, and our team checks your vitals and comfort. Most people relax quietly, sometimes listening to tailored music playlists and eye masks during the session.

Ketamine therapy is most effective - and safest - when approached with the right preparation and support. This includes fasting for a few hours beforehand, adjusting certain medications, wearing eye masks and arranging for someone to drive you home. Our team will provide clear instructions before each appointment.

Some patients benefit from supportive medicines such as anti-nausea tablets, blood pressure medications, or mild sedatives during treatment. These are prescribed individually based on your medical history and treatment response.

We monitor you until you are stable and alert. Mild fatigue is common. You’ll need someone to accompany you home and avoid driving or major decisions for the rest of the day.

The effectiveness of ketamine depends on the condition being treated and your individual history. Clinical studies show high response rates up to 70% in treatment-resistant depression, often where other therapies have failed, with benefits noticeable within hours to days.

Duration varies — some feel sustained relief for weeks, others require maintenance treatments to maintain benefits. Your response will be reviewed regularly to tailor the best schedule for you.

Yes. Ketamine is administered at sub-anaesthetic doses, meaning you remain awake and responsive. You may feel altered or dissociated during treatment, but our staff will monitor you closely and provide support throughout.

When used under medical supervision at therapeutic doses, the risk of addiction is very low. We do not prescribe take-home injectable or intranasal ketamine, and all treatments are delivered under strict supervision with regular reviews.

An SGB is a targeted injection into a bundle of nerves in the neck, designed to calm overactive nerve signals involved in chronic pain or certain mental health conditions.

By numbing the stellate ganglion, SGB can “reset” the body’s stress response, reduce nerve overactivity, and improve symptoms of conditions like PTSD, anxiety disorders, and certain chronic pain syndromes.

SGB is used for PTSD, anxiety, neuropathic (nerve) pain affecting the face and upper extremities, CRPS, phantom limb pain, hot flushes, shingles pain, and other nerve-related pain and autonomic conditions.

Most patients feel only mild discomfort. The procedure is done under IV sedation, with image guidance ensuring precision and minimising discomfort during the injection.

SGB is performed under ultrasound or X-ray guidance for precision in a day hospital setting. You’ll receive IV sedation from an anaesthetist, and your specialist will inject local anaesthetic near the stellate ganglion in your neck.

The procedure itself usually takes 10-20minutes before a period of recovery for usually 2 hours in the post-procedure recovery area. Including admission, sedation, and post-procedure monitoring, you can expect to be in the day hospital for around 3 hours.

Some patients notice improvement within hours or days, while others may require a series of blocks. The response varies depending on the condition treated and individual factors.

When administered by experienced clinicians in a hospital setting, stellate ganglion block is generally safe. Temporary effects may include drooping eyelid, nasal congestion, mild voice change, or arm warmth. These usually resolve within hours. Serious complications are rare when performed under image guidance. A complete list of potential side effects will be provided prior to your procedure.

Studies and clinical experience show SGB can be highly effective for some people, often providing rapid relief. Effectiveness varies, and results will be discussed with you before starting treatment.

Duration varies - relief can last from weeks to months. Some patients require only one treatment, while others benefit from periodic repeat blocks depending on their condition and treatment goals.

Approved DVA, ADF, and third-party schemes (e.g. ICWA, TAC, workers compensation) usually cover the procedure. Private health insurance may also cover the procedure depending on your cover and setting.

You will need to fast for several hours, arrange someone to drive you home, and temporarily stop certain medications - your doctor will provide specific instructions before your procedure.

No. Due to temporary effects of sedation on alertness and coordination, you must arrange for someone to drive you home and avoid driving until the next day.

Comfortable clothing, medication list, recent medical reports, and any referral. Optional: headphones and a calm playlist, although these will also be provided to you in the clinic.

Yes. You cannot drive after treatment. A responsible adult must accompany you and take you home safely.

Some patients experience improvement within hours, some after the first few treatments, while others notice changes gradually. Your specialist will discuss what’s typical for your condition.

