Ketamine for Depression
Rapid, Lasting Help for Depression
Columbia Ketamine Center offers ketamine infusion therapy for people with major depressive disorder, including those who have tried several antidepressants, counseling and lifestyle changes without much success. Ketamine is reshaping how depression can be treated, and it works in a different way than standard antidepressants. Evidence suggests ketamine produces structural changes, at least for a time, in the brain’s default mode network (DMN).
As described on Wikipedia, the DMN is most active when your attention is turned away from the outside world and the brain is in a state of wakeful rest, as happens during daydreaming and mind-wandering. The network may also switch on during detailed thinking tied to tasks in the outside world. The DMN is active as well when you think about other people, reflect on yourself, recall the past or plan ahead. Together, these functions build a coherent “internal narrative” that sits at the center of your sense of self. Relief often begins within the first few days after treatment starts.
How Our Depression Protocol Works
Treatment starts with six one-hour intravenous (IV) infusions, given under direct clinical supervision in a private, comfortable room. For the best results, we encourage you to complete all six within two weeks. About two weeks after that series, you return for one booster infusion. From then on, we offer ketamine lozenges you take at home to help the benefits last longer. Most patients using lozenges also do well with a monthly maintenance infusion for the next five to six months. After those first six months, how often someone needs a follow-up infusion differs a great deal from person to person.
Before treatment, our team looks closely at your medical history, your current symptoms and what you have tried before. As you respond, we fine-tune the protocol so your plan is truly personal and you get the most from this therapy, both now and over time.
Pricing and Payment Options
New patients who finish all six infusions within the two-week window receive the sixth infusion free. If you do not feel you have had a positive response one week after your sixth infusion, we will also refund what you paid for the fifth infusion. Each depression infusion is $400. Flexible financing is offered through Advance Care and CareCredit.
Is Ketamine Therapy Right for You?
Columbia Ketamine Center offers medically supervised ketamine treatment for Columbia and the Midlands, backed by Dr. Bowen’s experience with more than 30,000 infusions. Call or book a free consultation to talk through your symptoms, your treatment history and whether ketamine is a good fit.