Ketamine Treatment For Depression & Anxiety
A Fast-Acting, Proven Solution for Treatment-Resistant Depression and Anxiety.
Transformative Treatment Options for Depression and Anxiety at Pathwave Psychiatry
At PathWave Psychiatry, we specialize in Spravato® (esketamine) treatment—an FDA-approved, evidence-based option for adults with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Spravato is administered as a nasal spray under medical supervision and is used in conjunction with an oral antidepressant.
Our clinic is dedicated to providing this innovative treatment in a safe, supportive environment for individuals who have not found relief with traditional therapies.
Backed by strong clinical research, Spravato has demonstrated rapid symptom relief, including reduction of depressive symptoms and acute suicidal ideation. Our team tailors each treatment plan to your unique needs, ensuring compassionate, personalized care in a comfortable and supportive setting.
Key Benefits of Ketamine Treatment at Pathwave Psychiatry:
Spravato® (Intranasal Ketamine): Approved by the FDA, this treatment is often covered by insurance and provides a non-invasive alternative for those with treatment-resistant depression.
Rapid Relief: Unlike traditional antidepressants, which can take weeks to show effects, ketamine can reduce symptoms in as little as a few hours.
Specialized Treatment Approach: At PathWave Psychiatry, we focus exclusively on Spravato® therapy, providing personalized, supervised care in a safe and supportive setting.
Whether you’ve tried other treatments without success or are experiencing a mental health crisis, Spravato® (esketamine) treatment can offer fast and effective relief. Contact Pathwave Psychiatry today to learn more about how our customized ketamine treatment plans can support your journey to better mental health.
Why is Ketamine effective for Depression and Anxiety ?
Ketamine therapy helps the neuroplasticity process in the brain, enhancing the brain's ability to form new neural connections by stimulating the production of glutamate, a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in brain activity. Glutamate, in conjunction with GABA, influences electrical activity in the brain and is closely linked to mood regulation. Research indicates that abnormal glutamate levels are associated with depression and stress. By promoting healthy neural connections, ketamine treatment supports patients with mental health conditions as they engage in other forms of therapy.
The FDA's approval of esketamine has made ketamine treatment more accessible. Previously, patients could only receive ketamine through IV infusions, a method lacking FDA approval. Esketamine, available as a nasal spray, requires lower doses than traditional ketamine to achieve similar effects. This more patient-friendly form of ketamine allows individuals to receive therapy without the need for an IV infusion.
For optimal results, esketamine and other ketamine therapies should be integrated into a comprehensive treatment plan. The FDA currently recommends using SPRAVATO™ alongside an oral antidepressant. Your mental health provider may also suggest therapy, as ketamine's ability to foster new neural connections can be further strengthened through therapeutic interventions, helping to solidify these connections in a positive direction.
Conditions Treated with Ketamine
At Pathwave Psychiatry, we use Ketamine to treat several mental health conditions, particularly in cases where conventional treatments have not worked.
1. Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD)
Ketamine treatment offers rapid relief for patients with treatment-resistant depression, where traditional medications and therapies have been ineffective. It works by altering brain chemistry, often producing results in hours instead of weeks.
2. Depression with Suicidal Ideation
For individuals with acute suicidal thoughts, Ketamine treatment can be a life-saving option. It has been shown to reduce suicidal ideation within 24 hours, offering immediate relief in crisis situations.
3. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Ketamine is effective for PTSD, helping patients process traumatic memories in a safe, controlled environment. Ketamine reduces symptoms like hypervigilance and flashbacks, improving emotional resilience.
4. Anxiety Disorders
Ketamine can treat generalized anxiety, social anxiety, and panic disorders. By targeting brain circuits involved in fear and stress responses, ketamine helps patients experience relief from overwhelming anxiety.
5. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Although still being researched, Ketamine treatment shows potential for reducing the severity of OCD symptoms by disrupting the repetitive thought patterns that characterize the condition.
Ketamine Treatment at Pathwave Psychiatry: Understanding Your Treatment Options
At PathWave Psychiatry, we offer Spravato® (intranasal esketamine) as our sole method of ketamine-based treatment. FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression, Spravato® is administered under clinical supervision in a safe, supportive environment. Our focused approach allows us to deliver highly personalized care while working closely with your insurance provider to ensure accessibility and affordability.
