Ketamine Infusion Therapy in Los Angeles


Rapid, effective, and compassionate care in a safe, accredited clinic.

  • Rapid relief in hours to days. 
  • Safe with no known long-term side effects and minimal short-term side effects.
  • 83% success rate for treatment-resistant cases.
  • Administered by a skilled medical team in a safe setting.

Why Consider Ketamine Infusion Therapy?

Ketamine Infusion Therapy offers powerful, fast-acting relief for depression, anxiety, PTSD, and more. It’s a proven, individualized approach that offers new hope when other treatments haven’t worked. This isn’t just a treatment, but a journey towards a healthier, happier you.

  • Some insurance networks may cover it.
  • Safe with no known long-term side effects.
  • Avoids common side effects of prescription pills like SSRIs.
  • Effective even for treatment-resistant cases.
  • Supports profound transformations for the brain and the mind.
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Am i a candidate for ketamine treatment?
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Real people, real results.

"I'd like to share my whole-hearted endorsement of Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles."

Dr. Nina Savelle-Rocklin

"Your clinic, you, saved my life!"

Autumn

"If I were told there is a medicine and you can live life again, like you can not just live life, but you can be excited about life again, I would’ve turned to this a long, long time ago."

AJ

"It started working pretty much immediately."

Joseph

"It was the best thing I could’ve ever done in my life! I will always be grateful for it."

Jana

"I do ketamine infusions at Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles, and they absolutely have saved my life!"

Ariel

"Ketamine Therapy completely changed my entire outlook on life!"

Sara

"The infusions were a really beautiful experience…almost like visual poetry of my life. The results were concrete and powerful."

Anna

"Ketamine Therapy with Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles saved my life."

Meg

"I am a much calmer person, I am a happier person, I am more resilient."

Justin

"I never thought I would come back to this beach. The first time I was able to come here was last year after receiving my ketamine treatments."

Kevin

"Immediately after, I’d say the first two months of infusions, I took a chance and sang in front of people again… thought I never would have."

Cami

"I got ketamine infusions and right away my suicidal thoughts were gone and within a few short sessions I was feeling so much better."

Autumn

"It’s finally the ketamine that has fundamentally changed the way that I think for the better."

Shira

"I was pleasantly surprised by the effectiveness of the ketamine infusions. They really work to tamp down the negative voices that chatter away in our heads, if not extinguish them."

Emile
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What is Ketamine Infusion Therapy?

Ketamine infusion therapy uses low-dose intravenous ketamine infusions to quickly reduce symptoms of mood disorders. Originally FDA-approved as an anesthetic in 1970, ketamine is now used off-label for mental health and recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as an Essential Medicine.

At Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles (KCLA), we've provided over 35,000 infusions to more than 6,000 patients since 2014, with an 83% success rate.

At KCLA, your treatment typically includes a series of six intravenous (IV) ketamine infusions spaced over 2–3 weeks, with each session lasting about 50–55 minutes. For those traveling from out of town or with busy schedules, we also offer an accelerated protocol that delivers all 6 infusions over just 8 days.

Beyond infusions, we guide patients through preparation and integration, so you feel supported before, during, and after treatment.
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Your KCLA Providers
Steven L. Mandel, MD

Steven L. Mandel, MD

Co-Founder and President, Board Certified Anesthesiologist with a Master’s Degree in Psychology

Steven L. Mandel, MD

Steven L. Mandel, MD, is the Co-Founder and President of Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles and an internationally recognized pioneer in the use of ketamine infusion therapy for mental health disorders and chronic pain conditions. He is a board-certified anesthesiologist with more than 40 years of clinical experience using ketamine and also holds a master’s degree in psychology. Dr. Mandel is a founding physician and former first president of the American Society of Ketamine Physicians, Psychotherapists, and Practitioners (ASKP3).

Dr. Mandel is a frequent speaker at scientific and medical conferences and is regularly quoted in the media on topics including ketamine research, clinical best practices, treatment innovation, and comparisons between ketamine therapy and traditional psychiatric treatments. He is widely known for his unwavering dedication to patient safety, outcomes, and education.


Dr. Mandel earned his medical degree from the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine and completed his anesthesiology residency at Massachusetts General Hospital and the University of California, Los Angeles Center for the Health Sciences. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife and family and enjoys traveling, sailing, skiing, and spending time with loved ones.

