Ketamine Treatments Offer New Hope for Your Mental Health

Struggling with depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues that haven’t improved with medications or therapy? At Balanced Bodies in Brookhaven, GA, we offer a revolutionary treatment that can finally provide you with lasting relief – ketamine infusions.

Ketamine is an FDA-approved anesthetic drug that is now being used at low doses to rapidly reverse symptoms of mood, anxiety, and trauma-related disorders. Extensive research over the past decade shows ketamine can quickly lift depression and anxiety for people who haven’t had success with traditional treatments. The benefits for most people start within a day of their first infusion and can last for weeks or months, especially with maintenance boosters.

Our board-certified psychiatrist oversees all evaluations and infusions with an emphasis on your safety, comfort, and long-term wellness. Discover how this innovative therapy could help you start feeling like yourself again.

Man sitting on edge of bed holding head

What is Ketamine?

Ketamine is an FDA-approved medication that was originally used as an anesthetic. In recent years, ketamine has emerged as a breakthrough therapy for many mental health disorders. At lower doses, ketamine has rapid antidepressant, anti-anxiety, and anti-suicidal effects that can help people who haven’t had success with other treatments.

Ketamine works differently than traditional antidepressants. It interacts with the brain’s NMDA receptors and stimulates regrowth of synapses and connections between neurons. This leads to a rapid reduction in depression and anxiety symptoms for most people.

The benefits of ketamine infusions can include:

  • Quick relief – Most people experience a lifting of depression and anxiety symptoms within 24 hours of their first infusion. This is unlike traditional antidepressants which can take 4-6 weeks to take effect.
  • Long-lasting results – Studies show ketamine infusions can provide antidepressant benefits that last for weeks or months after a single infusion or series of 6 infusions. Many patients are able to stop taking other psychiatric medications or have them reduced.
  • Fewer side effects – Ketamine does not commonly cause the negative side effects of traditional antidepressants like weight gain, fatigue, and sexual dysfunction. The most common side effects are generally mild and temporary.
  • Increased response rate – Research shows 70-80% of people with treatment-resistant depression respond positively to ketamine. This is much higher than the typical 20-30% response rate of conventional antidepressants.

How Do Ketamine Infusions Work?

Ketamine infusions are administered in our comfortable, spa-like clinic under the supervision of our board-certified psychiatrist Dr. Mike Rosen. He meets with all new patients for a consultation to determine if ketamine infusions are the right treatment option.

During a ketamine infusion, you’ll recline in a zero-gravity chair as ketamine is administered through an IV. Our infusions use a precisely calculated, slow-drip method to maximize safety, comfort, and effectiveness.

You’ll feel relaxed and detached from any negative thoughts or feelings during the 40-60-minute session. Some people describe colorful visions, insights, or floating sensations. After the infusion, you’ll rest as the effects wear off, then leave once you feel restored and clear-headed.

We recommend an initial series of 6 infusions over 2-3 weeks to rapidly lift mood and relieve symptoms. Maintenance boosters may be recommended every 4-6 weeks to sustain the benefits. Some patients only need occasional boosters while others receive them monthly.

Our clinic provides a peaceful, supportive setting with plenty of amenities for your comfort. Our staff will monitor you throughout and after the procedure. Light snacks and water are provided as the effects wear off. A loved one can accompany you to drive you home afterward.

Man at desk feeling sleepy

Benefits of Ketamine Infusions for Various Conditions

While studies have focused on ketamine for depression, research and clinical results show it can help many different mental health conditions including:

  • Anxiety Disorders: Ketamine is highly effective at rapidly reducing anxiety symptoms for many patients. Given its rapid action, it can quickly calm anxious distress.
  • PTSD: By resetting neural pathways and dampening fear responses in the brain, ketamine can dramatically improve PTSD symptoms. Studies show it outperforms conventional treatments
  • OCD: For those suffering from obsessive and repetitive symptoms, ketamine can interrupt OCD circuits and behaviors. This gives relief while other therapies can become more effective.
  • Chronic Pain: Ketamine blocks pain signals very effectively. Studies show pain levels can be substantially reduced for up to several weeks following infusions. This can improve daily functioning and quality of life.
  • Bipolar Depression: The depressive phases of bipolar disorder can respond quickly to ketamine without triggering mania or hypomania in most cases. It can act as a mood stabilizer.

 

Our Screening and Evaluation Process

Your safety and well-being is our top priority. Dr. Mike Rosen will personally meet with you for a comprehensive evaluation before starting ketamine. This includes:

  • Medical history review
  • Assessment of diagnosis and symptoms
  • Discussion of treatment goals
  • Explanation of how ketamine works
  • Review of risks and benefits
  • Physical health screening
  • Plan for follow-up and integration with other treatments

This allows us to create a customized treatment plan and ensure ketamine is appropriate for your needs. We will coordinate ongoing care with your other mental health providers.

Why Choose Us?

When considering ketamine therapy, it’s essential to choose an experienced provider who prioritizes your safety, comfort, and lasting outcomes. Here is how we accomplish this:

  • Leading protocols – Our ketamine protocols follow the latest clinical research to maximize results.
  • Specialized psychiatrist – Our psychiatrist has advanced training in ketamine therapy and mentors other providers.
  • Mindfulness integration – We emphasize mindfulness, neural retraining, and integration for longer benefits.
  • Customized care – Your regimen is tailored and adjusted based on your unique needs and responses.
  • Peaceful setting – Our space is designed for your relaxation and optimal experience.
  • Caring support – Our team provides close monitoring and support during and after infusions.
  • Ongoing access – We make ourselves available for questions, adjustments, or additional infusions you may need.

 

Take the First Step Toward Relief

If you’re struggling with treatment-resistant mental health issues, ketamine infusions could provide you with lasting relief starting quickly after your first session. We encourage you to learn more and schedule a free consultation.

To book your appointment, call Balanced Bodies or request an appointment through our website. We look forward to partnering with you on your journey toward mental wellness.

Our Service Area

We provide a wide variety of medical weight loss services, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), IV therapy treatment for depression, and other medical services to patients from all around the Atlanta area. Many of our customers come from Decatur, Brookhaven, Buckhead, Buford, Druid Hills, Avondale Estates, Chamblee, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, North Druid Hills, and other cities. To be the best you possible, schedule an appointment with us today. Let us show you what 5-star treatment looks like.