At our Washington, D.C. ketamine therapy clinic, ketamine is administered intravenously (IV), intramuscularly (IM), or nasally (INH) within a structured psychiatric setting. Treatments occur in a private, medically supervised environment with continuous monitoring by trained clinical staff.
Ketamine has demonstrated benefit for depression, PTSD, anxiety disorders, and other treatment-resistant conditions. Unlike traditional antidepressants, which may take weeks to months to reach full effect, ketamine can produce symptom improvement within a shorter timeframe for some patients.
A series of treatments is typically required, followed by individualized maintenance planning. At WIP, ketamine is not delivered as an isolated procedure but as part of comprehensive psychiatric care, including dose strategy, safety monitoring, and longitudinal treatment planning.
Ketamine treatments at WIP are delivered in a private, medically supervised setting designed to promote focus, safety, and discretion. Below is an overview of the treatment process.
If you are considering ketamine treatment for depression, PTSD, or other psychiatric conditions, we invite you to schedule a consultation to determine whether it is an appropriate part of your treatment plan.
Our office is located at 4325 49th Street NW, Suite 200, Washington, D.C. 20016.
For additional information about Ketamine, please scroll down to our FAQ section.
Intravenous Ketamine is not, however nasal esketamine (SPRAVATO™) is FDA approved. They are the same drug (ketamine), absorption rates and the delivery process (intravenous vs intranasal) differs.
Yes, ketamine infusions for depression are outpatient procedures requiring no hospital admission.
Ideally yes as we want to make sure oral antidepressants have been unsuccessfully tried. However, a consult with our psychiatrists will be required and if oral antidepressants are an option- they will most likely be tried first.
No, mild to moderate depression is successfully treated by mental health professionals with drugs and psychotherapy. The treatment of severe depression is more difficult and requires a higher level of care, such as ECT, TMS, and now ketamine. Ketamine infusion therapy is reserved for those patients with severe depression that is considered otherwise treatment resistant.
Most patients we see are considered treatment resistant. That is, they have not responded to available antidepressant medications and in many cases have not responded to ECT or TMS. We cannot predict who will respond to ketamine. We will know within the induction phase of treatments if ketamine infusions will help you. If there is no benefit, we will let you know and help decide on an alternative treatment plan that might include referrals to ECT, TMS, or referral to NIH for possible enrollment in experimental medication trials.
A total of six is recommended within a 14 – 21 day period. That will maximize the ketamine effect. Thereafter, patients are placed on a maintenance program where they return when they feel it necessary for a single infusion booster. During the maintenance period, the duration of relief following the initial infusions and the first booster, and between subsequent single booster infusions varies between patients. The average duration of relief between booster infusions is 3 to 4 weeks. Its important to remember that each individuals needs are different, which is why we work closely with every client to find the best treatment protocols for you.
We unfortunately do not know the answer to this as there are no long term studies of ketamine or esketamine.
Yes. The benzodiazepines, such as Klonopin, Xanax, and Ativan do interfere with ketamine if used daily and at higher doses. Lamictal (lamotrigine) in doses above 100mg/day also can block ketamine efficacy. During your consultation with one of our physicians this will be discussed.
No, other antidepressant medications do not interfere with ketamine’s mechanism of action. However medications such as lamotrigine and benzodiazepines might need to be tapered down and if possible discontinued.
Yes, uncontrolled high blood pressure or heart failure need to be corrected before the use of ketamine.
True emergencies, with a psychiatric referral, can be seen within a day. But, in general, three to seven days are required to get you onto the schedule. We will however try our best to accommodate any patient’s scheduling needs.
○ One of the most efficacious treatments for refractory depression and suicidal ideation currently available. More recently we are seeing benefits in trauma related conditions as well ○ 6 total infusions, ranging from 2 – 3 per week (must be completed w/i 3 wks) ○ Each infusion is 40 minutes long, but total start-finish time is closer to ~75 ○ You cannot drive after an infusion ○ You’ll probably need to go home and take a nap before you feel clear headed ○ Most patients who respond to treatment require a single maintenance infusion monthly – quarterly ○ Potentially concerning side effects include dissociation, nausea, transient HTN,interstitial cystitis (rare), and laryngeal spasm (exceptionally rare)
■ More commonly used for self exploration of internal conflicts, history of trauma, psychological distress ■ Appts are booked for 2 hours ■ A therapist is in the room with you for a majority of the time (unless you ask her to leave) ■ A KAP treatment is more expensive than an standard infusion
○ Please don’t eat for 3-4 hrs prior to an infusion, but please do come well hydrated ○ Please abstain from any recreational drugs or alcohol the evening prior to and day/evening of an infusion Try your best to get a restful sleep the night before. ○ If journaling has been helpful, it’s a good time to journal. ○ Meditating the night before, the morning of and/or walking just before coming to the office might be beneficial to your experience. ○ You might consider dressing in comfortable clothing.
Best practice is to work with your therapist on music that will positively impact your experience or help reach your intentions. These are samples that you can find online: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0dzvZDZNckuXLizbkP5nUC?si=1ytDbu7 NS5W3d_gJfhxR5w ■ https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6EBtnrgLRXUI0mrvgyJVLc?si=25e07c7ff e5c4b42 ■ https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0dzvZDZNckuXLizbkP5nUC?si=ae44d08 da9a44cd2 ■ https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4ps9SddRPpiT5Sl0Mz6y4h?si=d27254f8 ad7e4963 ■ https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4TyxddhXPv3Xjw5MNQq2wy?si=1802ea 7f152e471c
