A New Path Forward When Traditional Treatments Haven't Helped
At Walnut Creek Psychiatry, we understand how discouraging it can feel when depression, anxiety, PTSD, or OCD continue despite trying multiple treatments. Our innovative Ketamine Treatments offer a different approach—one that may provide rapid relief for individuals who have not found success with traditional medications alone.
Our experienced psychiatric team provides Ketamine Treatment in a safe, tranquil, and medically supervised environment designed with your comfort and well-being in mind. We have focused solutions and treatment options to explore with you.
What Is SPRAVATO® (Esketamine)?
Spravato® (Esketamine) is a fast-acting medication alternative solution that is FDA-approved for difficult-to-treat depression. Experience Spravato® (Esketamine) treatments in our safe, quiet, private rooms and exceptional quality of care delivered by our registered nurses.
It's the only nasal spray treatment indicated for treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Spravato® is a variant of Ketamine that is administered nasally and responds differently in the brain than commonly used antidepressants.
What Is Ketamine Infusion Treatment?
Ketamine Infusion Treatment (IV Ketamine) is a treatment in which a low dose of Ketamine is delivered directly into a vein through an IV under medical supervision. It works differently from traditional antidepressants. While many medications can take several weeks to produce noticeable results, ketamine often begins working within hours or days for some patients.
What Does Ketamine Treatment Do?
Spravato® (Esketamine) & Ketamine target glutamate, a neurotransmitter that plays a critical role in communication between brain cells. By supporting the formation of new neural connections, Ketamine Treatment may help restore pathways that have been impacted by depression, anxiety, trauma, or chronic stress.
Research suggests Ketamine:
- Promotes the growth of new neural connections in the brain
- Improves communication between brain cells
- Reduces inflammation that may contribute to mood disorders and chronic pain
- Supports healthier thought patterns and emotional regulation
- Helps alter the brain's perception of pain
These effects can lead to meaningful improvements in mood, functioning, and quality of life.
Conditions That May Benefit from Ketamine Treatment
Ketamine Treatment may be considered for individuals experiencing:
- Major depressive disorder
- Anxiety disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
During your evaluation, our providers will determine whether Ketamine therapy may be an appropriate treatment option based on your symptoms, history, and overall treatment goals.
Benefits of Ketamine Treatment
Fast-Acting Relief
Unlike many traditional medications that may take weeks to become effective, some patients experience improvements after only one or two treatments. This can be particularly meaningful for individuals struggling with severe symptoms or significant emotional distress.
Effective When Other Treatments Have Failed
Ketamine has shown promise for individuals who have not responded adequately to multiple medications, therapy, or other conventional treatment approaches. For many patients, it offers hope when previous treatments have provided limited results.
Long-Lasting Results
Many individuals experience benefits that continue for weeks or even months following a treatment series. Outcomes may be enhanced when ketamine therapy is combined with ongoing psychotherapy and psychiatric care.
Safe and Closely Monitored Care
Patient safety is our highest priority. Every treatment is supervised by our experienced clinical team, including trained nursing staff, CRNAs, and psychiatric providers who monitor your comfort, vital signs, and overall experience throughout therapy.
What to Expect During Treatment
Ketamine Treatment is administered in our comfortable, medically supervised treatment setting.
Each treatment typically lasts 40 to 60 minutes, followed by a monitoring and recovery period to ensure you feel well before returning home.
Many patients find the experience relaxing and appreciate the calm, supportive environment our team provides throughout the process.
The Ketamine Treatment Process
1. Referral
Patients begin with a referral from their current mental health provider. We value collaboration and work closely with your existing treatment team to ensure continuity of care.
2. Medical Evaluation
You'll meet with our clinical team to review your medical history, psychiatric history, current medications, and treatment goals. This evaluation helps determine whether Treatment is appropriate for your unique needs.
3. Preparation
Prior to treatment, you'll receive detailed instructions regarding preparation, including fasting guidelines and transportation requirements.
4. Treatment
Your Ketamine Treatment will be administered in one of our comfortable treatment rooms while our clinical team monitors you throughout the session.
5. Recovery
Following treatment, you'll spend approximately 30 to 60 minutes in our recovery area. Because Ketamine can temporarily affect alertness and coordination, you will need a responsible adult to drive you home.
6. Ongoing Care
Ketamine treatments are most effective when integrated into a comprehensive treatment plan. We encourage patients to continue working with their therapist, psychiatrist, or mental health provider throughout treatment.
Why Choose Walnut Creek Psychiatry?
At Walnut Creek Psychiatry, we believe healing happens best when innovative treatment meets compassionate care. Our team combines psychiatric expertise with a personalized approach, creating a safe and supportive environment where patients feel heard, respected, and empowered.
We are committed to helping individuals find relief, restore hope, and move forward with confidence—especially when previous treatments have not provided the results they deserve.
These treatment options are preferred over ECT. Our professional staff are certified in Ketamine Administration through the Ketamine Academy and have over 25 years of certified critical care experience with BLS/ACLS certification. Our facilities offer a safe, tranquil environment with emergency equipment and 1:1 treatment care.
If you're interested in learning whether Ketamine Treatment may be right for you, we invite you to contact our team to learn more: