Why Choose a Nasal Ketamine Therapy Specialist in St. Thomas, USVI?

At Holistic Wellness and Psychiatry, we are proud to provide nasal ketamine therapy for individuals struggling with depression and anxiety, particularly when traditional treatments such as oral antidepressants and talk therapy have not provided sufficient relief.

One of the unique benefits of nasal ketamine therapy is its rapid onset of action. Unlike conventional antidepressants, which can take several weeks to produce noticeable effects, nasal ketamine can lead to significant improvements in mood and anxiety levels within hours or days for some patients. This fast-acting property can be especially valuable for those experiencing severe symptoms, including acute distress or suicidal thoughts, providing a crucial window for healing and stabilization.

Nasal ketamine therapy also offers hope for individuals with treatment-resistant depression or anxiety. Many people do not respond adequately to standard medications, and research has demonstrated that ketamine—particularly in its nasal (esketamine) form—can be effective for a significant portion of these individuals. By working through the brain’s glutamate system rather than the more commonly targeted serotonin or norepinephrine pathways, nasal ketamine represents a novel and promising option for those who have exhausted other avenues.

Beyond improvements in mood and anxiety, many of our patients report a renewed sense of wellbeing, greater mental clarity, and a reduction in negative or intrusive thoughts. Our holistic framework integrates nasal ketamine therapy with other wellness modalities—such as psychotherapy, mindfulness, nutrition, and lifestyle interventions—to support sustainable, whole-person healing.

It is important to note that while nasal ketamine therapy shows great promise, it is not appropriate for everyone and can have potential side effects. As always, our team at Holistic Wellness and Psychiatry works collaboratively with each patient to determine the most appropriate, personalized treatment plan.

Your safety and well-being are our top priorities. Nasal ketamine therapy is administered by our experienced medical and psychiatric team in a calm, supportive environment designed to promote healing. Before initiating treatment, each patient receives a thorough medical and psychiatric evaluation to determine if ketamine therapy aligns with their unique needs and health profile.

Personalized Care and Monitoring

On treatment days, you will be cared for in a comfortable setting within our clinic. The nasal spray is administered under close supervision, and you will be monitored for at least one to two hours to ensure your comfort and safety. Common, short-lived side effects may include mild dissociation, perceptual changes, dizziness, nausea, or a temporary rise in blood pressure or heart rate. 

For your safety, we advise patients not to drive or use heavy machinery until the day following treatment, as ketamine can temporarily affect coordination and judgment.

Integrated Treatment Planning

We understand that each individual’s healing journey is unique. The frequency and duration of ketamine treatments are tailored to your response and overall treatment goals, often beginning with a series of sessions over several weeks and transitioning to maintenance as needed. Our holistic approach emphasizes ongoing communication, regular follow-up appointments, and collaboration with you to monitor progress, manage side effects, and adjust your care plan.

Who Is Eligible for Ketamine Therapy?

Nasal ketamine therapy is not suitable for everyone. It may be avoided in individuals with uncontrolled hypertension, certain heart conditions, active substance abuse, or a history of psychosis. We encourage open dialogue about your medical history, current medications, and any concerns to ensure the most appropriate and effective care.

For individuals facing treatment-resistant depression or certain pain disorders, nasal ketamine therapy offers an innovative option when traditional interventions have not provided sufficient relief. This therapy can be highly effective, but as with any medical treatment, it is important to be mindful of potential side effects.

Common side effects of nasal ketamine therapy may include feelings of dissociation (a sense of detachment from your surroundings), dizziness, mild sedation, nausea, and increased blood pressure. Some patients notice perceptual changes, such as alterations in their sense of time or reality. Less frequently, individuals may experience headaches, anxiety, or urinary discomfort. At Holistic Wellness and Psychiatry, we approach these experiences with compassion, recognizing them as part of the broader healing journey.

Most side effects are short-lived, typically resolving within one to two hours after administration. During and after your treatment sessions, you will be closely monitored by our experienced healthcare professionals. We routinely check your blood pressure and heart rate, and provide a soothing, supportive environment to promote healing and relaxation. If needed, we offer interventions such as hydration, gentle reassurance, and anti-nausea medications to minimize discomfort.

Should you experience more persistent or severe side effects, our integrated care approach means we will work with you to adjust your treatment plan or explore additional support as necessary. We encourage open communication—sharing your experiences with us helps ensure your therapy remains as safe, effective, and holistic as possible.

Our patients who pursue nasal ketamine therapy often do so alongside other evidence-based treatments. This might include oral antidepressant medications, mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and ongoing psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). By combining these therapies, we aim to maximize symptom improvement and restore overall well-being, especially when previous treatments alone have not been effective.

The decision to incorporate nasal ketamine into your care at Holistic Wellness and Psychiatry is always made collaboratively and with careful consideration by our qualified providers. We assess your current medications, monitor for potential drug interactions, and tailor your treatment for safety, effectiveness, and your unique needs. For example, certain medications—like benzodiazepines—may reduce the effectiveness of ketamine, while others could heighten the risk of side effects. Our holistic approach ensures every aspect of your health is thoughtfully managed.

Integration of nasal ketamine therapy is highly individualized within our practice. We emphasize open communication between you and your care team, allowing us to adjust therapies as needed and to closely monitor your progress throughout your journey.

At Holistic Wellness and Psychiatry, founder Dr. Laurie McCormick, MD, DFAPA, brings world-class integrative mental health care directly to the St. Thomas community. As a dual-certified specialist in Functional Medicine and Ketamine Therapy, Dr. McCormick moves beyond traditional methods to address the biological and environmental roots of treatment-resistant depression.

Our USVI clinic, located in the VI Medical Foundation, specializes in Nasal Ketamine (Spravato) and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP). By combining these breakthrough treatments with a holistic, whole-person philosophy, Dr. McCormick provides a safe, medically supervised environment for profound healing. Reclaim your well-being with personalized psychiatric care designed to help you thrive right here in the Virgin Islands.

If you are considering nasal ketamine therapy, we encourage you to schedule a consultation at Holistic Wellness and Psychiatry. Together, we will create a safe, effective, and holistic treatment plan tailored just for you. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We are conveniently located at VI Medical Foundation, 9150 Estate Thomas, Suite 206 St. Thomas 00802. We serve patients from St Thomas USVI, Charlotte Amalie USVI, Northside USVI, John Oley USVI, Smith Bay USVI, East End USVI,and surrounding areas.