Washington Behavioral Medicine Associates (WBMA) offers ketamine therapy in Washington DC and Chevy Chase, MD for individuals who have not found relief through traditional treatments.
Our board-certified psychiatrists provide IV ketamine infusions and Spravato (esketamine) nasal spray in a medically supervised setting – serving patients throughout Montgomery County, Bethesda, Rockville, Potomac, and the greater DC metro area.
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.
Who Is a Candidate for Ketamine Therapy?
Ketamine therapy may be appropriate for adults experiencing treatment-resistant depression (TRD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or certain anxiety disorders who have not responded adequately to two or more conventional treatments. During an initial psychiatric evaluation, our clinical team reviews your full history, current medications, and medical conditions to determine whether ketamine is a safe and appropriate option for you.
Ketamine therapy is generally not recommended for individuals with active, uncontrolled substance use disorders, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or a personal or family history of certain psychotic conditions. A comprehensive evaluation is required before any treatment begins.
Individual results may vary. Treatment effectiveness depends on each patient’s unique circumstances.
Ketamine Therapy Cost and Insurance Coverage in Washington DC
The cost of ketamine therapy varies based on the type of treatment and the number of sessions required. At WBMA, we offer both IV ketamine infusions (off-label for treatment-resistant depression and PTSD) and Spravato (esketamine) nasal spray, which is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression.
- Spravato (esketamine) – insurance coverage available: Spravato is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression and is often covered by insurance, including many commercial plans. Our team works directly with patients to navigate prior authorization and coverage approvals.
- IV ketamine infusions – typically self-pay: IV ketamine is an off-label treatment and is generally not covered by insurance. Our team can discuss payment options and typical session pricing during your consultation.
To discuss cost and coverage before your appointment, call us at 301-576-6044 or schedule a consultation online.
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 treatment protocol to your individual history and response, adjusting as your care progresses to support the best possible results.
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.
How many ketamine therapy sessions are needed?
Most patients begin with an induction phase of six sessions over two to three weeks. The number of sessions needed varies based on your diagnosis, response to treatment, and treatment goals. Some patients see improvement after the induction phase and move to a maintenance schedule, while others may require adjustments. Your care team will review your progress and recommend next steps throughout treatment.
How much does ketamine therapy cost in Washington DC?
The cost of ketamine therapy depends on the type of treatment. Spravato (esketamine) is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression and is often covered by insurance, including commercial plans. IV ketamine infusions are an off-label treatment and are typically self-pay. Our team helps patients understand their coverage options and explore financial arrangements during the consultation process. Call us at 301-576-6044 to ask about current pricing and insurance support.