Kathleen Lopez, MD

Kathleen Lopez, MD

Psychiatrist, Double Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Kathleen Lopez, MD

Kathleen Lopez, MD, is a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in adult psychiatry as well as child and adolescent psychiatry at Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a pre-medical focus from Pacific Union College and her medical degree from Loma Linda University School of Medicine. She completed her adult psychiatry residency at the University of California, Riverside, and a child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at UCLA, where she also served as Administrative Chief.


Dr. Lopez is deeply passionate about expanding access to high-quality mental health care, with a special focus on neurodiverse youth and adults. Fluent in both English and Spanish, she is committed to providing inclusive, compassionate care that supports individuals and families in meaningful and culturally responsive ways.


She was drawn to Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles for its collaborative culture and shared commitment to patient-centered care. Outside the clinic, Dr. Lopez enjoys crocheting, weight lifting, camping, and growing her home library. She also has a background in vocal music and continues to hold a lifelong love for music.

Jeffrey Cantrell, PMHNP-BC

Jeffrey Cantrell, PMHNP-BC

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Board Certified

Jeffrey Cantrell, PMHNP-BC

Jeffrey is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles, who earned his undergraduate and advanced nursing degrees from the University of Texas at Arlington. As an Army veteran, he brings a strong understanding of the mental health challenges faced by service members, their families, and civilians alike.


Jeff provides inclusive, client-centered psychiatric care for individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mood and mental health disorders. He is a proud advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community and is committed to providing affirming, supportive care for individuals of all genders and sexual orientations.


His holistic approach to mental health care recognizes the connection between mind, body, and overall well-being. Jeff prioritizes collaboration and shared decision-making, tailoring treatment plans to each client’s goals while building trust and fostering long-term therapeutic relationships. He has assisted with the administration of thousands of IV Ketamine Infusions for various mental health indications throughout his tenure at Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles (KCLA). Outside of the clinic, Jeff enjoys hiking, music festivals, traveling, and exercising. 

 

Pascal Stirnimann, DNP, PMHNP-BC

Pascal Stirnimann, DNP, PMHNP-BC

Doctor of Nursing Practice, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Board Certified

Pascal Stirnimann, DNP, PMHNP-BC

Pascal Strinimann is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Miami and both a Master of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice from Columbia University. He specializes in treating mood disorders, trauma-related disorders, and impulse control disorders across the lifespan.


Pascal has experience in both inpatient and outpatient mental health settings, including training at a women’s shelter in New York City. His clinical background supports a comprehensive and compassionate approach to psychiatric evaluation and treatment.


He takes a holistic, family-informed approach and works closely with clients through shared decision-making to develop personalized treatment plans that support emotional health, functional improvement, and long-term wellness.  Outside the clinic, Pascal enjoys spending time outdoors biking, running, or hiking, or indoors cooking and catching up on movies and TV.

Kevin, RN

Kevin, RN

Lead Registered Nurse

Kevin, RN

Kevin is the lead Registered Nurse at Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles, who joined the clinic in early 2021 after earning his Associate Degree in Nursing from Los Angeles Harbor College. He developed strong leadership skills early in his training and showed a strong interest in mental health care.


Kevin is known for his warmth, authenticity, and ability to connect with patients receiving ketamine infusion therapy for depression and other mood disorders. His calm, compassionate presence helps patients feel safe and supported throughout their treatment experience.


His interest in psychedelic medicine and ketamine therapy began through personal exposure and has grown into a strong commitment to reducing stigma and delivering high-quality, patient-centered mental health care. He has assisted with the administration of thousands of IV Ketamine Infusions for various mental health indications throughout his tenure at Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles (KCLA). 

Edith

Edith Chak, PMHNP-BC

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Board Certified

Edith Chak, PMHNP-BC

Edith is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Western University of Health Sciences and holds two bachelor's degrees in nursing and financial services. With over 10 years of nursing experience, she transitioned into healthcare driven by a deep desire to serve others at their most vulnerable.


She previously worked at Garfield Medical Center, gaining experience in rehabilitation, pediatrics, oncology, medical surgical care, and outpatient surgery. Edith’s interest in mental health is profoundly personal and informed by loved ones who have experienced depression.
Edith is a strong advocate for alternative and adjunctive mental health treatments, including ketamine infusion therapy. She is passionate about supporting patients on their healing journeys and helping to normalize conversations about mental health care. She has assisted with the administration of thousands of IV Ketamine Infusions for various mental health indications throughout her tenure at Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles (KCLA).

Outside the clinics, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, exploring new coffee shops, and being outdoors hiking, camping, and backpacking. Her faith remains a steady source of grounding and purpose.

