Ketamine Treatment Services from Pyschiatrists in Los Angeles

Safety is Our Priority

Westside Mind Health, Inc. is a new ketamine clinic. We provide IV ketamine and intramuscular (IM) ketamine assisted psychotherapy (KAP) in a safe, comfortable, carefully monitored setting. You will receive the highest level of care from our well-trained, experienced, board-certified psychiatrists. Our priority is safety, and we follow “best-practice” guidelines in order to create an optimal and transformative treatment experience for our patients.

IS THIS THERAPY RIGHT FOR YOU?

Ketamine & Mental Health

Depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems cause immense suffering and often only respond partially to conventional treatments. Ketamine is a ground-breaking, evidence-based medication that can offer rapid relief from symptoms, even when other options have failed. Ketamine is a transformative treatment for many mental health issues.

We encourage those who are currently undergoing ketamine treatment and those who are considering ketamine to ask questions and seek more information before making a final decision. Like any medical service there are many factors that should be evaluated in order to determine if it is the right clinical path for you.

Woman with hat and sunglasses, smilling, on a summer day, with blue sky in the background.

Depression is a mood disorder that causes persistent feelings of sadness and a loss of interest in day to day activities such as work, school, social activities or relationships. Recent U.S. studies show that over 16 million adults suffered a major episode of depression during the course of one year and since COVID depression diagnosis has risen more than 30% paving the way for increased suicidal thoughts.

While other treatments for depression often take weeks or even months to take affect with combinations of different drugs in use, ketamine can rapidly reduce life threatening acts and thoughts and relieve other symptoms of depression such as anxiety. Studies indicate that ketamine targets NMDA receptors in the brain and by binding to the receptors it increases the amount of glutamate in the spaces between the neurons This activates the AMPA receptors, which leads to a release of molecules that help the neurons better communicate. This process of synaptogenesis is thought to affect mood, thought patterns, and cognition.

Ketamine is one of the most promising new treatment options for depression. This transformative treatment has been used for decades as an anesthetic because of its safety and effectiveness. Over the past twenty years, research has consistently demonstrated that the use of ketamine in lower, non-anesthetic doses markedly improves depression, often in a single treatment session. Westside Mind Health provides a safe, comfortable, and carefully monitored setting for ketamine treatments to address depression in adults and adolescents.

Bipolar Disorder is a psychiatric mental health diagnosis associated with high morbidity, mortality and suicide rate. It has a progressive course and a high rate of treatment resistance which means there is need for quick interventional strategies. Bipolar disorder is often diagnosed during late adolescence (teen years) or early adulthood.

Ketamine has rapid anti-depressive and anti-suicidal effects which is significant for bipolar disorder which has the highest lifetime risk for suicide among all of the psychiatric disorders. Since the long term effect of bipolar depression leads to neuroprogression which involves structural brain changes, it is important to intervene and course correct as soon as possible.

Recent randomized studies of ketamine show rapid antidepressive effects without significant side effects. This is a huge benefit for a condition that has a high treatment failure rate with drug resistance using other medical interventions. Westside Mind Health (WMH) provides a safe, comfortable, and carefully monitored setting for ketamine treatments to address bipolar depression in adults and adolescents.

The adolescent brain is different from the adult brain in many ways. First, the adolescent brain is still growing and developing, the connections within it are being refined (synaptic pruning) and the communication between areas is becoming faster (myelination). Hormones are surging which affects brain activity. Also, teenagers are interacting in more complicated ways with peers and on social media, which further stimulates brain activity (dopamine).

This complicated mix of development can make adolescents moodier, with big highs and lows, impulsive, and willing to take risks for instant gratification (sensation seeking). Given these differences, the assessment and recommended treatments for teens are often not the same as for adults. Therefore, clinicians treating adolescents require specialty training to adequately assess and recommend treatments that have the highest chance of success.

While still under investigation, early studies indicate that ketamine may work quickly to reduce symptoms of depression in adolescents. The Westside Mind Health psychiatrists are fellowship trained and board certified in child & adolescent psychiatry and have decades of experience working with teens. They are uniquely qualified to provide expert insight and treatment recommendations regarding therapies such as ketamine. Commonly misunderstood, ketamine is a safe, effective treatment for adolescent patients when administered by experienced professionals, such as us/our staff, in a calming, comfortable, medical environment. With our team’s specialized knowledge of adolescent mental health, ketamine is a safe and effective alternative for individuals for whom other medications or treatments may have failed “treatment resistance” or when symptoms require urgent treatment.

In cases where adolescents have suicidal ideation or self-injurious behavior, it is imperative that treatments work right away in order to reduce the risk of self-injurious behavior. The response to ketamine is usually rapid, often reducing symptoms within one day.

This treatment can be life saving when provided under appropriate medical supervision. Based on their education, training, and experience, Westside Mind Health’s child & adolescent psychiatrists offer unmatched expertise and unparalleled care for adolescents whose mental health may benefit from ketamine treatments.

