Who Qualifies for Ketamine Therapy?

At Bay Area Ketamine Center, we offer ketamine therapy for individuals in Los Altos and the greater Bay Area who are struggling with mental health conditions that have not responded to traditional treatments. Our center specializes in providing care for those with diagnoses such as treatment-resistant depression, major depressive disorder, various anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and chronic pain syndromes, including neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia.

Eligibility for ketamine therapy at Bay Area Ketamine Center is carefully determined through a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. During this process, our experienced clinicians assess the severity and duration of your symptoms, review your prior treatment history, and evaluate your overall medical and psychiatric health. We prioritize your safety, so individuals with uncontrolled medical conditions, certain psychiatric disorders (such as active psychosis or mania), or a history of substance abuse that could be worsened by ketamine may not be suitable candidates for this therapy. All patients must be able to provide informed consent and commit to our treatment protocols.

At Bay Area Ketamine Center, ketamine therapy is administered under the close supervision of our qualified healthcare providers. We ensure ongoing monitoring throughout your treatment to maximize both safety and effectiveness. If you live in Los Altos or anywhere in the Bay Area and are considering ketamine therapy, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with our team. We will work with you to determine if ketamine therapy is an appropriate option for your unique needs and help guide you on your path toward improved mental health and well-being.

At Bay Area Ketamine Center, we specialize in providing ketamine therapy as a cutting-edge treatment for individuals struggling with certain mental health and chronic pain conditions, particularly when conventional treatments have not delivered the desired results.

Who May Benefit from Ketamine Therapy at Bay Area Ketamine Center?
Our team often works with patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder, especially those experiencing treatment-resistant depression—meaning they have tried at least two different antidepressant medications without significant improvement. We also support individuals dealing with severe and persistent anxiety disorders (such as generalized anxiety disorder) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), especially if standard therapies have failed to provide relief.

Additionally, patients suffering from chronic neuropathic pain conditions—including complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and fibromyalgia—may find ketamine therapy to be a valuable option when traditional pain management strategies have proven inadequate. For individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts or acute suicidal ideation, ketamine therapy at our center has shown promise in providing rapid symptom relief in some cases.

Our Approach to Patient Safety
At Bay Area Ketamine Center, your safety and well-being are our top priorities. Before beginning therapy, each patient undergoes a thorough medical and psychiatric evaluation by our experienced healthcare providers. This assessment helps us determine whether ketamine is a safe and appropriate treatment option based on your unique medical history, psychiatric profile, and overall health.

Ketamine therapy may not be recommended for individuals with uncontrolled high blood pressure, certain heart conditions, untreated psychotic disorders, or active substance use disorders—particularly those involving ketamine or other dissociative drugs. Our comprehensive screening process is designed to ensure that every candidate receives the most appropriate care.

Contact Bay Area Ketamine Center
If you or a loved one is seeking new options for managing depression, anxiety, PTSD, chronic pain, or suicidal thoughts, and traditional treatments have not provided relief, contact Bay Area Ketamine Center to schedule a consultation. Our compassionate team is here to help you explore whether ketamine therapy could be the right path forward for your health and well-being.

At Bay Area Ketamine Center, we are dedicated to providing innovative, evidence-based care for individuals struggling with anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)—especially for those who have not found relief through traditional therapies such as psychotherapy and standard medications. Ketamine therapy, originally developed as an anesthetic, has emerged as a promising treatment option for patients with treatment-resistant anxiety and PTSD.

Clinical studies have demonstrated that ketamine acts rapidly on the brain’s glutamate system, offering antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects that can be felt within hours or days. For patients with PTSD, ketamine may promote synaptic growth and help the brain process traumatic memories more effectively. Individuals with severe anxiety who have not responded to conventional treatments may experience significant symptom improvement after ketamine therapy at our center.

At Bay Area Ketamine Center, ketamine is administered under the careful supervision of our experienced medical team, following established protocols to prioritize your safety and well-being. We offer a variety of administration methods tailored to your unique needs. Our comprehensive evaluation process ensures that ketamine therapy is only recommended for those who are most likely to benefit, and we work closely with you to develop an individualized treatment plan.

While ketamine therapy offers hope for many, it is not suitable as a first-line treatment and is generally reserved for treatment-resistant cases. Potential side effects can include dissociation, mild increases in blood pressure, and, in rare cases, the risk of misuse. Our team at Bay Area Ketamine Center provides thorough monitoring before, during, and after each session to ensure your safety and to optimize outcomes.

As research on ketamine continues to evolve, we remain committed to upholding the highest standards of care and patient education. If you or a loved one is struggling with anxiety or PTSD and has not found relief through standard treatments, contact Bay Area Ketamine Center to learn whether ketamine therapy may be right for you. Our specialists are here to answer your questions and guide you every step of the way.

A comprehensive review of each patient’s past medication history is a fundamental part of our evaluation process for ketamine therapy. This step is essential because ketamine can interact with various medications and underlying health conditions, impacting both safety and effectiveness.

Our experienced clinical team will carefully assess all medications you have previously or are currently taking—including prescription drugs, over-the-counter products, and supplements. This thorough review allows us to identify any potential drug interactions. Recognizing these factors helps us tailor your treatment plan for maximum benefit and safety.

Additionally, understanding your mental health treatment history, including which antidepressants or mood stabilizers you’ve tried, gives us valuable insight into your unique needs. For individuals who have not found relief with traditional medications—a situation known as treatment-resistant depression—ketamine may offer new hope. However, if there is a history of substance misuse, especially with sedatives or dissociative drugs, we take extra precautions since ketamine has its own abuse potential.

At Bay Area Ketamine Center, your medication history guides us in making personalized, informed decisions about your care. By identifying possible drug interactions, understanding your previous treatment outcomes, and assessing any risks related to substance use, we strive to provide the safest and most effective ketamine therapy tailored to you.

Dr. Paul Wender, MD, is an experienced, board-certified doctor who specializes in helping patients explore whether ketamine therapy is the right option for their specific needs. With years of experience in mental health and pain management, Dr. Wender offers a personalized approach to evaluating the potential benefits of ketamine therapy. He takes the time to thoroughly assess each patient’s unique health history, symptoms, and treatment goals to determine if ketamine could be a suitable and effective treatment option.

By considering factors such as the severity of the condition, previous treatment history, and patient preferences, Dr. Wender ensures a thoughtful and informed decision-making process. His approach includes comprehensive consultations where he explains the benefits and risks of ketamine therapy, ensuring that patients feel supported and well-informed. Through this collaborative process, Dr. Wender is committed to providing personalized care that aligns with each patient’s individual health journey. For more information contact us today or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 746 Altos Oaks Drive Suite B, Los Altos, CA 94024. We serve patients from Los Altos CA, Sunnyvale CA, Palo Alto CA, Stanford CA, Atherton CA, Cupertino CA, Santa Clara CA, Mountain View CA, Loyola CA, and surrounding areas.