[City, State] – [Date] – Contemporary Care announces expansion of its ketamine therapy program, offering both IV ketamine infusions and esketamine nasal spray for patients with treatment-resistant depression. This program provides rapid relief for people who have not found adequate help through traditional treatments.

Depression Treatment

Ketamine is one of the most significant breakthroughs in mental health treatment in decades. Unlike traditional antidepressants that take weeks to work, ketamine can reduce depression symptoms within hours or days. This rapid action offers hope during difficult times when waiting weeks for relief is not feasible.

Ketamine works through completely different brain mechanisms than SSRIs or SNRIs. It targets the glutamate system and promotes neuroplasticity, essentially helping the brain form new connections. This different approach explains why it helps people who have not responded to multiple other medications.

Research demonstrates that approximately 70% of people with treatment-resistant depression experience significant improvement with ketamine therapy. The rapid response is particularly valuable for people experiencing severe depression or suicidal thoughts.

Contemporary Care offers multiple ketamine administration methods, allowing treatment plans altered to individual needs, insurance coverage, and preferences.

IV Ketamine Infusions

Intravenous ketamine involves receiving medication through an IV line over 40 to 60 minutes. This method has the most research supporting its effectiveness and allows precise dose control.

Treatment protocols typically include six infusions over two to three weeks. This loading phase establishes therapeutic effects. Many people notice improvement after the first or second infusion, with benefits strengthening through the series.

Infusions occur in comfortable treatment rooms at Contemporary Care facilities. Patients recline in chairs while medical staff monitor blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels throughout treatment. Dim lighting and quiet environments support relaxation.

As ketamine takes effect, people may experience mild dissociative sensations such as floating, altered time perception, or feeling disconnected from surroundings. These effects are generally not distressing and resolve within 30 to 60 minutes after infusions end.

No anesthesia or sedation is required. People remain conscious and can communicate throughout treatment. However, driving is not permitted on treatment days. Patients must arrange transportation home.

Esketamine Nasal Spray

Contemporary Care also offers esketamine nasal spray (Spravato), FDA-approved specifically for treatment-resistant depression. This self-administered treatment occurs under medical supervision in the office.

Treatment begins with twice-weekly sessions, decreasing to weekly or every-other-week as symptoms improve. Patients remain in the office for at least two hours after each dose for monitoring.

Esketamine has the advantage of FDA approval, which means better insurance coverage for many patients. It provides an accessible option for people who might not otherwise afford ketamine therapy.

The practice assists with insurance authorization, submitting required documentation about previous treatment failures and current symptom severity.

Who Benefits from Ketamine Therapy

Ketamine is most appropriate for people with treatment-resistant depression who have tried multiple antidepressants without adequate relief. Contemporary Care defines treatment resistance as failure to respond to at least two different antidepressant trials at therapeutic doses for sufficient duration.

The therapy shows particular promise for people experiencing suicidal thoughts. Research demonstrates rapid reduction in suicidal ideation, often within hours of treatment. This anti-suicidal effect provides essential intervention during acute crises.

The ability to quickly reduce suicidal thoughts saves lives. While ketamine should be part of full safety plans, not a standalone intervention, its rapid effects on suicidal thinking are remarkable.

People with depression accompanied by significant anxiety often find ketamine helps both conditions. Many report that worry and rumination decrease along with a depressed mood.

Certain medical conditions may preclude ketamine therapy. Uncontrolled high blood pressure, history of brain bleeding or aneurysm, or severe liver problems can make treatment unsafe. Thorough medical screening ensures appropriate patient selection.

The Treatment Experience

Initial consultations determine candidacy for ketamine therapy. Psychiatrists review treatment history, current medications, medical conditions, and substance use. This evaluation ensures ketamine is appropriate and safe.

Patients receive detailed information about what to expect during treatment. Knowing the dissociative effects reduces anxiety. Most people find these sensations manageable and even interesting rather than frightening.

Preparation makes a big difference in how people experience ketamine. Explaining thoroughly what will happen, what they might feel, and how long effects last reduces the fear of the unknown.

