Choosing Therapy’s Scoring Criteria for At-Home Ketamine Treatment Platforms
At-home ketamine treatment for mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety is a relatively new service offered by online platforms. As such, finding the right treatment platform for you can be a difficult choice. Choosing Therapy can guide you in the right direction by providing in-depth, personally researched reviews, as well as multi-category ratings of the top at-home ketamine treatment platforms currently available. Our goal is to help consumers make an informed decision about their care, and choose a platform that matches both their expectations and desired treatment goals.
Before scoring an at-home ketamine treatment platform, we consider several significant factors. Below you’ll find a list of our at-home ketamine treatment platform scoring criteria, including how we define the key categories and features, what we look for when we rate them, and a breakdown of our star rating system.
Clarity of Diagnoses Treated & Types of Treatment
The best at-home ketamine treatment programs should be exceptionally clear and upfront about who the program is right for and who it is not right for. It should be clear what sort of disorders or conditions the platform is capable of addressing, as well as statistics about clinical outcomes for people experiencing these. Additionally, the platform should be upfront about what form, dosage, and type of ketamine treatment being offered.
Star Ratings for Clarity of Diagnoses Treated & Types of Treatment
5-stars – The platform provides an exhaustive list of the conditions or diagnoses that the program is capable of addressing, and those they do not treat. The company provides meaningful statistics about the clinical outcomes of its members. The platform is clear and upfront about what form of ketamine is being prescribed, how it is administered, and how the program functions as a whole.
3-stars – The platform provides some information regarding diagnoses treated and who the platform is right and not right for, but it is slightly unclear or the information is not exhaustive or leaves questions unanswered. The platform may have limited or no information about the ketamine treatment itself. The platform might provide clinical outcome statistics, but they are unclear or unverified.
1-star – The platform doesn’t provide any meaningful information upfront about diagnoses treated, the type of treatment, or clinical outcomes.
Crisis Management & Patient Safety
The best at-home ketamine treatment platforms will place an exceptionally high value on patient safety and managing crises when they arise. Platforms should require all patients to have a trusted person on hand to monitor their experiences. Likewise, these “trip sitters” should have detailed protocols to follow and have an easy way to contact help in the event of an emergency. Similarly, the platform should provide patients with all they need to ensure a good experience – reading materials, videos, and other content should help patients understand the treatment, how it works, what to expect, and how to guard against unpleasant experiences. Finally, the best platforms should keep physical safety front-of-mind – patients should be thoroughly assessed to ensure they are good candidates for the experience, monitored to ensure their blood pressure and other metrics are within established boundaries, and their set and setting are well established and safe.
Star Ratings for Crisis Management & Patient Safety
5-stars – The platform provides exhaustive and robust crisis management and patient safety resources. All patients are thoroughly vetted and assessed to ensure they are in good health and a good candidate for ketamine treatment. The company provides reading materials, videos, and other content to ensure patients have a strong understanding of the treatment, in addition to having staff on hand to ensure safety. The platform ensures there is a “trip sitter” in the home to monitor treatment and provides them with contact information in the event of an emergency.
3-stars – The platform provides guidance to patients about treatment, but some questions may go unanswered. The platform ensures a “trip sitter” is present, but may not have strong protocols for them to follow. The physical environment and physical and mental state of the patient are still strongly considered before beginning treatment.
1-star – The platform disregards patient safety and does not thoroughly vet patients for health and well-being prior to treatment. The platform does not provide adequate content to prepare patients for treatment. “Trip sitters” are an afterthought or may not be required at all.
Geographic Location
Platforms that are more widely available will score higher in this category, as they serve a larger percentage of the population and increase access to care. Platforms that are more widely available also make it easier to maintain care during a move, travel, or when frequently commuting between states for work or school.
Star Ratings for Geographic Location
5-stars – The at-home ketamine treatment platform is available nationwide OR covers 50% or more of the US population.
3-stars – The at-home ketamine treatment platform covers around 30% of the US population.
1-star – The at-home ketamine treatment platform covers less than 10% of the US population.
Cost
The best at-home ketamine treatment platforms will be very clear and upfront about the expected costs for services. Whether it be a monthly subscription fee, per session cost, or some hybrid payment plan for a set of sessions at a time, patients should know all expected costs prior to signing up for services. It should also be easy to understand how you will be charged, either through your credit card or FSA/HSA card, and when charges will occur. For the sake of accessibility, patients should not have to pay for the entirety of the program upfront.
Additionally, per-session costs should be in line with the type and length of service rendered. At-home ketamine treatment platforms offering per-session rates should be the same or less than what it would cost to see a provider in person. Truly great online ketamine platforms will also offer sliding scale fees and/or financial aid of some type to make services more accessible. Most importantly, at-home ketamine therapy platforms should provide exceptional value for the cost of the program and should be in line with competitors.
Star Ratings for Cost
5-stars – Monthly subscription costs are clearly provided prior to signing up and there are no additional hidden costs. Platforms that offer per-session rates are clear about rates up front, payment due dates, and whether the cost is based on the provider’s education level. There are no additional monthly membership fees or sign-up fees and per-session costs are in line with the type and length of service rendered. There are sliding scales or financial aid available to those who qualify. The cost of the service is well-justified by the relative value offered and is in line with other platforms offering the same services. The number of sessions offered compared to the cost is higher than competitors.
