Therapeutic Ketamine
We are now accepting new patients - Please send all new patient inquiries through the web form at the bottom of this page. We are unable to return new patient phone calls at this time due to the high volume of inquiries, and will contact you as soon as possible if you fill out the form.
You are not alone. Depression is now one of the leading cause of disability in the world. Unfortunately, up to half of all people with depression do not get relief from conventional therapies, or can't tolerate the side effects of antidepressants.
As a part of a comprehensive mental health treatment plan, ketamine can be highly effective. Combining it with counseling and other medications yields the best results. Many people report improvement of symptoms within a few hours of treatment.
Ketamine is one of the most widely used medications in the world, and has been used in much higher doses as an anesthetic for more than 50 years with an excellent safety record. The doses we administer in the office are a tiny fraction of those used for anesthesia.
It is not related to any antidepressants, and it works in a way unlike other antidepressants. One of the many unique features of the medicine is that you don’t need to continue taking it forever.
Research has shown that low dose, sub-anesthetic ketamine can be a safe and effective treatment for a number of diagnoses including:
Major Depressive Disorder and PTSD which hasn’t responded adequately to other treatments
Some types of chronic pain (CRPS, fibromyalgia)
Alcohol and other substance dependence (as part of a comprehensive program)
One of our goals during treatment is to increase emotional resilience - you will likely experience an improved ability to function effectively in the face of challenging situations.
Why ketamine?
When other medications have not worked, ketamine can be an effective treatment for treatment resistant anxiety and depression, PTSD and other health conditions.
It is best used as an adjunct (a medication used in addition) to counseling and other medications. It works best when you continue some of the other things that you are already doing.
How soon does it work?
Many patients report improvement after the first treatment. We recommend at least 8 treatments, two per week. After the first month some patients find that they do not need further treatment. Others decrease the frequency over time. Many patients do not need ketamine therapy beyond that. Like every aspect of mental health care your course of treatment and response is difficult to predict prior to treatment.
Requirements
You have to be over age 18, with no history of psychosis. Blood pressure must be within the normal range (if you are on medications it just has to be well-controlled), and there must be no history of heart attack or stroke.
Prior to treatment we will perform a medical screening, including reviewing your medical history and other criteria to make sure treatment will be safe and effective.
Will my insurance cover it?
Unfortunately ketamine therapy is not covered by insurance, and we do not submit claims to insurance for ketamine therapy. We can discuss the cost prior to starting treatment. At North Branch Health the cost is typically significantly less than at other clinics.
Why North Branch?
North Branch Health has been offering therapeutic ketamine since 2018. Unlike many other clinics, we carefully screen and evaluate participants prior to treatment to ensure maximum success. Our highly individualized treatment programs are designed and personalized just for you. At North Branch Health our focus is on quality of care, not quantity of care. Our goal from the start is that you will eventually no longer need ketamine therapy.
We also offer treatment far beyond ketamine. North Branch Health can provide other services as needed to supplement ketamine therapy, much of which may be covered by your insurance.