Intranasal Ketamine (Spravato)
Spravato, an FDA-approved nasal spray, is specifically designed to treat treatment-resistant depression. This option is often the preferred method for patients who need a non-invasive and insurance-covered treatment. The nasal spray delivers a lower dose of esketamine, a derivative of ketamine, which is absorbed through the nasal mucosa and acts rapidly to alleviate depressive symptoms.
How it Works: Spravato sessions are conducted in-office under supervision to monitor your response to the medication. Spravato must be administered in a clinical setting due to its potent effects and the need for monitoring post-treatment. After administration, you will be observed for around 2 hours to ensure safety and stability.
Insurance Coverage: One of the major benefits of intranasal ketamine with Spravato is that it is covered by most insurance plans, making it an accessible option for many patients. For those concerned about the costs of ketamine therapy, this may be the most financially viable option.
Ideal For: Patients with treatment-resistant depression who are looking for an insurance-covered, non-invasive option with moderate dissociative effects.
Side Effects: Common side effects include dizziness, nausea, elevated blood pressure, and dissociation. However, these are closely monitored, and patients are required to stay in-office after treatment to ensure safety.
What to Expect During Your Ketamine Treatment Sessions
At Pathwave Psychiatry, we are committed to providing a comfortable and supportive environment throughout your treatment journey. Here’s what you can expect before, during, and after each session:
1. Initial Consultation and Assessment
Your treatment journey begins with a thorough initial consultation. During this session, your mental health provider will:
Review your medical history and assess your current mental health condition.
Discuss your suitability for ketamine therapy and determine the most appropriate administration method (intranasal, intramuscular, or oral).
Set therapeutic goals and expectations for the treatment. This preparation is crucial to ensuring the best possible outcome.
2. Preparation for Your Ketamine Session
Before your ketamine session, you will attend a preparation meeting with Dr. Yaqubi. This session helps you get comfortable with the process and sets the stage for the treatment. In this meeting:
You’ll work with your Dr. Yaqubi to set intentions for the session, such as what you hope to explore emotionally or mentally.
Dr. Yaqubi will answer any questions you may have about the treatment and ensure you feel prepared for the experience.
3. Administration of Ketamine
On the day of your ketamine session, your mental health provider will administer the ketamine through one of the following methods:
Intranasal (Spravato): This is a nasal spray form of esketamine, administered in a comfortable, relaxed environment. You will be observed in-office for about two hours after administration to monitor for side effects and ensure safety.
Intramuscular Injection: Ketamine is injected into the muscle, typically in your thigh or upper arm. This method leads to rapid onset of dissociative effects, typically within 5 to 10 minutes.
Oral (Sublingual): A ketamine lozenge is placed under your tongue and dissolves over about 10-15 minutes. Effects begin gradually, usually within 15-20 minutes.
During this time, you may feel relaxed, dissociated, or detached from your surroundings. This dissociative state allows you to explore thoughts, emotions, and memories with less emotional resistance, making it an ideal time for psychotherapy.
4. During the Session
While under the effects of ketamine, you will be sitting on a recliner in our quiet soothing treatment room for about two hours. We will check your vital signs prior, during and after your treatment. Ketamine treatment can help you to :
Focus on key emotional issues or processing trauma that you might not typically access in conventional treatment.
Experience deeper insights or perspectives on your mental health challenges.
5. Follow-Up and Continuing Care
Your mental health provider will monitor your progress through follow-up appointments, adjusting your treatment plan as necessary. Your psychiatrist will work with you to :
Process and make sense of any experiences, thoughts, or feelings that emerged during the ketamine session.
Incorporate new insights into your ongoing therapy and everyday life, helping to solidify positive changes in mood and behavior.
Depending on your condition, you may receive multiple Ketamine treatment sessions over the course of several weeks or months, to help maintain your mental health improvements.
Insurance Coverage for Spravato® (esketamine) Treatment
Many insurance plans cover Spravato® (esketamine nasal spray) for individuals with treatment-resistant depression and, in some cases, suicidal ideation. At PathWave Psychiatry, we work directly with insurance providers to help maximize coverage—some patients may only be responsible for their standard copay.
Spravato® treatment typically begins with twice-weekly sessions for the first four weeks, followed by a tapering schedule based on clinical response. Prior to starting treatment, we’ll provide a clear cost estimate and assist you with any necessary prior authorizations or documentation.
Our team is committed to making this innovative treatment as accessible and affordable as possible.