3-stars – Monthly subscription costs can be difficult to find right away, but there are no additional hidden costs. Per-session rates are clear and somewhat reflective of the type and length of service rendered. If there are sliding scales or financial aid available, you have to ask about this prior to signing up. The service offers a fair value for the cost. The number of sessions and other benefits is similar to other companies in the space.
1-star – Upfront monthly subscription costs are dependent on your location and are not provided until after you have completed the sign-up process. Per session rates are very unclear, session lengths are not reflected in the cost, and there is a monthly membership fee you must pay on top of program costs. There is no financial aid or sliding scale available to anyone. The cost of the program is not justified by the value offered. You don’t get nearly as much value for the cost compared to other companies.
Provider & Guide Selection
Options for choosing a provider or session guide are essential to at-home ketamine treatment platforms. Patients should be able to select from a large number of medical providers and an even larger selection of guides or coaches. Providers and guides should be well-qualified and the selection process should highlight this. All staff selected by patients should have extensive bios listed, and, ideally, a video so patients can ensure a high-quality fit. Guides or coaches should come from a wide variety of backgrounds, spiritual or intellectual orientations, genders, and other factors. It should be easy for patients to find this information quickly and at a glance. Additionally, it should be easy to change your provider or guide once you’ve started services.
Star Ratings for Provider & Guide Selection
5-stars – Patients have a great selection of potential providers and guides. All providers and guides are well-qualified and hail from many backgrounds and orientations. The search feature should allow patients to easily filter and find the best fit for them. It’s very easy to change your provider, therapist, coach, or guide once you’ve started treatment.
3-stars – Patients are left to select a provider without any guidance. The online provider directory is fairly easy to navigate, but may only have two or three filters available. The platform doesn’t have many guides or providers to choose from, but many backgrounds and orientations are still represented. You can change your provider or coach once you’ve started, but the process is a bit difficult.
1-star – Patients don’t have much choice over their providers, guides, or coaches. There may not be many options, or professionals of many backgrounds and theoretical orientations may not be represented. It isn’t possible to change your provider once you’ve started treatment, or the selection is so narrow as to not make a difference.
Extra Features & Integration Resources
Integration practices are essential to any at-home ketamine treatment program. All providers should provide patients with plenty of resources for integrating their experiences with the goals they have in mind. Patients should have a great deal of support from guides, coaches, or, ideally, licensed therapists in addition to having plenty of self-guided resources. The best platforms will also have groups to join and discuss experiences with other patients. Additionally, the platform should provide resources for use in-session, such as guided audio tracks, plenty of music to choose from, and post-session journaling resources. Finally, the platform should include all the physical items that are needed to conduct sessions, such as a blood pressure monitor, journal, and eye mask.
Star Ratings for Extra Features & Integration Resources
5-stars – The platform offers a wide range of extra features in its app or through the website, like a journal space, learning webinars, and homework sheets. Additionally, the platform’s website features free resources like educational articles or videos, and free mental health assessments. Patients should be very well-supported by guides, coaches, or therapists and have at least 3-4 integration sessions included with the program. The platform has group sessions wherein patients can discuss their experiences with other patients. The platform has an excellent selection of music, guided audio, or other in-session resources as well as post-session journaling resources.
3-stars – The platform offers a few extra features in its app or through the website, like a journal or homework sheets, but the selection is lacking. Only 1-2 integration sessions with a coach or therapist are included in the program, but it’s easy to purchase more. The platform doesn’t offer group sessions. The platform has some in-session music and audio but doesn’t have a great selection or variety.
1-star – The platform offers no extra features and no free resources. Patients are not well-supported during their experience.
Client Interface & User Experience
When researching online ketamine platforms offering at-home treatment, we look at how easy to navigate the main websites is, how user-friendly the sign-up process is, and how reliable the technology is while conducting sessions. We also examine how intuitive the mobile apps are that the company creates, with companies that have mobile apps scoring higher in this area. Mobile apps allow patients the ability to more easily access live prescriber and integrative sessions, client portals, and resources. The platform should help guide patients in taking their medication correctly and easily manage their sessions and the overall progress of their program.
Star Ratings for Client Interface & User Experience
5-stars – The platform has an app that is easy to use and intuitive. The sign-up process is quick and easy. The app seamlessly guides patients through the process of taking their medication, as well as the overall progress of their program.
3-stars – The platform has an app and the sign-up process is easy but it may not be the most intuitive to use. The app has occasional glitches or issues but doesn’t interfere with conducting sessions.
1-star – The platform does not have a useful app or digital implements to ensure quality sessions. The app is glitchy, difficult to use, or consistently causes problems during treatment.
