Ketamine

At Balance Medical Center, ketamine is one tool in a broader, compassionate plan for mood relief and nervous-system reset—not a magic wand, and never a first stop. Ketamine (an NMDA-receptor antagonist) can briefly increase glutamate signaling and neuroplasticity, which may help “unstick” depressed or anxious brain networks. Practically, some people feel a reduction in suicidal intensity or depressive heaviness within hours to days; others notice gradual change across a series of sessions. We offer two medically supervised options: IV ketamine (an evidence-based, off-label treatment) and esketamine nasal spray (Spravato), which is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression and for depressive symptoms with acute suicidal ideation. You’re monitored the whole time by trained staff in a calm, supportive setting—vitals checked, comfort prioritized, and integration built in. Typical experiences range from light dissociation to reflective, dreamlike states; most effects wear off within a few hours, and you’ll need a ride home that day. We screen carefully (e.g., for uncontrolled hypertension or certain medical/psychiatric conditions), coordinate with your other medications, and pair ketamine with skills-based therapy so gains “stick” in daily life. Our goal is balanced care: safety, clarity, and meaningful progress you can feel and sustain.