Victoria

Victoria Bielma, PMHNP-BC

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Board Certified

Victoria Bielma, PMHNP-BC

Victoria Bielma is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles. She graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the American University of Health Sciences after earning her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She later earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Azusa Pacific University with advanced training in Ketamine Infusion Therapy, TMS Therapy, Spravato, and Psychiatry.


Victoria has assisted with the administration of thousands of ketamine infusions for a wide range of mental health conditions. Her background includes behavioral therapy work with youth with ADD, ADHD, and autism, as well as clinical experience in a private pain management practice. These experiences shaped her interest in integrative, individualized mental health care.


Victoria is passionate about the transformative results of ketamine therapy and approaches treatment through an innovative and patient-centered lens. Outside the clinic, she enjoys hiking throughout Los Angeles, water sports, live music, travel, and spending time with her corgi, Peaches.

Julian Macias

Julian Macias, PMHNP-BC

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Board Certified

Julian Macias, PMHNP-BC

Julian is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles. He holds a Master’s degree and two bachelor’s degrees in Nursing and Psychology, graduating cum laude from Western University of Health Sciences, California State University, Northridge, and Vanguard University of Southern California. His academic training reflects a strong foundation in both clinical care and behavioral science.


Prior to entering nursing, Julian worked across several industries, gaining experience in business, operations, and sales. These roles heightened his awareness of the need for meaningful reform in mental health care and ultimately led him to the innovative work at Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles. He pursued nursing with the specific goal of joining KCLA and supporting individuals with severe and treatment-resistant mental health conditions. Throughout his tenure, he has assisted in the administration of thousands of IV ketamine infusions for a range of psychiatric indications and has become proficient at mapping patients for TMS and delivering TMS treatments using the cutting-edge MagVenture technology.

 
Outside the clinic, Julian enjoys staying active through pickleball, disc golf, camping, and long hikes in the local mountains. He is also an avid foodie who loves exploring new cuisines, traveling with his long-term partner, and spending time with their dog, Harmony.

How Does Ketamine Treatment Work?

Ketamine treatment supports healing in two ways: through direct brain chemistry and transformative experiences. These two essential, interrelated components are called the experiential and the neurochemical.

Experiential Effects

During your session, ketamine can create a gentle, dreamlike state that many people find deeply calming, introspective, or even spiritual. This experience can help quiet racing thoughts, loosen rigid negative patterns, and open up space for new, healthier perspectives.

Many patients notice their mood, behavior, and outlook begin to shift even while they're still in the infusion room, and these positive changes often last well beyond the treatment itself.

Neurochemical Effects

One important mechanism is boosting levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which promotes growth in the prefrontal cortex, helps repair damaged cells, and facilitates the creation of new connections between neurons. This neuroplasticity supports lasting improvements in mood and function.

Ketamine is an NMDA receptor antagonist that increases the production of the neurotransmitter glutamate and stimulates AMPA receptors. Glutamate is a crucial neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation, and imbalances can result in depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mood disorders. By restoring healthy glutamate signaling, ketamine helps rebalance brain chemistry when traditional treatments have been ineffective.

How it works

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What Does Ketamine Treat?


Ketamine Therapy for Depression

If you're living with treatment-resistant depression, we understand how discouraging it can feel when nothing seems to help. Ketamine treatment near you offers a new path forward, one that works quickly to ease symptoms and restore hope.

At KCLA, we use ketamine to help people find meaningful relief from many forms of depression, including:

  • Major Depressive Disorder
  • Bipolar Depression
  • Persistent Depressive Disorder
  • Postpartum Depression

Ketamine Therapy for Anxiety Disorders

Struggling with anxiety that feels impossible to manage? Our Ketamine Therapy in Los Angeles offers an innovative, effective option for those whose symptoms haven't improved with standard treatments.

Our approach provides rapid relief from intense, debilitating anxiety while also supporting longer-term improvements in mood and daily functioning. We see positive results for people living with Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, and other anxiety-related conditions, helping them reclaim calm, balance, and a sense of control.

Ketamine Therapy for Trauma and PTSD

Trauma-related disorders like PTSD and Complex PTSD can be challenging to treat, but ketamine’s dissociative and neuroplastic effects offer a new avenue for healing. Patients often report symptom reduction, fresh insights, and long-term progress.

Ketamine Therapy for Addiction

Ketamine therapy near you can be a supportive tool in breaking addiction cycles. It helps quiet compulsive behaviors and promotes new mental pathways, making it easier to adopt healthier habits when paired with ongoing care and support.

