Keta patient Dr. Jim Ellwood shares his personal journey with treatment-resistant depression and how he found lasting relief with ketamine therapy. Here’s his story.
For Providers
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212-288-3454
Ketamine for Palliative Care
Ketamine can help manage pain and anxiety in palliative care patients.
What Is Palliative Care?
Palliative care is specialized medical support for people with serious or terminal illness. Its goal is to relieve pain, manage symptoms, and address emotional and psychological needs—improving quality of life for both patients and families.
It can be provided at any stage of illness, alongside curative treatments, through a team of doctors, nurses, and counselors who work together to offer holistic support.
How Ketamine Works in Palliative Care
Ketamine treatment plays a unique dual role in palliative care by addressing both physical pain and emotional suffering. By regulating the brain’s glutamate system and blocking NMDA receptors, it can disrupt chronic pain signals, providing relief where traditional pain management techniques may fall short.
Ketamine also offers relief from symptoms such as depression and anxiety, and helps existential distress. It can help people alleviate their fears and anxieties about death while leaning into acceptance, embracing the abyss of the unknown.
Research shows that psychological distress of patients in palliative care may improve after a single administration of S-ketamine.
The Treatment Process
Schedule Free
Consultation
Our treatment process starts with a personal consultation, where we take time to understand your unique challenges. We collaborate with you and your healthcare providers to create a personalized care plan.
Begin Treatment
From the moment you enter our clinic, you’ll be greeted with a smile and a calm environment. After a quick exam, our staff ensures you’re completely comfortable and ready to begin.
During Treatment
Settle into a cozy reclining chair in a private room. You’ll receive an eye mask, noise-canceling headphones, and music options. Throughout the treatment, our attentive medical team will be by your side.
Regular Sessions
Our physicians design a customized treatment plan for each patient. We offer IV ketamine and Spravato nasal spray. The induction period lasts 3–4 weeks and can be followed by maintenance sessions tailored to each patient’s needs.
Relief for Depression, Anxiety and Pain
Ketamine can provide relief within hours to just a few days
70%
patient response rate to ketamine treatment.
40-50%
remission rate upon completing induction.
2-4 hours
until many IV ketamine patients report an improvement in their symptoms.
“We at Keta Medical Center understand that palliative care is not just about managing symptoms – it’s about being there for our patients and their families during one of life’s most challenging times.
Ketamine treatment allows us to address both physical pain and emotional distress, helping to ease suffering while fostering moments of connection and clarity. Our commitment is to provide not only effective treatment but also a compassionate presence, ensuring that patients feel truly supported every step of the way.”
- Dr. Malina
Research
Below are several studies about the effectiveness of ketamine in palliative care.
FAQs
Is ketamine safe for palliative care patients?
Yes, ketamine is safe when administered in a clinical setting under professional supervision. Our team monitors each patient closely to ensure proper dosing and minimize any potential side effects.
Will ketamine treatment affect my current medical regimen?
Ketamine therapy is often used alongside existing treatments to enhance their effectiveness. Our team collaborates with your healthcare providers to ensure a comprehensive approach to your care.
Stay Updated
After decades of battling depression and anxiety, one patient found relief when traditional treatments had failed - through ketamine therapy at Keta Medical Center. Read his deeply personal account of transformation, healing, and newfound hope.
Is your friend or family member starting ketamine therapy? Our therapist offers tips on how to best support them and help them on their journey to healing.
