Ketamine Therapy for Depression | Hennessee & Associates

Discover the Benefits of Ketamine Therapy

When traditional treatments like medications and psychotherapy don’t work, ketamine therapy offers new hope.

At Hennessee & Associates, we’re proud to provide this innovative approach to patients and their families seeking relief from depression and related conditions.

In addition to outpatient evaluations, our Buprenorphine Program, and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), we offer ketamine therapy as part of our commitment to comprehensive mental health care.

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What is Ketamine Therapy?

Ketamine is a “dissociative anesthetic” that has been used safely in anesthesia and pain management for decades. In recent years, it has gained recognition in psychiatry for its rapid impact on depression symptoms. Some patients feel noticeable relief just hours after their first infusion.

Ketamine therapy involves administering low doses of ketamine to treat depression, particularly for individuals who haven’t responded to other treatments. When combined with personalized care, this treatment can provide an essential step toward recovery.

How Does Ketamine Work?

Ketamine works by interacting with a complex system of nerve receptors known as NMDA, which play a crucial role in regulating mood, pain, and cognition. In addition to its effect on NMDA receptors, ketamine stimulates the production of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), a substance that helps repair damaged nerve cells linked to depression and PTSD.

Administration: Ketamine is typically given via IV infusion in a clinical setting.
Duration: Each Ketamine infusion takes approximately 40 minutes.
Patient Experience: During treatment, you may feel a dream-like state or mild dissociation. This typically subsides 15 to 20 minutes after the infusion ends.

What to Expect During Treatment

Each patient’s treatment journey is unique, but the typical process follows a consistent schedule to ensure safe and effective care. Please note that patients should not drive on the day of their infusion and can usually resume normal activities the following day.

Treatment Schedule: Most patients undergo nine IV infusions over five weeks.
Symptom Relief: Some patients report relief after the first infusion, while most notice improvement after completing eight treatments.
Maintenance Therapy: Some individuals benefit from maintenance infusions at a schedule tailored to their needs.

Esketamine (Spravato®) Treatment

Esketamine, marketed as Spravato®, is a derivative of ketamine and works similarly by targeting NMDA receptors in the brain to support mood regulation. While ketamine is often administered via IV infusions, esketamine is FDA-approved as a nasal spray specifically for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) with suicidal thoughts.

esketamine is administered intranasally in a clinical setting:

Monitoring: Patients are monitored for at least two hours after treatment for potential side effects, such as dissociation and increased blood pressure.
Treatment Plan: Esketamine is typically administered twice a week for the first month, once weekly for the second month, and then adjusted based on the patient’s progress.

Is Ketamine Covered by Insurance?

Esketamine (Spravato®) is FDA-approved and covered by most insurance plans, with some patients paying as little as $10 per session. However, IV ketamine infusions, while highly effective for many patients, are not yet FDA-approved for depression and are typically offered as private-pay options.

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Begin Your Path to Relief

If you’re ready to explore ketamine therapy or have questions about your treatment options, our experienced team is here to support you. Let us help you take the next step toward a brighter future with compassionate, expert care.

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Breakthrough Depression Care with Ketamine Therapy