Washington Behavioral Medicine Associates (WBMA) in Chevy Chase, MD offers clinically proven ketamine therapy to help individuals find relief from treatment-resistant mental health conditions.
As a trusted psychiatric provider serving the Washington, DC metro area, our team delivers this cutting-edge treatment with safety, compassion, and evidence-based expertise.
What is Ketamine Therapy?
Ketamine is a powerful and fast-acting treatment that works differently from traditional antidepressants. By targeting glutamate receptors and stimulating brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), ketamine helps create new neural connections and enhances brain plasticity-leading to rapid relief for many patients.
Conditions We Treat
- Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety Disorders
- Chronic Pain (in select cases)
Ketamine Therapy Options
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)
Spravato® (Esketamine Nasal Spray)
IM (Intramuscular) Injections
IV Ketamine Infusions
Ketamine Lozenges
What to Expect from Ketamine Therapy
1. Initial Evaluation
A comprehensive psychiatric and medical assessment to determine candidacy and customize your treatment plan.
2. Induction Phase
Typically includes 6 sessions over 2-3 weeks. Doses and frequency are tailored to your response and goals.
3. Maintenance Phase
Ongoing support via in-office or at-home treatments (lozenges), usually every 3-6 weeks. Adjusted based on individual progress.
Our team stays closely involved at every stage, offering support, monitoring, and treatment adjustments as needed.
Safety Comes First
All ketamine therapy sessions are conducted in a medically supervised setting by our board-certified psychiatrists and clinical team. We monitor vital signs throughout each session and ensure a safe and supportive environment for every patient.
Common Short-Term Effects
- Dissociation
- Elevated blood pressure
- Visual or sensory changes
These typically resolve within an hour. Patients are advised to arrange a ride home after each session.
Why Choose WBMA for Ketamine Therapy?
Experienced, Interdisciplinary Team
Led by Dr. Gonzalo Laje, our clinicians are experts in interventional psychiatry, mood disorders, and trauma care.
Insurance-Friendly Options
We offer Spravato® (esketamine) nasal spray, which is often covered by insurance. Our team helps patients navigate approvals to make care more affordable and accessible.
Integrated Mental Health Services
We provide more than ketamine. WBMA integrates psychiatric services, therapy, and neuromodulation under one roof.
Personalized Care Plans
We tailor each protocol to the unique needs of the patient, adjusting treatment in real-time for optimal outcomes.
Commitment to Safety
Low patient-to-provider ratios, thorough screenings, and emergency-readiness protocols ensure maximum safety and comfort.
Community Trust
As a leading mental health center in Chevy Chase, we proudly serve patients across Montgomery County, DC, and Northern Virginia.
Why Choose WBMA for Ketamine Therapy?
Experienced, Interdisciplinary Team
Led by Dr. Gonzalo Laje, our clinicians are experts in interventional psychiatry, mood disorders, and trauma care.
Insurance-Friendly Options
We offer Spravato® (esketamine) nasal spray, which is often covered by insurance. Our team helps patients navigate approvals to make care more affordable and accessible.
Integrated Mental Health Services
We provide more than ketamine. WBMA integrates psychiatric services, therapy, and neuromodulation under one roof.
Personalized Care Plans
We tailor each protocol to the unique needs of the patient, adjusting treatment in real-time for optimal outcomes.
Commitment to Safety
Low patient-to-provider ratios, thorough screenings, and emergency-readiness protocols ensure maximum safety and comfort.
Community Trust
As a leading mental health center in Chevy Chase, we proudly serve patients across Montgomery County, DC, and Northern Virginia.
Take the First Step
If traditional treatments haven’t brought the relief you need, ketamine therapy could be the next step forward.
Our experienced team is here to guide you through your options and help determine the best course of care.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ketamine Therapy
What is ketamine therapy?
Ketamine therapy is a medical treatment that uses low doses of ketamine to relieve symptoms of mental health conditions like depression, PTSD, anxiety, and chronic pain. It’s typically administered through IV infusions, intranasal sprays, or injections under clinical supervision, often when other treatments haven’t worked.
How does ketamine therapy work?
Ketamine interacts with NMDA receptors in the brain and increases levels of glutamate, which helps form new neural connections. This process can “reset” certain brain pathways associated with mood and pain, offering rapid relief from symptoms.
What does ketamine therapy feel like?
The experience varies by person, but most describe a sense of deep relaxation, floating sensations, or introspective thoughts during treatment. These effects are usually mild and well-tolerated, and patients remain in a safe, monitored setting the entire time.
Does ketamine therapy get you high?
Some patients report temporary dissociative effects-such as feeling detached from their body or experiencing altered perception-but it’s not the same as a recreational “high.” These effects are carefully monitored by medical professionals and typically wear off within an hour.
Who is not a good candidate for ketamine therapy?
People with uncontrolled high blood pressure, active substance use disorders, or a history of certain psychotic conditions may not be ideal candidates. A comprehensive psychiatric and medical evaluation is required to determine if ketamine therapy is safe and appropriate for you.