Beginning with postwar psychological treatment of U.S. veterans, there have been many strides in understanding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The mental health community now widely recognizes PTSD as affecting, not just veterans, but also adults, adolescents, and children older than 6 years. PTSD is defined as:

• Directly experiencing the traumatic event(s).

• Witnessing, in person, the event(s) as it occurred to others.

• Learning that the traumatic event(s) occurred to a close family member or close friend.

• Experiencing repeated or extreme exposure to aversive details of the traumatic event(s). This does not apply to exposure through electronic media, television, movies, or pictures, unless this exposure is work related.

The National Institute of Mental Health explains that anyone can develop PTSD at any age. People who have PTSD may feel stressed or frightened, even when they are not in danger. It is important to know that the symptoms of PTSD may not be immediately apparent and it could take years to manifest the signs of distress (though this is unusual).

The experiences one has during ketamine treatments often provide a new perspective on one’s problems and allow for growth in individuals processing trauma. Though more research is needed, pre-clinical and early clinical trials indicate ketamine may be helpful for the treatment of PTSD.

At Westside Mind Health, we provide IV ketamine and intramuscular (IM) ketamine assisted psychotherapy in a safe, comfortable, carefully monitored setting. Our process has three components — assessment, treatment, and potentially therapy. Together, we make an informed decision about whether ketamine infusion treatments can help with PTSD.

During the fall and winter many people experience seasonal depression or seasonal affective disorder (SAD). While the specific causes of this disorder are unknown, it seems to be more prevalent in younger adults. Common symptoms of SAD include oversleeping, general lethargy, overeating, and feelings of restlessness. In addition to light therapy, ketamine services may be effective and provide therapeutic benefits which can help to alleviate SAD symptoms.

As doctors who are board certified as child and adolescent psychiatrists, we at Westside Mind Health (WMH) are well qualified to help assess and treat the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder in the youth populations, as well as in adults.

At WMH, we provide IV ketamine and intramuscular (IM) ketamine assisted psychotherapy (KAP) in a safe, comfortable, carefully monitored setting. Our priority is safety, and we follow “best-practice” guidelines in order to create an optimal treatment experience for our patients. Our process has three essential components — assessment, treatment, and potentially therapy. Together, we make an informed decision about whether ketamine infusion treatments can help counteract a patient’s fall- or winter-onset of SAD.

Occasional anxiety is a normal part of life. Many people worry about things such as health, money, or family problems. But anxiety disorders involve more than temporary worry or fear. For people with an anxiety disorder, the anxiety does not go away and can get worse over time. The symptoms can interfere with daily activities such as job performance, schoolwork, and relationships.

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) usually involves a persistent feeling of anxiety or dread, which can interfere with daily life. It is not the same as occasionally worrying about things or experiencing anxiety due to stressful life events. People living with GAD experience frequent anxiety for months, if not years.

Symptoms include:
• Feeling restless, wound-up, or on-edge
• Being easily fatigued
• Having difficulty concentrating
• Being irritable
• Having headaches, muscle aches, stomachaches, or unexplained pains
• Difficulty controlling feelings of worry
• Having sleep problems, such as difficulty falling or staying asleep

There now have been thousands of patients treated with ketamine for depressive symptoms in published clinical trials. These studies have established that ketamine is safe and effective for the treatment of depression, with approximately 40-80% of people having their symptoms reduced by 50% or more. Many people experience a complete resolution (remission) of their symptoms.

To determine if ketamine is likely to be a safe and effective option for you, we will get to know you, understand the symptoms from which you seek relief, and learn what treatments you have tried before. You will complete rating scales that establish a baseline of your symptomatology. Together, we will make an informed decision about whether to proceed with ketamine treatment.

Suicide is complicated and tragic, but it is often preventable. It is when people harm themselves with the intent of ending their life, and they die as a result. A suicide attempt is when people harm themselves with the intent of ending their life, but they do not die.

Warning signs that someone may be at immediate risk for attempting suicide include:

• Talking about wanting to die or wanting to kill themselves

• Talking about feeling empty or hopeless or having no reason to live

• Talking about feeling trapped or feeling that there are no solutions

• Feeling unbearable emotional or physical pain

• Talking about being a burden to others

• Withdrawing from family and friends

• Giving away important possessions

• Saying goodbye to friends and family

• Putting affairs in order, such as making a will

• Taking great risks that could lead to death, such as driving extremely fast

• Talking or thinking about death often

• Displaying extreme mood swings, suddenly changing from very sad to very calm or happy

• Making a plan or looking for ways to kill themselves, such as searching for lethal methods online, stockpiling pills, or buying a gun

• Talking about feeling great guilt or shame

• Using alcohol or drugs more often

• Acting anxious or agitated

• Changing eating or sleeping habits

• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge

In cases where adults or adolescents have suicidal ideation or self-injurious behavior, it is imperative that treatments work right away in order to reduce the risk of self-injurious behavior. The response to ketamine is usually rapid, often reducing symptoms within one day. While still under investigation, early studies indicate that ketamine may work quickly to reduce symptoms of depression in adults and adolescents. This treatment can be life saving when provided under appropriate medical supervision.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a long-lasting disorder in which a person experiences uncontrollable and recurring thoughts (obsessions), engages in repetitive behaviors (compulsions), or both. People with OCD have time-consuming symptoms that can cause significant distress or interfere with daily life. However, treatment is available to help people manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. People with OCD may have obsessions, compulsions, or both.