Some people listen to music during infusions. Others prefer quiet introspection. The practice accommodates individual preferences for creating comfortable treatment experiences.

After infusions or nasal spray administration, effects dissipate within one to two hours. Many people feel immediate mood improvement, though full benefits often develop over the following day or two.

Integration with Ongoing Care

Ketamine therapy at Contemporary Care integrates with existing psychiatric treatment. Patients typically continue their oral antidepressants during ketamine therapy, combining treatments for optimal outcomes.

Psychiatrists monitor progress and adjust other medications as needed based on ketamine response. Some people eventually reduce or discontinue other antidepressants after sustained improvement. Others maintain combination therapy indefinitely.

The facility views ketamine as one tool in their treatment toolkit. It works alongside medications, therapy, and lifestyle interventions. This integrated approach addresses depression from multiple angles.

Psychotherapy complements ketamine by teaching skills for managing symptoms between treatments and after ketamine courses end. The neuroplasticity ketamine promotes may help people form new thought patterns and behaviors more easily during therapy.

Maintenance Treatment

After initial treatment series, benefits typically last days to weeks. Maintenance ketamine sessions sustain improvement over time. Frequency varies from weekly to monthly depending on individual response patterns.

Response duration often increases over time. People may initially need weekly maintenance but gradually extend to every few weeks or months as sustained improvement develops.

Some people successfully discontinue ketamine after sustained remission. Others continue maintenance indefinitely. Treatment decisions are individualized based on symptom patterns and patient preferences.

Safety & Monitoring

Contemporary Care prioritizes patient safety throughout ketamine therapy. Medical staff trained in ketamine administration monitor all treatments. Emergency equipment and protocols are in place, though serious adverse events are rare.

Blood pressure increases during treatments, typically returning to baseline within an hour. People with uncontrolled hypertension may need blood pressure optimization before starting ketamine.

The practice screens carefully for substance use disorders due to ketamine’s abuse capacity. However, rates of problematic use in supervised medical settings remain very low. Patients never have access to take-home doses.

Safety is paramount. Following strict protocols for patient selection, dosing, monitoring, and follow-up care minimizes risks while maximizing benefits.

Long-term safety data continues accumulating. Studies following patients for months to years show most tolerate repeated treatments well. Contemporary Care monitors all patients for any emerging concerns.

Research & Innovation

Contemporary Care stays current with ketamine research and implements evidence-based protocols. The practice participates in outcomes tracking to contribute to knowing about optimal ketamine use.

The practice explores combining ketamine with specific psychotherapy approaches to maximize lasting benefits. This integration of biological and psychological interventions is a symbol of the future of mental health treatment.

Insurance & Accessibility

IV ketamine for depression is typically not covered by insurance, as it remains off-label use. Treatment costs range from $400 to $800 per infusion. Contemporary Care offers payment plans to make treatment more accessible.

Esketamine nasal spray has FDA approval and better insurance coverage. Most major insurance companies cover it after prior authorization for treatment-resistant depression. The practice handles authorization and clearly explains costs.

Success Stories

Hundreds of patients have received ketamine therapy at Contemporary Care, many experiencing significant improvement after years of struggling with treatment-resistant depression. While individual results vary, overall outcomes align with research evidence.

Getting Started

People interested in ketamine therapy schedule consultations with Contemporary Care psychiatrists. These appointments review treatment history, determine candidacy, and explain options.

The practice makes starting treatment straightforward, guiding patients through evaluation, insurance authorization when applicable, and scheduling. Staff answer questions and provide support throughout the process.

About Contemporary Care

Contemporary Care provides psychiatric services throughout Connecticut, including medication management, psychotherapy, TMS therapy, and ketamine treatment. The practice specializes in treatment-resistant depression and offers multiple evidence-based interventions. With experienced psychiatrists, trained staff, and modern facilities, Contemporary Care delivers high-quality mental health care.

For more information about ketamine therapy or to schedule a consultation, visit www.contemporarycare.com or contact the practice directly.