KETAMINE THERAPY
When depression has not improved enough with medication, therapy, or other traditional approaches, ketamine therapy may offer another path. At Altium Health, treatment is medically supervised, thoughtfully personalized, and provided in a calm, supportive setting.
A different way forward may be closer
than you think.
WHEN THE USUAL PATH HASN’T BEEN ENOUGH
Living with persistent depression can be exhausting, especially when you have already tried treatment and still do not feel like yourself.
Ketamine works differently from traditional antidepressant medications. Rather than primarily targeting serotonin or similar pathways, ketamine affects the brain’s glutamate system and NMDA receptors. Research has found that some adults with treatment-resistant depression experience improvement more quickly than is typically expected with daily antidepressant medications. Results vary, and ketamine is not effective for everyone.
At Altium Health, ketamine is not treated as a quick fix or a stand-alone answer. It is one treatment option within a broader plan built around your symptoms, history, health, and goals.
Treatment that approaches
depression differently.
A medically supervised option for
persistent depression.
WHAT IS KETAMINE THERAPY?
Ketamine is a medication that has been used in medical settings for decades. It is FDA-approved as an anesthetic and may be administered intravenously or intramuscularly. Its use for psychiatric conditions, including depression, is considered off-label, meaning the medication is prescribed for a purpose other than its original FDA-approved indication.
Off-label prescribing is a recognized part of medical practice, but it requires careful evaluation, informed consent, and appropriate monitoring. At Altium Health, ketamine treatment is provided by a medical team in a controlled clinical environment.
Treatment at Altium may be provided through:
IV Ketamine
Medication is administered gradually through an intravenous line, allowing the medical team to closely manage the treatment throughout the session.
IM Ketamine
Medication is administered through an intramuscular injection. Your dose, response, and recovery are monitored by the medical team.
Your provider will determine which approach is clinically appropriate based on your medical history, symptoms, prior treatment, and individual needs.
WHAT TO EXPECT
YOUR CARE, STEP BY STEP
01 — Complete an Assessment
A member of the medical team will review your symptoms, diagnoses, medication history,
medical conditions, current medications, prior treatment, and goals.
We will also discuss the potential benefits, limitations, side effects, alternatives, and whether
additional medical information is needed before moving forward.
02 — Prepare for Your Appointment
Before treatment, you will receive specific instructions from the medical team.
Altium’s standard preparation generally includes:
Do not eat for four hours before treatment.
Follow the instructions provided regarding liquids and medications.
Wear comfortable clothing.
Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home.
Plan for the remainder of the day to be quiet and low-demand
Do not stop or change a prescribed medication unless your provider specifically instructs you to do so.
03 — Receive Treatment
Ketamine is administered through an IV or IM injection based on your treatment plan.
You will remain in a comfortable treatment space while the medical team monitors you.
A registered nurse is present during treatment, and your blood pressure and overall response are assessed.
Medication may be provided for nausea, anxiety, or blood-pressure changes when clinically appropriate.
04 — Recover Before Going Home
After medication administration, you will remain at the clinic while the immediate effects begin to resolve.
The team will assess how you are feeling and make sure you are ready to leave with your designated driver.
You should not drive for at least six hours after treatment and must follow any additional restrictions provided by your clinician.
05 — Review Your Response
Your provider will monitor changes in your mood, functioning, side effects, and overall response.
The treatment plan may be adjusted based on what you experience.
More options.
One connected team.
CARE DESIGNED AROUND YOU
Medication Management
Thoughtful psychiatric evaluation and ongoing medication support tailored to you.
Ketamine Therapy
Clinician-guided treatment for appropriate patients when other approaches have not helped enough.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
A non-invasive treatment option for depression with no anesthesia or recovery time.
Ambulatory Detox
Medical support for withdrawal while you remain connected to home and daily life.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
Medication, counseling and ongoing support for substance use recovery.
NAD+ IV Therapy
Medically supervised IV support offered as part of an individualized care plan.