Breakthrough Treatment for Treatment-Resistant Depression
When traditional treatments haven't worked, ketamine therapy offers rapid, meaningful relief for depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
What is Ketamine-Assisted Therapy?
Ketamine-assisted therapy is a breakthrough treatment that offers hope for people who haven't found relief with traditional antidepressants. Unlike conventional medications that can take weeks to work, ketamine often produces rapid improvements—sometimes within hours or days.
Originally developed as an anesthetic, ketamine works through a completely different mechanism than typical antidepressants. It affects glutamate, the brain's most abundant neurotransmitter, and may help restore neural connections that depression has weakened—essentially helping your brain heal and adapt.
A note on our approach: At Next Step Psychiatry, Dr. Morium Chowdhury provides ketamine therapy in a safe, supportive medical environment. We believe in integrating ketamine with comprehensive psychiatric care for the best outcomes.
Who Can Benefit from Ketamine Therapy?
Treatment-Resistant Depression
When antidepressants haven't provided adequate relief after trying multiple medications.
Anxiety Disorders
Severe anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, and social anxiety that limits daily functioning.
PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder with intrusive memories, nightmares, and hypervigilance.
Chronic Pain
Certain chronic pain conditions, especially those linked to depression or central sensitization.
Benefits of Ketamine Therapy
Ketamine offers unique advantages over traditional treatments, especially for those who've tried multiple medications without success.
Rapid Relief
Traditional antidepressants can take 4-6 weeks to show effects. Many ketamine patients experience improvement within:
Hours
Initial effects
Days
Mood lift
Weeks
Full response
What to Expect from Ketamine Treatment
Consultation & Evaluation
Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation to determine if ketamine therapy is right for you. We review your medical history, current medications, and treatment goals.
Treatment Planning
If you're a good candidate, we create a personalized treatment plan including dosing, frequency, and integration with your current care.
Ketamine Sessions
Treatments are administered in our comfortable, supervised clinic. Sessions typically last 1-2 hours. You'll need a driver home.
Integration & Follow-Up
We provide ongoing support to help you process your experience and maintain benefits. Many patients combine ketamine with therapy for best results.
Important Safety Information
Ketamine therapy is not appropriate for everyone. It may not be recommended if you have:
- • Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- • Active substance abuse
- • Certain psychiatric conditions (e.g., active psychosis)
- • Certain medical conditions affecting the heart or brain
A thorough evaluation is essential to determine if ketamine is safe and appropriate for you. Our team will review your complete medical and psychiatric history before recommending treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ketamine therapy safe?
Ketamine has been safely used in medicine for over 50 years as an anesthetic. At therapeutic doses for mental health, it has an excellent safety profile when administered by trained medical professionals. We monitor you throughout your session.
How is ketamine different from Spravato?
Spravato (esketamine) is an FDA-approved nasal spray derived from ketamine, specifically for treatment-resistant depression. Traditional ketamine therapy uses the original compound and may be administered via IV or other routes. Both are effective; we'll help determine which is best for you.
How quickly does ketamine work?
Many patients notice improvement within hours to days after their first session—much faster than traditional antidepressants which can take weeks. However, a series of treatments is typically recommended for lasting benefits.
Will I be unconscious during treatment?
No. At therapeutic doses, you remain conscious but may feel dissociated, relaxed, or have altered perceptions. Many patients describe it as a dreamlike state. You're monitored throughout and the effects wear off within hours.
How many sessions will I need?
A typical initial course is 6 sessions over 2-3 weeks. After that, maintenance sessions may be recommended every few weeks to months depending on your response. We tailor the protocol to your needs.
Does insurance cover ketamine therapy?
Traditional ketamine infusions are often not covered by insurance, though Spravato (esketamine) may be covered. We can discuss costs and payment options during your consultation.
Ready to Explore Ketamine Therapy?
If you've been struggling with depression, anxiety, or PTSD despite trying other treatments, ketamine therapy may offer the breakthrough you need.