Nasal Ketamine Therapy Specialist in Cedar Rapids, IA

At Holistic Wellness and Psychiatry, we are committed to offering innovative, evidence-based treatments that support the mind, body, and overall well-being of our patients. One such advanced therapy now available at our practice is nasal ketamine therapy—a breakthrough approach for individuals facing treatment-resistant depression, certain anxiety disorders, and chronic pain syndromes.

Unlike traditional uses of ketamine as an anesthetic, nasal ketamine therapy utilizes much lower doses, delivered through a convenient nasal spray formulation (such as esketamine, approved as Spravato). This method allows for rapid absorption and quick onset of therapeutic effects, often providing relief from symptoms within hours or days—much sooner than conventional antidepressants.

Nasal ketamine works through unique mechanisms, primarily targeting the brain’s glutamate system and NMDA receptors. This modulation fosters the growth of new neural connections and enhances neuroplasticity, helping to restore healthy brain communication and mood regulation. For patients who have not found success with standard treatments, this can be a life-changing option.

At Holistic Wellness and Psychiatry, your safety and holistic care are our top priorities. Nasal ketamine therapy is administered in a comfortable, carefully monitored setting under the supervision of our experienced medical team. We conduct thorough evaluations before, during, and after each session to ensure your well-being and to individualize your care plan.

Nasal ketamine, most commonly administered as esketamine (Spravato), represents a promising advancement in the treatment of certain mood disorders, particularly for patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD)—a condition defined by inadequate response to at least two different antidepressant therapies.

For some individuals, especially those experiencing major depressive disorder with suicidal thoughts or behaviors, nasal ketamine can provide rapid symptom relief during acute crises. This rapid-acting intervention can be a valuable complement to psychotherapy, lifestyle modifications, and other supportive therapies offered in our practice.

Ongoing research also suggests potential benefits of nasal ketamine for conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, and bipolar depression. While these uses are considered off-label and require further scientific validation, we stay informed of the latest advances to ensure our patients receive innovative, safe, and individualized care.

At Holistic Wellness and Psychiatry, any consideration of nasal ketamine therapy is based on a thorough assessment, collaborative decision-making, and ongoing support.

One of the unique benefits of nasal ketamine therapy is its rapid onset of action. Most of our patients begin to feel the effects within 5 to 15 minutes after administration in our safe, supportive clinical environment. The therapeutic experience typically peaks within 20 to 40 minutes.

It’s important to recognize that the timing and intensity of ketamine’s effects can vary based on individual factors such as metabolism, dosage, and whether you’ve recently eaten. Some patients notice improved mood or symptom relief within hours of their first session, while others may require a series of treatments to experience significant improvement.

At Holistic Wellness and Psychiatry, your safety and comfort are our top priorities. Our medical team closely monitors each session, as side effects like dissociation, dizziness, or changes in perception can occur soon after dosing. By providing expert supervision and integrating ketamine therapy with holistic support, we strive to ensure a positive and healing experience tailored to your unique needs.

For patients struggling with treatment-resistant depression, chronic pain, or certain psychiatric conditions, ketamine therapy has emerged as a promising option. In our practice, we provide both nasal ketamine (esketamine/Spravato) and intravenous (IV) ketamine as part of our integrated care model.

Nasal Ketamine (Esketamine/Spravato):

This FDA-approved medication is administered as a nasal spray under medical supervision in our office. Nasal ketamine is a less invasive option for patients who may prefer to avoid IV lines or needles. The medication is absorbed through the nasal passages, resulting in a gradual onset of therapeutic effects. While this method has slightly lower bioavailability than IV ketamine, it remains highly effective for many patients and aligns with our commitment to minimizing discomfort and supporting patient preferences.

IV Ketamine:

For some patients, IV ketamine infusions may be recommended. This method delivers ketamine directly into the bloodstream, allowing for a faster onset of effects and precise control over dosage. IV ketamine is often chosen for individuals who may benefit from rapid symptom relief or require more personalized adjustments during treatment sessions. 

Both nasal and IV ketamine treatments are administered with close medical oversight to manage potential side effects and ensure optimal results. Our holistic philosophy extends to every aspect of your care, empowering you to find hope and healing through innovative, compassionate, and personalized psychiatry.

At Holistic Wellness and Psychiatry, founder Dr. Laurie McCormick (MD, DFAPA) is redefining mental health care in Cedar Rapids. As a dual-certified specialist in both Integrative Psychiatry and Ketamine Therapy, Dr. McCormick has spent over five years helping patients heal the root causes of depression and PTSD.

Our clinic moves beyond the standard “trial-and-error” medication model by combining Nasal Ketamine (Spravato) and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) with a whole-person perspective. Whether you are visiting our new 7th Ave SW clinic or connecting via telehealth, Dr. McCormick’s evidence-based, compassionate approach ensures your treatment is as unique as your own story. 

If you’re interested in learning more about ketamine therapy and how it fits into a holistic mental health plan, please contact Holistic Wellness and Psychiatry to schedule a consultation. We are conveniently located at 42 7th Ave SW, Suite 100 & 102 Cedar Rapids, IA 52404. We serve patients from Cedar Rapids IA, Hiawatha IA, Robins IA, Fairfax IA, Mt Vernon IA and surrounding areas.