Obsessions are repeated thoughts, urges, or mental images that are intrusive, unwanted, and make most people anxious. Common obsessions include:

• Fear of germs or contamination
• Fear of forgetting, losing, or misplacing something
• Fear of losing control over one’s behavior
• Aggressive thoughts toward others or oneself
• Unwanted, forbidden, or taboo thoughts involving sex, religion, or harm
• Desire to have things symmetrical or in perfect order

Compulsions are repetitive behaviors a person feels the urge to do, often in response to an obsession. Common compulsions include:

• Excessive cleaning or handwashing
• Ordering or arranging items in a particular, precise way
• Repeatedly checking things, such as that the door is locked or the oven is off
• Compulsive counting
• Praying or repeating words silently

A PSYCHIATRIC APPROACH

Our Process

Assessment

During the initial assessment, our Westside Mind Health team will determine if ketamine is likely to be a safe and effective option for you.

We will get to know you, understand your symptoms, and learn what treatments you have tried before. You will complete symptom rating scales that establish a baseline of symptomatology.

We will discuss ketamine generally, how it affects your brain, the experiences most people have when being treated with ketamine, the likely benefits of this treatment, and the possible risks of treatment. Together, we make an informed decision about whether to proceed with ketamine treatment.

We encourage those who are currently undergoing ketamine treatment and those who are considering ketamine to ask questions and seek more information before making a decision.

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Treatment

We offer ketamine using intravenous (IV) or intramuscular (IM) routes of administration depending on client preferences.

The frequency of treatment sessions are determined by the treatment team. A typical initial course would be two treatments per week for three to four weeks followed by weekly treatments for four weeks.

During treatment sessions, you are closely monitored while reclining comfortably. Patients usually listen to music and wear an eye mask. Vital signs are monitored for safety.

Treatments last anywhere between 60 and 120 minutes, depending on the route of administration. At each session, you will be asked to complete symptom rating scales that enable us to track your progress.

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Therapy

We offer ketamine assisted psychotherapy in order to integrate your ketamine treatment experiences into your daily life and relationships.

On its own, ketamine produces powerful mood-elevating effects. The experience during ketamine treatments also can be the source of immense psychological change.

Westside Mind Health offers ketamine-assisted psychotherapy in order to integrate your ketamine experience into your mental health intention. This therapy can be incorporated into treatment sessions. We are one of the few ketamine clinics to be psychiatrist-owned, operated and practicing on-site.

To conclude your session, you have the option of adding a licensed therapist to guide your processing of the session. Like any medical service there are many factors that should be evaluated in order to determine if it is the right clinical path for you.

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SAFETY, EXPERIENCE, PRIVACY

Our Clinic

A comfortable and calming environment for our patients.

Photography by Taylor Woods

Your Safety

Our priority is safety, and we follow “best-practice” guidelines in order to create an optimal treatment experience for our patients. At the outset of your session there will be a licensed nurse to directly monitor you – heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation. We are one of the few ketamine clinics to be psychiatrist-owned, operated, and practicing on-site.

Your Experience

Because environment is important during a ketamine treatment, we take a holistic approach to the use of light, sound, and sensation. We use high-end audio accessories, new sleep masks, and weighted blankets to ensure a positive ketamine experience. Our clinic’s refined appearance is designed with relaxation, quality, detail, and sophistication in mind. We care that our clientele feel safe and comfortable in our medically-supervised treatment rooms.

Your Privacy

Westside Mind Health is located on Wilshire Blvd. in West Los Angeles. We are in a 4,000 sq. ft. suite with well-regarded, established psychiatrists. In our ketamine clinic, as in our medical practices, we take privacy and confidentiality seriously. Our staff is discreet and our spacious waiting rooms afford patients a significant amount of personal space.

Ketamine Clinic supervised by on-site psychiatrists

The high quality of our care stands in stark contrast to many other ketamine clinics, which utilize providers who are not mental health professionals or who are unlicensed practitioners, working under the supervision of a physician who is often not on-site. We work closely with patients and/or their providers to understand their goals and provide careful, active management of their ketamine experience.

A Safe Place
The ketamine treatments at Westside Mind Health have positive, life changing effects. Westside Mind Health is a safe place for these kinds of treatment.
Tracey M.

WESTSIDE MIND HEALTH KETAMINE CLINIC

Our Services

Safety is Our Priority

IS THIS THERAPY RIGHT FOR YOU?

Ketamine & Mental Health

A PSYCHIATRIC APPROACH