Ketamine Therapy for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Living with OCD can feel exhausting and overwhelming, especially when traditional treatments haven't worked. Ketamine therapy offers hope by enhancing the brain's ability to form new connections and interrupt rigid, intrusive thought patterns. Many patients experience meaningful relief from symptoms and an improved ability to engage fully in daily life.

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Preparation & Integration for Ketamine Therapy

At KCLA, we understand that true healing encompasses more than just medicine itself. That's why we place importance on preparation and integration. These supportive sessions help you set clear intentions, feel safe and grounded during your experience, and apply the insights you gain in a meaningful, lasting way.
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Ketamine Preparation Session

Before your treatment, you'll meet with your provider to:

  • Set personal goals for your ketamine sessions.
  • Learn what to expect before, during, and after.
  • Develop strategies for staying grounded.
  • Build trust with your care team.
  • Understand how mindset and environment ("set and setting") shape your experience.
  • Begin planning for post-treatment integration.
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Ketamine Integration Session

After your session, integration helps turn insights into lasting change. You and your KCLA Provider will:

  • Reflect on the experience.
  • Identify emotional shifts and breakthroughs.
  • Work through anything confusing or intense.
  • Apply lessons to your daily life and relationships.
  • Set clear next steps for your healing journey.
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Note: Preparation and integration sessions are distinct from your ketamine infusion sessions, so please schedule accordingly. Speak with your Care Coordinator for details.

Is Ketamine Infusion Therapy Safe?

Safety is our top priority at Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles (KCLA), and we have pioneered the gold standard in this field since 2014. We continue to evolve with the latest scientific breakthroughs to ensure every patient's experience is as safe, comfortable, and effective as possible.

Our team of board-certified physicians and psychiatric clinicians has delivered over 35,000 ketamine infusions. Every patient begins with a comprehensive medical evaluation to confirm that ketamine is an appropriate and safe treatment option.

During every session, your vitals (including heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen) are closely monitored. Our team holds advanced certifications (ACLS, ASA Moderate Sedation, BLS) to ensure safe, expert care.

KCLA is proud to be the first and only Ketamine Clinic accredited by Quad A, meeting rigorous standards for safety, emergency supplies and equipment, and training. At KCLA, you can expect trusted, expert-led care every step of the way.

Ketamine for depression has been studied extensively by top institutions worldwide. It’s one of the most researched and effective therapies for depression available today, with over 90 clinical trials with results published on clinicaltrials.gov alone.

Important Safety Note:
At KCLA, we use ketamine only in safe, medical settings. Street use or unsupervised consumption is dangerous and potentially life-threatening. Always seek care from trained, licensed professionals.

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Why Choose Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles?

At KCLA, we provide safe, effective, and compassionate care. Founded in 2014, we are among the first, largest, and most respected ketamine clinics globally.

Proven Expertise

Our family-founded practice has performed over 35,000 treatments for more than 6,000 patients. Our team of board-certified medical professionals includes an anesthesiologist, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and registered nurses supported by a compassionate administrative staff to deliver personalized, evidence-based care.

Exceptional Safety Standards

Patient safety is our highest priority. We maintain advanced certifications, including ACLS, ASA Moderate Sedation, and BLS. As the first and only Ketamine Clinic accredited by Quad A, we meet rigorous standards for safety, training, and equipment. During every session, we closely monitor vitals like heart rate, oxygen saturation, blood pressure, and, when indicated, EKG.

Unlike standard IV bags, we use digital syringe pumps for precise, customizable dosing. This real-time titration enhances both safety and effectiveness while maintaining consistent care.

Demonstrated Effectiveness

KCLA has an 83% success rate in helping patients achieve relief from depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mood disorders, even when other treatments have failed. We track your progress using validated tools like the BDI-II, MADRS, PHQ-9, and GAD-7.

Innovative, Personalized Approach

Our unique Mandel Method® offers individualized dosing, a broader dosing spectrum, 38% longer infusions than most, and an enhanced therapeutic setting designed for patient comfort and success.

Comprehensive Preparation and Integration

Our team of board-certified mental health professionals helps patients achieve lasting change through comprehensive prep and integration. We also offer innovative virtual reality preparation to help patients relax and mentally prepare for their infusion sessions; a unique feature designed to reduce anxiety and enhance the therapeutic experience.

Comfortable, Private, and Calming Environment

Each patient enjoys a private room equipped with a premium infusion recliner, noise-cancelling headphones, unlimited music selection, pillows, blankets, and a sleep mask. Our state-of-the-art clinic is a serene, beautiful, and calming environment that fosters healing, promotes peace of mind, and enhances a positive therapeutic experience.