An overactive stellate ganglion keeps the nervous system stuck in survival mode. Blocking it with a SGB calms this response, easing intrusive memories, anxiety, and chronic pain symptoms.

Relief can last months. The duration varies between individuals, and some may benefit from repeat treatments to maintain symptom control.

While not always required, we encourage referrals from your GP, psychiatrist, or specialist to ensure coordinated care and comprehensive support. Certain treatments may require a referral to help streamline eligibility assessment and ensure we receive relevant medical information. Referrals will also enable you to have a Medicare rebate for medical consultations.

You can Book Online or Make an Enquiry. Once registered, our team will arrange an initial consultation to confirm your suitability for treatment.

All patients undergo a comprehensive medical and psychiatric assessment, including screening tests, to ensure treatments are safe and appropriate for their condition.

After your initial assessment, treatment can often begin rapidly, depending on availability and the results of required medical screening.

A minimum of 2 business days notice is required for any cancellations. This will allow any patient(s) on the waitlist to take advantage of these availabilities. Non-attendance and cancellations less than 2 days before the scheduled appointment will attract a cancellation fee equivalent to the cost of the appointment. Outstanding fees will need to be paid before any future appointments and/or treatments are scheduled. For further details, refer to our terms of engagement for complete details of our service policy.

Yes. Patients are welcome to have a trusted family member or friend attend appointments, including treatment sessions where appropriate.

We provide follow-up consultations, outcome tracking, and maintenance planning. We also coordinate with your GP, specialist and allied health care team to ensure continuity of care.

Absolutely. Treatments occur in accredited facilities with trained clinicians present at all times, ensuring your safety and comfort.

We accept referrals from GPs, psychiatrists, pain specialists, and allied health providers. Referrals can be made via our secure online form, email or HealthLink EDI anodynec. Please visit our contact page to speak with us directly.

Yes. We send regular progress reports, including outcome measures, so referring clinicians remain informed and engaged in the patient’s ongoing care.

We track validated outcomes using questionnaires (e.g. PHQ-9, PCL-5, GAD-7, BPI, QLES-SF) and technology parameters to measure changes in mood, PTSD symptoms, pain intensity, and quality of life.

Absolutely. Our team is available to discuss suitability and treatment pathways, helping you make the best decision for your patient’s care.

Yes. We work alongside treating psychiatrists, GPs, psychologists, and allied health professionals to ensure a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach.

We accept patients with treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, suicidality, chronic pain, and other complex conditions where standard care has not worked. Suitability is confirmed after a comprehensive assessment.

No. Patients can continue most treatments, but we carefully review existing medications for safety and potential interactions before beginning therapy.

Treatments are delivered in accredited medical clinics and day hospitals, with full safety protocols and medical support.

Yes. We encourage shared care and ongoing collaboration, providing regular updates and involving you in treatment planning as appropriate.

Referrals marked urgent are triaged quickly. Where suicidality is present, patients are prioritised for rapid assessment and treatment.

Patients undergo a thorough medical and psychiatric assessment. This may include baseline pathology (e.g. renal/liver function, ECG if indicated) and review of current medications to ensure safety.

Our clinicians coordinate the necessary assessments, but we also welcome recent investigations from referring doctors to avoid duplication and streamline the process.

No. We understand the difficulty of getting patients in to see a specialist. That’s why we have psychiatrists and pain specialists on board with us. Therefore, if unavailable, our team can arrange this assessment.

Yes. Anodyne provides advanced therapies as part of a shared-care model. We complement — not replace — existing psychiatric, GP, or allied health management.

A: Yes, in collaboration with the treating team. Where relevant, we support safe medication reduction alongside advanced therapies to optimise outcomes.

We employ psychiatrists, pain specialists, nurses, psychologists, and operational staff. Opportunities include clinical roles in ketamine and interventional therapy, as well as leadership and research positions.

Expressions of interest can be submitted via our [Careers page]. You can also contact our executive team directly to discuss opportunities and fit.