Privacy & HIPAA
Digital privacy, confidentiality, and HIPAA compliance are important to consider when choosing any kind of mental health platform. An ideal at-home ketamine treatment platform keeps the client’s account information, such as credit card numbers, email addresses, diagnosis, or other identifying data, private and protected by legal standards at all times. When ranking for this category, our objective is to promote companies that have transparent and ethical privacy and HIPAA policies, as well as data-sharing practices, and who consistently meet client’s privacy and HIPAA expectations. Companies that are unclear about these policies and/or exhibit unethical actions regarding privacy, security, data sharing, or HIPAA will receive lower scores.
Star Ratings for Privacy & HIPAA
5-stars – Privacy and HIPAA policies are easy to find, clearly stated, and specific. The company is transparent about data-sharing practices and consistently meets client’s expectations. There are no reports of security issues, such as personal information or credit card information being stolen or client information being sold to third parties. Patients are prompted to sign a HIPAA agreement acknowledging they are on a HIPAA-compliant platform during the sign-up process, and that all HIPAA policies are adhered to.
3-stars – Privacy and HIPAA policies, as well as data sharing practices, are difficult to find and/or generic and unspecific OR there have been some incidents of users facing security issues with private information. Patients are prompted to sign a HIPAA agreement only prior to their first at-home ketamine session, but it was not made clear during the sign-up process the platform uses HIPAA-compliant software.
1-star – The company has no stated privacy policy. There have been many reports of security issues with private user information. The company shares member account information without informing the user. Patients are never asked to sign a HIPAA agreement and it is unclear if the platform is actually using HIPAA-compliant software.
Provider or Guide Credentials & Expertise
It is important to know exactly what credentials your provider holds, the specialty areas they treat, and if they are licensed in your state. Platforms that make this information readily available are ideal as they give patients crucial information immediately. In particular, licensure information informs patients whether a provider can provide them services, as well as what licensing board they could report any issues with the provider to. Additionally, knowing what mental health issues a provider can treat helps patients identify if they are in the right place for treatment.
Any additional staff and providers such as coaches, therapists, or guides should be well-qualified, and vetted, as well as offering a variety of backgrounds and theoretical perspectives.
Star Ratings for Provider or Guide Credentials & Expertise
5-stars – It is clear what credentials the provider has, what states they are licensed in, which clientele they specialize in treating, and how long they have been practicing. This information is readily available through the provider’s profile, which the platform provides through its online provider directory. Any additional support staff such as coaches, therapists, and guides are clearly well-qualified and hail from many different theoretical or spiritual backgrounds.
3-stars – It is clear what credentials the provider has and which states they are licensed in, however, the provider’s profile is missing other key information. Guides and other support staff might be limited or not provide enough information to make an informed choice.
1-star – It is clear that the provider has some type of credential, but it is not clear which states they are licensed in and there was no profile to read.
Customer Service
As with any service, the quality of an online at-home ketamine treatment platform’s customer service is a significant rating factor. Platforms may be penalized in this category if it’s difficult to find customer support contact information or connect with a representative, or if it lacks channels of communication to contact support (e.g., only has email, no phone numbers listed).
We also take into consideration user reviews from trusted sources when scoring for customer service. We research and analyze positive and negative reviews that mention customer service and track when the company responds to complaints on trusted user review websites, as well as in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store when relevant. Companies that provide prompt and effective feedback and support will score higher in this category.
Star Ratings for Customer Service Category
5-stars – The platform offers excellent customer service. There are multiple channels to communicate with a representative, including email, text, chat, and phone. Responses to issues and complaints are completed within two business days. There are very few, if any, customer complaints in reviews online. When problems are reported in reviews online, the company responds efficiently and effectively.
3-stars – The platform provides an average level of customer service. There are limited channels to communicate with a representative. Response time takes more than 3 business days. The company will sometimes respond to issues reported in reviews online.
1-star – The platform provides poor customer service. You can only reach a representative through one channel. Response time takes over a week and many issues are left unresolved. The company does not respond to reported issues in reviews online.
Reliability & Longevity
Our reliability and longevity score will be determined by several key factors. These key factors include:
- How long an at-home ketamine platform has been in operation
- How many providers they have on the platform and how many states they serve
- How much growth has the company experienced over the past year or two
- What additional services they offer
- User reviews establishing a track record for meeting client’s needs and expectations
We want to direct users toward at-home ketamine treatment platforms that will continue to grow and won’t disappear or phase out after a user purchases a monthly subscription or signs up for sessions. It’s important to note that we also conduct updates to our online ketamine platform reviews, so a newer platform may receive a higher score after it has proven its reliability and longevity over time.
Star Ratings for Reliability & Longevity
5-stars – The platform has been in operation for more than three years and serves 50% of the US population. The platform has grown over the past three years and user reviews of the platform share very few complaints about the service. They are consistently meeting or exceeding the patient’s needs and expectations.
3-stars – The platform has been in operation for two years and can serve 30% of the US population. The platform is still growing and user reviews mention some complaints about the service. Patients’ needs and expectations are sometimes met.
1-star – The platform is brand new and has been active for one year or less and serves only 10% of the US population. Complaints or compliments are hard to find, as there are few to no user reviews.
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This content was last updated June 5, 2024, by the Choosing Therapy team.