Accessible, Comprehensive Care

Located in Los Angeles' Playa District, our advanced facility offers a full range of innovative mental health treatments under one roof. We provide seamless onboarding with same-week appointments, both in-person and telehealth options, and accept many major insurance plans for additional services.

Trusted by Patients and Professionals

With over 500 five-star reviews, KCLA is trusted and respected by patients and referring medical professionals worldwide for delivering safe, effective, and compassionate ketamine infusion therapy.

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Top Insurance Plans We Accept

KCLA offers up to 24 months of interest-free financing for self-pay patients. We are in network with most health insurance for TMS Therapy and Holistic Psychiatry. Some plans may also cover Ketamine Therapy, inquire for details.

aetna Anthem Blue-Shield Carelon Cigna Compsych Enthea Kaiser Magellan Medicare MHN Optum Tricare TRIWEST
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Ketamine Therapy FAQs

General Questions

Who is a Good Candidate for Ketamine Infusion Therapy?
Adults with mood disorders like depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, PPD, or SUD may benefit, especially those who haven’t found relief through traditional treatments. Increasingly, people seek ketamine as a first-line therapy. No referral is needed, but we may consult your care team with your permission. 
How Does Ketamine Work in the Brain?

Ketamine has powerful neuroplastic effects. It increases neurotransmitters like glutamate and promotes the growth of new neural connections in the prefrontal cortex, helping repair damaged pathways associated with mood regulation. The results can lead to rapid improvements in depression and anxiety symptoms, even when other treatments have failed. 

Is Ketamine Infusion Therapy Safe? What Are the Side Effects?

Ketamine infusions are safe when administered by experienced clinicians in a medical setting. The most common side effects are mild and temporary, including grogginess and nausea. We proactively manage these with anti-nausea medication when needed. Patients typically feel back to normal after a good night's sleep. There are no known long-term side effects when used responsibly under medical supervision.

Is Ketamine Addictive?

When used in a clinical setting, the risk is extremely low. Addiction risks are linked to frequent, high-dose recreational use, not the carefully controlled, low-dose treatments we provide. 

How Many Ketamine Infusions Will I Need?

Most patients receive an initial series of six infusions, typically administered over 2 to 3 weeks. 

In some cases, we extend the initial series to 8 or 10 infusions over an additional 1-2 weeks. 

Our accelerated protocol consists of 6 infusions administered over 8 days.  

After the initial series, patients return for booster infusions on an as-needed basis, typically every 2-3 months, with decreasing frequency over time. Many patients require only 2–3 maintenance infusions per year. 

What Does Ketamine Treatment Feel Like?

Most patients experience mild dissociation, characterized by increased sensitivity to light and sound, as well as altered perception of time. Many describe the experience as calming, insightful, and healing. These effects typically subside within 20 to 30 minutes after the session ends. Patients remain awake, alert, and able to communicate with their care team throughout their session.

Will Ketamine Therapy Help if I Have Treatment-Resistant Depression?

Yes, ketamine is especially effective in such cases. At KCLA, 83% of patients with treatment-resistant depression see improvement. Some feel results after just one infusion; most notice progress by the third. Boosters help maintain these benefits long-term.

Does Insurance Cover Ketamine Therapy?

Insurance coverage is limited since IV ketamine is off-label. Some insurers cover treatment through contracts with us. Our team will explore your options and provide interest-free financing if needed.

How Much Does Ketamine Therapy Cost?

Costs vary by care plan and insurance. We offer free consultations to discuss pricing, coverage, and payment options with no obligation.

What Should I Expect at KCLA During My Ketamine Treatment?

On your first visit, you’ll complete onboarding forms, then meet with your provider for a prep session (if included in your plan). You’ll then receive your infusion in a private room, with complete monitoring by our care team. 
 
Infusions last about 50–55 minutes. Expect to spend 2.5 hours on your first visit and 90-120 minutes on return visits. Afterward, we’ll provide light refreshments and make sure you're ready to go. You’ll need a ride home and should rest for the remainder of the day. 

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Treatments
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Ketamine Therapy

Ketamine Infusion Therapy is a rapid-acting, transformative experience tailored to you.

  • Covered by some insurance.
  • Safe with no long-term side effects.
  • Proven 83% success rate.

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TMS Therapy

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive, FDA-approved treatment.

  • Covered by most insurance.
  • Safe with no long-term side effects.
  • 70-80% success rate.

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Holistic Psychiatry

Expert, personalized psychiatric care for your unique needs.

  • Covered by most insurance.
  • Easy virtual and in-person visits.
  • Tailored to your needs.

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