Ketamine Infusions

Ketamine Treatment in Washington, D.C. for Depression & PTSD.

At Washington Interventional Psychiatry (WIP), a leading D.C. ketamine infusion clinic, we are proud to offer personalized, evidence-based ketamine treatment to residents throughout Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (the DMV area). When traditional treatments and therapies for depression, anxiety, and trauma haven’t worked, our team of board-certified physicians specializes in identifying the ideal candidates for IV ketamine therapy. Through customized programs, our practice tailors each infusion treatment to meet individual needs and goals, offering a targeted approach to mental health care.

How Ketamine Infusion Treatment Works

At our D.C. ketamine therapy clinic, ketamine is administered intravenously (IV) or intramuscularly (IM) in a safe, private and controlled environment. Over time, it can help reset brain pathways, offering rapid relief from depression, PTSD, and anxiety symptoms. Unlike traditional antidepressants, which can take months to show results, many patients notice improvement after the first few weeks.

While some may not experience immediate mood changes, a series of infusions is needed for lasting relief as the effects build over time. Ketamine has proven effective for many treatment-resistant conditions, making it a groundbreaking solution for mental health care.

What to Expect During Ketamine Infusion at Our D.C. Office

Our clinicians strive to make each infusion session as comfortable and supportive as possible. Here’s what you can expect:

Ketamine Infusion Treatment Costs and Coverage

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Book Your Complementary Consultation

Curious if ketamine infusion therapy could be the breakthrough you need for depression or PTSD? Reach out to WIP, your trusted ketamine clinic in D.C., and schedule your free consultation today. A better tomorrow starts with one small step.

Our office is located at 4325 49th Street NW, Suite 200, Washington, D.C. 20016.

What is Ketamine?

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.

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