Treatments
IV, IM, KAP, or concierge treatments available
Session Time
2-Hour Appointment Window
Ketamine Cost
IM $299 | IV $400 | Package pricing & first responder discounts
Consultations
Free 15-min phone consult & free in-person medical evaluation
Ketamine for OCD | A New Option for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Relief
Ketamine for OCD may help people who still have symptoms after standard care. OCD affects millions of people each year. It can cause unwanted thoughts and repetitive habits that disrupt daily life. Many people try SSRIs or talk therapy first. These treatments help some people. However, they do not help all people. Some still deal with strong OCD symptoms after years of care. Because of this, doctors are now studying ketamine for OCD relief.
Ketamine works in a different way than most OCD drugs. It affects glutamate, which helps brain cells send messages. As a result, ketamine may help lower unwanted thoughts and repetitive habits quickly.* According to studies published on PubMed on rapid treatment for depression, some people felt relief within hours after treatment.* Ketamine may also help the brain build new paths tied to mood and habits. At Ketamine Therapy at Therapeutic Alternatives, each care plan is based on the person’s needs. To book a free 15-minute call, call (385) 685-1410 or fill out the online form.
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Different Types of OCD
OCD does not look the same in every person. OCD symptoms can change based on the type and the fears behind it. Some people deal with unwanted thoughts. Others feel a strong need to repeat certain habits or rituals. Learning the different types of OCD can help people better understand their symptoms and treatment options.
Contamination OCD
This type involves a strong fear of germs, illness, or contamination. As a result, some people wash their hands often or clean far more than normal.
Harm OCD
People with Harm OCD may have unwanted thoughts about hurting themselves or others. These thoughts are upsetting and usually go against the person’s true values.
Checking OCD
This type leads to repeated checking habits. For example, a person may check locks, doors, or appliances many times each day.
Symmetry and Order OCD
Some people experience significant stress when objects are not arranged in a certain way. They may need things to feel even, to be lined up, or to be in perfect order.
Intrusive Thought OCD
This type causes disturbing or unwanted thoughts. These thoughts may involve violence, religion, sex, or other topics that feel scary or upsetting.
Hoarding Related OCD
Some people struggle to throw items away because of fear, guilt, or emotional stress tied to loss.
Relationship OCD
This type causes constant doubt about close relationships. A person may question love, trust, or emotional connection over and over again.
Common Symptoms of OCD
- nwanted thoughts or mental images
- Anxiety tied to obsessive thoughts
- Repeated rituals or habits
- Trouble stopping compulsions
- Spending large amounts of time on rituals
- Avoiding situations that trigger fear
- Problems with work, school, or relationships
How Can Ketamine Therapy Help with OCD?
Ketamine for OCD works in a new way. Most OCD drugs affect serotonin in the brain. However, ketamine affects glutamate instead. Glutamate helps control mood, learning, and habits. Because of this, ketamine may help people who still have OCD symptoms after other treatments. Some people try SSRIs or therapy for years without enough relief.
According to a study published on PubMed on OCD, ketamine lowered OCD symptoms quickly after treatment.* Researchers saw fewer intrusive thoughts and compulsions in some patients.* In some cases, symptoms improved within hours.* Most OCD drugs can take weeks to help. Ketamine may also help the brain form new pathways. This process is called neuroplasticity. In simple terms, it helps the brain become less stuck in harmful thought loops.
How Ketamine Therapy for OCD Works in the Brain
The exact way ketamine helps OCD is still being studied. However, research points to several key brain-based effects. Below are four steps that explain how ketamine for OCD can work:
Ketamine Modulates NMDA Activity
Ketamine interacts with NMDA receptors throughout the brain. These receptors help regulate mood, memory, and cognitive function. By reducing excessive NMDA activity, ketamine may help quiet patterns associated with chronic stress and obsessive thinking.
Glutamate Signaling Rises
New Neural Connections Form
Obsessive Thoughts May Become Less Intense
How Much Does Ketamine Therapy for OCD Cost in Salt Lake City?
At Ketamine Therapy at Therapeutic Alternatives, ketamine for OCD is priced to be as accessible as possible. The cost depends on the type of treatment:
- Individual Intramuscular (IM) Injection Session: $299
- Individual IV Infusion Session: $400
- Package of 6 IM Injection Sessions: $1,495
- Package of 6 IV Infusion Sessions: $2,000
All sessions include a medical intake and exam with a licensed provider. Additionally, discounts are available for first responders and mental health professionals ($50 off per session). A refer-a-friend discount also gives both parties $50 off. Most plans are self-pay, but HSA or FSA accounts may apply.
The free 15-minute phone consultation is a great first step. It lets the team review your situation and decide if ketamine for OCD is a good fit before any commitment is made.
Ketamine for OCD in SLC: The Process
01
Step
Free Phone Consultation
The first step is simple. Call (385) 685-1410 or fill out the online form to schedule a free 15-minute call. During this call, the care team learns about your symptoms and treatment goals. They also answer any questions about ketamine for OCD. This step helps decide if you may be a good candidate.
