At Washington Interventional Psychiatry (WIP) in Washington, DC, we are leaders in cutting-edge mental health treatments, providing hope and relief for individuals who have not responded to traditional therapies. We are now proud to offer Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) therapy, an innovative treatment for PTSD, anxiety, and trauma-related conditions. As a premier interventional psychiatry clinic in Washington, DC, our expert team is committed to delivering advanced solutions to help patients regain control of their lives.
SGB is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that involves injecting a local anesthetic around the stellate ganglion, a cluster of nerves located in the neck. This procedure aims to temporarily block nerve signals in the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body’s “fight or flight” response, and can help reduce symptoms associated with conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety.
The procedure takes approximately 20 minutes, and is performed by an anesthesiologist in collaboration with WIP. You will lie on your back with your head slightly elevated. The doctor will locate the stellate ganglion using ultrasound guidance and inject a local anesthetic around the ganglion. You may feel a warm sensation or slight pressure during the injection, but most patients experience minimal discomfort due to the use of local anesthesia. The anesthesiologist will inject one side of the neck; if only partially effective, a second block can be performed on the opposite side on a different day.
SGB can provide rapid relief from symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression. The procedure is minimally invasive and typically well-tolerated. Research has shown promising results for the use of SGB in managing PTSD and anxiety symptoms, including rapid reduction of physical symptoms of anxiety, as well as improved sleep, mood stabilization, and a reduction in intrusive thoughts following treatment. SGB offers a non-pharmaceutical option for individuals who have not found relief through traditional therapies.
A stellate ganglion block is typically performed on one side of the neck (unilateral) during the initial procedure. This approach targets the sympathetic nerve on that side, which can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and PTSD by reducing the “fight or flight” response.
If a unilateral block provides only partial or no relief, a second procedure may be performed on the opposite side (bilateral) to achieve a more comprehensive effect. Bilateral treatment is approached cautiously to minimize the risk of side effects.
Unilateral SGB is often sufficient for many patients, but bilateral treatment may provide enhanced results for those who need additional relief. At WIP, we partner with experienced anesthesiologists to ensure precise and safe administration while tailoring the approach to each patient’s needs.
SGB may cause temporary side effects like hoarseness, drooping eyelid, and flushing of the face. Serious complications are rare but may include bleeding, infection, and nerve injury.
SGB may be an option if you have PTSD or treatment-resistant anxiety, tried many medications and/or therapies with no success, or have had intolerable side effects to medications. Many people consider SGB when trying to improve anxiety without or trying to cut down on medications like xanax, ativan or klonopin.
The cost of a Stellate Ganglion Block is $1,000 per treatment (which is unilateral). This fee includes the procedure, imaging guidance, and comprehensive care coordination.
At Washington Interventional Psychiatry, we take a unique approach to Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) by combining precise medical procedures with the expertise of psychiatric oversight. Our partnership with skilled anesthesiologists ensures that the procedure is performed with the highest standard of care. Our psychiatrists will monitor the effectiveness of the procedure and integrate the results into your overall mental health treatment plan.
Our dual approach—precise ultrasound execution by anesthesiologists and strategic oversight by psychiatrists—makes WIP the right choice for patients seeking effective and complete relief from PTSD and anxiety symptoms.
Take control of your recovery with the support of our experienced team. Contact us today to find out how SGB can be integrated into your personalized treatment plan.
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If you are interested in learning more about SGB or other interventional psychiatric treatments, please contact Washington Interventional Psychiatry today or book a free consult with one of our interventional psychiatrists.