FAQ for Ketamine Treatment
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Spravato® is a form of ketamine, specifically esketamine, which differs from traditional ketamine in its formulation and administration. While ketamine can be administered through intravenous infusion, Intra muscular or sublingual, Spravato® is administered as a nasal spray. Spravato® is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression, whereas ketamine is often used "off-label" for a broader range of conditions.
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Ketamine and Spravato® are administered using different methods, tailored to their formulations and clinical applications : Ketamine can be administered through Intravenous (IV) Infusion, Intramuscular (IM) Injection or via Sublingual, and Spravato® (Esketamine) is a Intranasal Spray.
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The number of sessions required for ketamine or Spravato® treatment can vary based on individual response, the severity of symptoms, and treatment goals. Here’s a general overview:
1-Initial Phase: Patients usually start with 2 sessions per week for the first 4 weeks. This intensive phase is designed to rapidly stabilize the patient.
2-Maintenance Phase: After the initial phase, the frequency may be reduced to once a week or every other week, depending on the patient’s response and clinical judgment.
Treatments often require ongoing evaluation to adjust the frequency and duration of sessions based on the patient's improvement and any side effects experienced. Regular follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments.
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Each treatment session typically lasts around two hours, depending on the type of treatment and individual response. The session usually includes an initial administration period followed by a monitored observation period of about two hours to ensure safety and to monitor for side effects. The total duration of the visit may vary slightly based on the patient's response and clinic protocols.
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Some insurance plans may cover Spravato (nasal spray ketamine) for treatment-resistant depression and suicidal ideation. We collaborate with insurance providers, so some patients may only need to pay their usual copay for Spravato treatments.
Alongside Spravato, we provide intramuscular and sublingual ketamine treatments. However, because ketamine is used “off-label” for these treatments, insurance generally does not cover them. The cost for sublingual (oral) and intramuscular ketamine sessions typically ranges from $350 to $550 per session.
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Yes, there are several contraindications for using Ketamine or Spravato®. These treatments may not be suitable for individuals with certain medical or psychiatric conditions. Some contraindications include:
Uncontrolled high blood pressure: Both Ketamine and Spravato® can elevate blood pressure, so they are not recommended for patients with uncontrolled hypertension.
History of aneurysms or vascular conditions: Due to the potential increase in blood pressure, individuals with a history of aneurysms or other vascular issues may be at higher risk.
Severe liver disease: High doses or long-term use of Ketamine may affect liver function, so caution is advised for patients with severe liver conditions.
Substance abuse history: Ketamine is a controlled substance, so individuals with a history of substance abuse or dependency may not be ideal candidates.
Certain psychiatric disorders: Patients with a history of psychosis, including schizophrenia, may not be suitable for Ketamine or Spravato® as these treatments could exacerbate symptoms.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding: There is limited research on the safety of Ketamine and Spravato® during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so they are generally not recommended in these cases.
Before starting treatment, a thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional is necessary to determine if either option is appropriate.
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No, it is not safe to drive home immediately after a Ketamine or Spravato® treatment. Both treatments can cause side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, or dissociation, which can impair your ability to drive safely. After treatment, it’s recommended that patients arrange for transportation or have someone else drive them home.
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When undergoing treatment with Ketamine or Spravato®, potential side effects may vary depending on the individual, dosage, and method of administration. Common side effects include:
Dissociation: A temporary feeling of detachment from reality, often described as feeling spaced out or disconnected from surroundings.
Nausea and vomiting: Some individuals may experience gastrointestinal discomfort during or after treatment.
Increased blood pressure: Both Ketamine and Spravato® can cause a temporary rise in blood pressure, particularly during the treatment session.
Drowsiness or sedation: Many patients feel sleepy or fatigued after treatment and may need time to rest before resuming normal activities.
Dizziness or lightheadedness: A common side effect that can persist for a few hours after treatment.
Headaches: Some patients report mild to moderate headaches following treatment sessions.
Anxiety or agitation: In some cases, patients may feel anxious or restless, especially during the dissociative effects of the medication.
Nasal discomfort (with Spravato®): Spravato® is administered as a nasal spray, which may cause temporary irritation, discomfort, or a runny nose.
These side effects are generally short-lived and resolve after the treatment session. However, a we will closely monitor for any significant or persistent adverse reactions. It’s important to discuss your full medical history with your provider to minimize risks and ensure the safest treatment approach.