Ketamine Therapy

Ketamine therapy offers new hope for individuals struggling with depression, PTSD, anxiety, and other difficult-to-treat conditions. Unlike traditional medications that can take weeks to work, ketamine often provides relief within days and creates an opportunity for lasting change when paired with therapy and support.

What Is Ketamine?

IV Ketamine therapy is one of the most important breakthroughs in mental health treatment in decades. As former National Institutes of Mental Health director Dr. Thomas Insel described, it is “perhaps the most important advance in antidepressant treatment in decades.”

Originally developed as an anesthetic, ketamine is now being used off-label in carefully monitored, low doses to rapidly reduce symptoms of depression, suicidal thoughts, PTSD, and severe anxiety. Unlike traditional antidepressants that may take weeks, ketamine often provides relief within hours to days.

Research shows ketamine is particularly helpful for people who have not improved with other treatments. While not every patient responds, many experience rapid symptom reduction, creating a valuable window of hope and healing. Side effects are generally mild and short-lived, and every infusion at Seagrass is provided in a safe, supportive setting with close monitoring.

How Does Ketamine Work?

Ketamine, originally developed as an anesthetic, has been found to provide rapid relief from severe depression and other mood disorders at low, carefully monitored doses. Unlike most antidepressants, which act on serotonin or norepinephrine, ketamine works by blocking NMDA receptors for glutamate, the brain’s primary excitatory neurotransmitter.

This unique mechanism increases the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and promotes neuroplasticity - the brain’s ability to form new, healthier connections. For many patients, this creates a powerful “window of flexibility” where symptoms lift and therapy becomes more effective.

Some patients may notice improvement after just one infusion, while for others the best treatment plan typically involves a series of infusions (commonly six sessions over 2–3 weeks). Effects are often felt within hours to days. While not everyone responds, many patients experience meaningful relief from depression, PTSD, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts, offering new hope when other treatments have not helped.

What Happens During an Infusion?

Your comfort and safety are our top priorities at Seagrass. Each infusion takes place in a calm, private room designed to support healing.

Before we begin: We’ll review your medical history, check your vital signs, and answer any last questions. You’ll be invited to set an intention or bring something that helps you feel grounded, such as a journal, playlist, or small comfort item.
During the infusion: Ketamine is given through a small IV over about 40 minutes. You may feel dreamlike, experience changes in perception, or feel slightly detached from your surroundings — these are normal and usually pass soon after treatment. Throughout the process, your blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen are closely monitored, and a provider remains with you.
After the infusion: You’ll rest comfortably for about 30–45 minutes in recovery. Once you are alert and stable, you’ll be released into the care of a trusted driver. Because ketamine can temporarily affect coordination and judgment, you won’t be able to drive or work for the rest of the day.

We schedule a follow-up check-in and integration session within 24–72 hours to help you process your experience and turn insights into lasting change. This can be coordinated with your therapist to ensure your care feels connected and supportive.

What To Expect After Treatment

Most patients feel calm, relaxed, or reflective following an infusion. Some may notice improved mood or a decrease in symptoms within hours, while for others it may take a day or two.

Short-term effects: Mild dizziness, blurred vision, or fatigue may occur but usually fade within a few hours. For your safety, you will not be able to drive or return to work until the next day.
Recovery: After resting at Seagrass, you’ll go home with a trusted driver and should plan a quiet, restful day.
Integration: Within 24–72 hours, we schedule a follow-up check-in and integration session to help you process the experience and translate insights into lasting change. This can be coordinated with your therapist for the best results.
Series of treatments: Some people notice improvements after one infusion, but the best results typically come from a short series of infusions, followed by individualized maintenance.

At Seagrass, we walk with you through each step, helping you not only feel better in the moment, but also build the tools for lasting wellness.

Is Ketamine Right For Me?

Ketamine therapy may be an option if you are struggling with depression, PTSD, anxiety, bipolar depression, anhedonia, or suicidal thoughts that have not improved with traditional treatments. Many patients who have tried multiple medications without success find that ketamine offers new hope and a different path forward.

Good candidates for ketamine are:

Adults with mood or anxiety disorders who have not responded fully to standard therapies
Individuals experiencing severe or treatment-resistant depression
Those struggling with PTSD or trauma-related symptoms
Patients who can commit to integration therapy and follow-up care

Ketamine may not be appropriate if you have:

Uncontrolled high blood pressure or serious heart disease
A history of psychosis or untreated mania
Severe liver disease
Active substance misuse involving ketamine
Pregnancy or breastfeeding

Every patient at Seagrass receives a comprehensive medical and psychiatric evaluation before starting treatment. This ensures that ketamine is not only safe for you, but also aligned with your personal goals for healing.

Why Choose Seagrass

At Seagrass Integrated Mental Health, you are never just a protocol, you are a whole person with unique needs, strengths, and goals.

What sets us apart:

Psychiatric Expertise - Your care is guided by Tanya Fowler, PMHNP-BC, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. With extensive clinical experience and a focus on depression, anxiety, PTSD, and bipolar disorder, she brings a unique psychiatric perspective rarely found in ketamine clinics.
Integration Support - We schedule follow-up sessions within 24–72 hours of your infusion to help you process the experience and translate insights into meaningful, lasting change.
Collaboration with Your Therapist - With your consent, we coordinate directly with your existing therapist to align ketamine treatment with your ongoing therapy plan.
Concierge-Level Care - Personalized dosing, careful monitoring, and a calm, private environment designed for healing.
Whole-Person Approach - We go beyond infusions to support sleep, nutrition, movement, and overall wellness.

At Seagrass, we combine evidence-based medicine with compassionate, personalized care - so you can feel safe, supported, and empowered throughout your journey.

Have more questions? Visit our Ketamine FAQ →

Next Steps

If you are interested in learning more about ketamine therapy, the first step is a brief 15-minute consultation. During this visit we will:

Review your medical and psychiatric history (from paperwork completed in advance)
Answer your initial questions about the process
Determine if ketamine therapy is likely to be a safe and appropriate option for you
Outline what your personalized treatment plan could look like

From there, we’ll guide you in scheduling your first infusion and coordinating follow-up integration or therapy support.