Ketamine Treatments
The Process
For the safety of our patients, we conduct a history and physical, with emphasis on a psychiatric evaluation, to determine if you are a candidate for Ketamine therapy. If you are deemed a candidate, you will be referred for treatment. You can also have a referral for treatment submitted by your primary psychiatric provider. They can access our referral form on this website.
Our pre-treatment process is thorough and designed with care for your well-being.
After you’ve received a referral, we’re ready to schedule your infusion sessions. We require that our patients have a pre-arranged ride home from the treatment center, as driving is discouraged within 12-24 hours of leaving the clinic. Patients are encouraged to invite a family member or friend to accompany them to treatment. Expect to be at the clinic for approximately two hours for each visit.
On the day of your session we will walk you through the treatment process. You will be seated in a comfortable recliner in quiet surroundings. When you are at Bloom Ketamine Infusions, it’s time to relax.
FAQ's
Ketamine is a medication mainly used for starting and maintaining anesthesia for surgical procedures and treating pain. In small, sub-anesthetic doses, it is being used to treat depression, anxiety, PTSD, suicidal thoughts, OCD, migraine headaches and chronic pain. It is currently not FDA approved in treating mental health conditions, but is being used as an “off-label” treatment. “Off-label” use means that it is being administered as a treatment that the FDA did not originally approve it for, but due to clinical experience a broader use of medications develops over time. There are currently several studies being conducted and a push to get approval for its use for depressive disorders and mood related illnesses.
Ketamine infusions work quickly by increasing the neurotransmitter glutamate (NMDA receptor) in the frontal cortex of the brain, allowing new neuronal synapses to form. It works quickly because it bypasses the traditional serotonin route and works directly activating glutamate. The stress response caused by depression, anxiety and PTSD decreases these connections causing a breakdown of communication among brain cells. Ketamine changes the brain’s neuroplasticity by increasing synapse connections, allowing the brain to reestablish, reconnect and to change and grow. A proliferation of neurons empower the synapses to communicate, increase coping mechanisms by opening doors and windows of the brain, letting in light and giving way to new thoughts and hope. Currently, there are no traditional anti-depressant medications that work on the same pathway as ketamine, making it a “break through and cutting edge” treatment for depressive disorders.
A series of six infusions is recommended over a two – three week period. Rapid results can be seen within a few hours of treatment, but some patients may take longer to respond. It is the process of repeating Ketamine infusions that add to and rebuild neuronal pathways. It’s like rebuilding a highway, one layer at a time. The effects of Ketamine can last from a few weeks to a few months, the results varying from person to person. Subsequent maintenance infusions are typically needed and recommended once every six weeks to three months. According to increasingly extensive research involving the use of Ketamine for treatment in a broad spectrum of psychological ailments, the medical community reports approximately 70% or greater success rate in the reduction of symptoms in patients receiving Ketamine treatments.
Yes, benzodiazepines such as Klonopin, Xanax, and Ativan interfere with the effectiveness of Ketamine if used daily. Lamictal in doses above 100 mg/day can block Ketamine efficacy. Pregnancy, uncontrolled high blood pressure, cardiac dysrhythmias, and heart failure are contraindications for Ketamine therapy. We will evaluate and use caution with glaucoma patients, as there may be a transient increase in intraocular pressure.
The infusion is 40 minutes. Your first appointment will include a 30 to 45 minute intake and assessment. Subsequently, you’ll need to plan for approximately two hours for each infusion appointment. You will need a ride home, driving after therapy isn’t recommended for 12-24 hours. Taxi/Uber/Lyft, or any form of paid transportation, are acceptable if you are unable to arrange a ride by other means. A ride must be established prior to receiving infusions.
We offer affordable and competitive rates. Payment is due at time of service. Please call for more information.
How Ketamine Treatments Can Help You
Benefits of Ketamine Infusions for Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, and OCD:
- A more stable state of mind, especially when recalling traumatic events.
- A state of mind free from obsessive thoughts and being overburdened by past events.
- A significant increase in energy and mental acuity.
- A decrease in anger and frustration.
- A significant reduction in your level of inflammation from your very first infusion.