IV Solution and Ketamine Centers of Chicago

Jennifer M

UPDATE: The clinic is upset about my review. I was informed that my upcoming appointment would be cancelled unless I speak to the medical director of the clinic. It would be wonderful if they expended the same energy on training their front staff and securing their entryways. Need I say more? Ketamine as treatment for my PTSD and depression gets 5 stars! Ketamine IV Solution of Chicago gets 1 star. The nurses and doctors are fine. They could certainly be more attentive, but they do their job to a satisfactory level. The problem is with the front staff that answer phone calls. Specifically, CARA and ZOE are angry when you call to make appointments. I just got off the phone to schedule my booster infusion and Cara was combative when it came to scheduling my appointment. It was bizarre. I have tried to report Zoe for similar behavior, but never received a call back. It's important that when people with PTSD and depression call to make an appointment for treatment, they are not treated like a nuisance. There's also a security issue when it comes to entering the clinic. It's located in the basement of a building, with no controlled entry access. I recall after my last infusion, I forgot my phone charger in the infusion treatment room. I was able to stroll into the clinic and into an infusion room to retrieve my charger, completely undetected. If you're interested in ketamine infusions, I highly recommend you seek an alternative clinic.

Brandon Lutts

Without a doubt, ketamine has saved my life and continues to be an integral part of managing my depression. I have been a patient of Dr. Bal's for well over a year now and words can never express the gratitude I feel in my heart for the work of everyone at the clinic. A few years ago depression really took over my life, I was absolutely broken. The illness claimed my joy and was so debilitating that I had to leave my professional career. I was having thoughts of ending my life and my mere existence was too much to manage. I had strayed from everyone and everything I love, effectively an empty shell. SSRI meds weren't helping and I felt I had no way out. Within the first few treatments I felt incredible. I remember crying tears of joy the whole way home because I felt love and joy for myself in a way that had been completely lost. I have had upwards of 20 infusions since then and each one has been delightful and insightful. The experience of the infusion itself really asks of you to let go, to trust, and be your own witness. I have always felt safe and each session has felt different in its own way. It really is hard to explain but for me it has always been a sacred, healing and spiritual experience. For me it has been a direct link to the "one source" of energy. I have so much respect for the medicine and the compassionate professionals I've come to know and love. I am often asked how long it takes before you're "better" and I must say it is so extremely personal. Certainly I've felt better each time, however the real magic is the commitment you make to working on and loving yourself in the light of this life saving medicine. Diabetics require insulin to live, and I am happy to continue ketamine infusions as long as necessary. Much love always to Dr. Bal and the entire team for all that they do to bring awareness and momentum to mental health wellness. Without the Serenity Foundation I would have never been able to afford treatments, let alone reclaim my life in the way that I have. I am forever grateful, thank you.

Shafe Wallace

I am a changed person! This place was truly something I didn’t know I needed for fighting my depression and anxiety until I tried it. I feel renewed and have realized I no longer depend on my medicine to stabilize my mood. The staff were so diligent and caring, I felt so calm because of how well I was treated and how much they cared about my experience going well. After each appointment I had a micro verbal therapy session with the doctors and nurses to describe my feelings and give them my honest thoughts and feelings. They also scheduled me right away for my next session as recommended by the doctor. The whole process was so scary at first for me as I’ve never dealt with psychedelics, but after the first appointment I knew exactly what to expect and realized I was in extremely good hands here! Incredible and can’t wait to keep this up to take care of myself.

stephanie chaquinga

I’ve been struggling with my mental illness since I was a teenager and decided to try ketamine infusion as advised by a friend and my therapist and wow where do I begin on how amazing my treatments have been going. I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders and I am finally able to function and have the energy and desire to do things again. It’s such a comforting place, I honestly feel like I am at home in my bed because it’s so serene. Having your own room is also a huge bonus because some clinics I looked into don’t offer that same luxury and let me tell you it makes a difference because having peace and quiet to yourself makes all the difference in enhancing your treatment and what you take away from it. Cannot wait to keep coming here for the rest of my treatments this place is a gem!

Jaron Caldwell

There's a reason IV Solutions has so many 5 star ratings - they are the best ketamine infusion clinic in Chicago! I struggle with bipolar ii disorder. My cycles are very long (4 months of mania followed by 6 months of depression). The depression is the most debilitating with extreme brain fog, making it very hard to keep my head above water at work. I've even had to go on medical disability because of it. I heard about IV Solutions from a friend and flew all the way from San Francisco to Chicago for eight infusions over two weeks. Friends and family were skeptical but I told them this was my last straw. I couldn't continue to have six month depressions and keep a career. After the first week, I didn't feel anything and was deeply depressed and concerned that it wasn't working. I stayed in bed all week, didn't leave my hotel despite the amazing weather, and felt hopeless. But, after my fourth infusion, that weekend I finally woke up and said to myself - "wow, I feel better today." And then it was game on - I was touring the city on bike, visiting old friends, and felt such a relief from my depression. I can't recommend IV Solutions enough - the staff is amazing - so great that I even brought a giant cake for them on my last day to show my sincere gratitude for their kindness and services. The clinic is super clean and the front desk attendant is very accommodating with making appointments. One recommendation - bring your own music and headset and never use your phone during treatment. You should play music that you've never heard of - because it takes you on a journey of discovery. Dr. Bal recommended the artist Deuter - which was perfect. I recommend Deuter's album "Mirage". Close your eyes and embrace the journey. Also make sure to pee before the infusion!! I have a small bladder and even after going to the bathroom before the infusion (which by the way they have a very clean bathroom you can use), I always had to rush to the bathroom. Thank you Dr. Bal and team! I'll for sure be coming back for my boosters!