02
Step
Free Medical Assessment
Next, you will meet with Austin Francom, APRN, FNP, for a full medical evaluation. This visit covers your mental health history, current medications, and physical health. Based on the results, a custom treatment plan is created. In many cases, treatment can begin the same day.
03
Step
Start Treatment
Treatment takes place in a private, comfortable room. Depending on your treatment plan, you may receive an IV infusion or IM injection. The effects of ketamine often begin within 40 to 60 minutes, and most sessions last about two hours. A licensed provider monitors your care throughout the session. After treatment, you rest briefly before going home.
Why Choose Ketamine Therapy at Therapeutic Alternatives
Choosing the right clinic matters. Ketamine Therapy at Therapeutic Alternatives provides personal, compassionate care in a medical setting. The team creates a custom plan for each patient based on their OCD symptoms and health history. Private treatment rooms and calming music are available to help create a relaxing experience.
Both IV and IM ketamine are offered. Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is also an option for those who want to combine medicine with guided therapy. Concierge at-home ketamine services are available for patients across Salt Lake County, Utah County, and Davis County. Furthermore, the team is dedicated to providing expert OCD care in a space where healing feels possible.
Ketamine vs. Traditional OCD Treatment
| Ketamine Therapy | Traditional OCD Treatment | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Targets glutamate & NMDA receptors | Targets serotonin system |
| Speed of relief | Can work within hours* | Often takes 4–6 weeks |
| Setting | In-clinic sessions | Daily medication at home |
| For treatment-resistant cases | May help when SSRIs have failed | May not work for all patients |
| Side effects | Mild, short-term (dizziness, nausea) | Varied; can include weight gain, insomnia |
- FAQs
Ketamine for OCD
How fast does ketamine work for OCD?
Ketamine often works much faster than standard OCD medications. Many patients notice fewer intrusive thoughts within hours of their first session.* However, results vary by person. Most providers recommend a series of six sessions for the best outcome.
How long do the results of ketamine for OCD last?
Is ketamine therapy for OCD safe?
Yes, when given by trained professionals in a medical setting, ketamine therapy is considered safe. At every session, a licensed provider monitors vitals before treatment begins to ensure safety. Common short-term side effects include mild dizziness, nausea, or brief dissociation. These effects typically resolve within an hour.
Does ketamine stop intrusive thoughts?
Can ketamine help compulsions?
Yes, ketamine for OCD may help reduce compulsive urges.* The treatment targets the glutamate system, which plays a role in repetitive behaviors. By calming overactive brain circuits, ketamine may make it easier to resist compulsions. Additionally, pairing ketamine with CBT can boost these effects over time.
How many ketamine sessions are needed for OCD?
Most treatment plans begin with six sessions over two to three weeks. After the initial series, some patients return monthly for upkeep. The exact number depends on symptom severity and personal response. Austin Francom, APRN, FNP, reviews each case to build a tailored plan.
Is ketamine FDA-Approved for OCD?
Ketamine is not yet FDA-approved specifically for OCD. However, licensed providers use it off-label for this purpose. Esketamine (Spravato) is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression. Off-label use for OCD is supported by growing clinical research and is safe under medical supervision.
Can ketamine help severe OCD?
Yes, ketamine may be especially helpful for severe or treatment-resistant OCD.* Patients who have not responded to multiple SSRIs or years of CBT or ERP may find relief. Because it works on a different brain pathway, it can provide relief even when other options have failed.
What Is the success rate of ketamine for OCD?
Research on ketamine for OCD is still growing, but early studies are promising. According to clinical trials on ketamine and OCD, a significant number of OCD patients showed noticeable improvement after treatment.* Success rates vary based on OCD type, symptom severity, and number of sessions.
Can ketamine help with limerence or love addiction?
Limerence and love addiction often involve obsessive thought patterns similar to OCD. Because ketamine may reduce obsessive thinking and increase neuroplasticity, some patients report relief from these patterns.* However, research on limerence specifically is limited. A consultation with the care team can help determine if ketamine is a good fit.
Can ketamine make OCD worse?
In rare cases and in uncontrolled settings, ketamine may briefly increase anxiety or dissociation. However, in a supervised clinical setting, serious worsening of OCD symptoms is uncommon. A full screening is done before treatment to ensure each patient is a safe candidate for ketamine for OCD.
Can ketamine be used alongside OCD medication?
Ketamine Therapy for OCD Near Me | West Jordan, UT
If standard OCD treatments have not worked, ketamine therapy may offer the relief you need. Ketamine Therapy at Therapeutic Alternatives is located in West Jordan. We serve patients from Salt Lake City, South Jordan, Sandy, Draper, Cottonwood Heights, Herriman, and Murray. Treatment is also available through our concierge service across Salt Lake County, Utah County, and Davis County.
Ketamine Therapy at Therapeutic Alternatives offers individualized care for OCD, anxiety, depression, PTSD, burnout, chronic pain, and other mental health concerns. Austin Francom, APRN, FNP, and Candace Curzon, LCSW, work closely with each patient to develop a personalized treatment approach tailored to their goals and symptoms. To learn more, schedule a free 15-minute consultation by calling (385) 685-1410 or completing the online contact form.
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SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULT
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