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Ketamine / Esketamine

What is Ketamine?

Ketamine is a medication originally developed as a surgical anesthetic, but it has gained popularity in psychiatry for its rapid-acting antidepressant effects. It works by blocking the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor in the brain, which helps alleviate symptoms of depression and other mental health conditions. Ketamine is particularly effective for treatment-resistant depression, suicidal thinking, and trauma symptoms where traditional antidepressants have failed. Esketamine, a version of ketamine, is FDA-approved for use as a nasal spray under the brand name Spravato. It is indicated for adults with treatment-resistant depression and depressive symptoms in adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) with acute suicidal ideation or behavior.

What does Ketamine treatment look like in practice?

Treatment starts with a comprehensive evaluation. Patients receive esketamine (Spravato) as a nasal spray, administered under the direct supervision of a healthcare provider. Each treatment session lasts about two hours, during which patients are monitored. Initially there are twice-weekly sessions, gradually transitioning to weekly or bi-weekly sessions based on response and progress. There are typically a total of 14 sessions over 12 weeks. This approach allows for real-time adjustments to the treatment plan, ensuring that each patient receives personalized care tailored to their unique need.

Why does Carencia offer Ketamine services?

Unlike traditional antidepressants, esketamine can work quickly, often providing noticeable improvements within hours or days. This rapid effectiveness is particularly valuable for individuals who have not responded to other treatments. By integrating this innovative treatment into our practice, it aligns with our commitment to accessing and utilizing all available resources to improve the lives of the communities we serve. Additionally, we have chosen to use Spravato, the FDA-approved nasal spray form of esketamine, rather than intravenous (IV) ketamin

01

What does a typical Ketamine therapy session look like? +

You attend your scheduled appointment. Estketamine spray is administered. You lay down on a couch in a comfortable environment for some time to allow the treatment take effect.

02

How is Ketamine Administered? +

Ketamine is a two-hour treatment at Carencia, administered as a nasal spray. Its impact is often felt immediately and within 40 minutes, patients typically feel a marked difference in their depression symptoms. The treatment is often effective for up to 16 weeks, so we will typically create a treatment routine with frequent evaluations for you.

03

How do I know if Ketamine is right for me? +

While Ketamine is not a first-choice treatment for depression at Carencia, we do cautiously consider it when other treatments come up short. Specifically, we use it for what is called treatment-resistant depression or TRF, which is a severe depression that has held up against other therapies.

04

Who Should Not Use Ketamine +

Ketamine is broadly considered safe, but for those who have a history of psychosis, schizophrenia, or substance abuse as well as teenagers, those pregnant or breastfeeding, or older adults with dementia, Ketamine should be avoided or used with outsized caution.

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Our Success Stories

I started seeing Jesse back when they were under another name. It’s probably 6 or 7 years ago. Now that they’ve grown and have become CARENCIA, my treatment has never wavered. Though my addiction to opiates brought me to Carencia, my treatment extends beyond that. My treatment started with Jesse (..sometimes Joe), and now Sarah; what I’ve learned more than anything else is how committed the team is to their patients. Their drive for excellence in patient care and treatment is nothing short of honorable.
Thanks, Carencia!

Lloyd C.

Joseph has been a pleasure to work with and has provided me with the help I needed to get back on my feet. After working with him I feel like I am in a much better place and life has gotten easier. I would recommend Carencia for all their great work and couldn’t thank the team enough for the help they have provided me!

Christopher C.

I am a psychotherapist that has been working in the industry for 12 years, and Carencia is a standout! The level of collaboration and added consultation time, (with the clients I have referred to Jesse and team), has truly been phenomenal. When referring clients to providers for medication management, the process can often be tough, and communication between the psychiatrist/psychiatric provider and myself, can be very difficult (to say the least). With this practice, the personalized approach, and time spent with my clients to answer all questions, keep everyone informed, and provide the highest quality of care is very unique. Jesse Tucker and Carencia Mental Health are my #1 choice for referrals!!

Yancy Grimes

I would give more stars if I could. Their service is so easy to use, appointments, availability, communication, use of their virtual app. They make it simple. I have never had any issues. I have been a patient of Katie Kesterson for 2 years and she is absolutely amazing! I highly recommend them.

Misty L.

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