Advanced Treatment in East Providence, RI
Ketamine for Depression
A fast-acting, evidence-based treatment for people who haven’t found lasting relief from antidepressants offered in a calm, supervised clinical setting.
What is Ketamine Therapy?
Ketamine for depression is one of the most significant advances in psychiatric treatment in decades.
IV ketamine infusions provide lasting relief to about 70% of patients, including many with treatment-resistant depression who have exhausted other options. Unlike traditional antidepressants that can take weeks to work, most patients notice meaningful improvement within hours of their first infusion.
If you’ve been wondering what to do when antidepressants stop working, ketamine therapy may offer a different path forward. It targets the brain’s glutamate system rather than serotonin, a fundamentally different mechanism that helps the brain rebuild neural pathways that depression has degraded over time.
Schedule a Discovery Call to explore whether one of our advanced treatments may be right for you.
How Ketamine Therapy Works Differently Than Antidepressants
Both antidepressants and ketamine therapy have a role in depression treatment, and understanding how they differ can help you make an informed decision about your care.
Furthermore, antidepressants and ketamine therapy are not mutually exclusive treatments. Many patients continue their current medications while undergoing ketamine infusions, using both methods together as part of a comprehensive, personalized treatment plan.
Antidepressants
- Take 4–6 weeks to show results
- Target serotonin or dopamine pathways
- Require daily dosing as an oral medication
- Act as an effective first-line treatment for many
- May cause side effects like weight gain, sexual dysfunction, or insomnia
- Do not work for approximately 30% of patients
- Typically covered by insurance
Ketamine Therapy
- Offer relief often within hours of the first infusion
- Target NMDA receptors in the glutamate system
- Administered IV in a supervised clinical setting
- Effective for up to 70% of treatment-resistant patients
- Side effects (mild dissociation, nausea) are brief and temporary, resolving within hours
- Helps rebuild neural pathways damaged by depression
- Not typically covered by insurance
Finding the right treatment for depression can take time, but science-backed options are more advanced than ever. If ketamine therapy may not be right for you, other approaches aside from antidepressants may make more sense. There is a path forward. Explore the differences between ketamine therapy and other advanced treatment options like Spravato® and TMS therapy.
Ketamine for Depression in East Providence | Bluewater Psychiatry
Highly effective
Works for up to 70% of patients, including treatment-resistant depression
Rapid relief
Many patients notice improvement and relief from depression within hours of the first infusion
Safe & Monitored
Administered by trained medical professionals in a safe and supervised clinical setting
A True Reset
Supports lasting change in brain pathways & neural connections, not just symptom management
Why Choose Bluewater Psychiatry for Ketamine Therapy in East Providence, RI
We are here to help understand your circumstances, explain your options, and explore a collaborative care plan that meets your unique needs.
We are a dedicated psychiatric practice with deep expertise in advanced treatments for depression, including IV ketamine, Spravato® (esketamine), and TMS therapy. Our approach is patient-centered: we take the time to understand your history, explain your options clearly, and support you throughout the treatment process.
Compassionate psychiatric providers
Evidence-based, research-backed personalized care
IV ketamine provided in a calm, private clinical environment
Personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient
Dedicated support from first call to follow-up
If you’re searching for alternatives to antidepressants for depression, ketamine therapy may offer a different path forward for people who haven’t found relief with traditional medications alone.
What to Expect During Ketamine Treatment
Our team is experienced, compassionate, and focused on your safety and comfort every step of the way.
01. Free Discovery Call
Discuss eligibility and answer questions
02. Psychiatric Evaluation
Discuss symptoms, history, and treatment options
03. In-Office Treatment Sessions
Comfortable, supervised environment
04. Observation & Support
You relax while we monitor your safety
05. Ongoing Care
The follow-up you need
Free Mental Health Guides, Written for You
Explore our free guides on depression and anxiety—including a dedicated resource on how these conditions affect women—to better understand your symptoms, your options, and what support can look like.
Understanding Depression and Anxiety
Our free ebook explains depression and anxiety, why traditional treatments don’t work for everyone, and how newer therapies may offer renewed hope.
Depression and
Anxiety in Women
This guide offers clear insight into the emotional, hormonal, & social factors that shape women’s mental health, & what science-backed treatment options help restore balance.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Ketamine Therapy?
Ketamine for treatment-resistant depression is most appropriate for adults who:
Have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder, bipolar depression, or treatment-resistant depression
Are experiencing significant impairment in daily functioning due to depression symptoms
Have tried two or more antidepressant medications without adequate or lasting relief
Are medically stable and able to receive treatment in a supervised clinical setting
Ketamine infusion for depression is not a replacement for all psychiatric care. It works best as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may include therapy, medication management, and ongoing follow-up.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ketamine for Depression
How does ketamine work for depression?
Ketamine targets the brain’s glutamate system and NMDA receptors, promoting new neural connections in areas affected by depression. This is distinct from SSRIs and SNRIs, explaining why ketamine works for patients who haven’t responded to traditional antidepressants.
How quickly will I notice results?
Many patients report relief within hours of the first infusion. Most know whether ketamine is working within the first one to two sessions—far faster than traditional antidepressants.
Is IV ketamine for depression covered by insurance?
IV ketamine infusions are not typically covered by insurance. Spravato® (esketamine), a related FDA-approved nasal spray, may be covered under your insurance plan. Learn more about Spravato here.
What is treatment-resistant depression?
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is generally defined as depression that has not responded adequately to at least two different antidepressant treatments. If this sounds familiar, ketamine therapy may be a strong option for you.
What do I do when antidepressants stop working?
If antidepressants have stopped working, options like IV ketamine, TMS therapy, and Spravato® offer clinically validated pathways forward. Start with a free Discovery Call to explore what makes sense for your situation.
How is IV ketamine different from Spravato?
IV ketamine is administered intravenously and has decades of off-label clinical use. Spravato® is an FDA-approved nasal spray that may be covered by insurance. Both are available at Bluewater Psychiatry. Compare your options.
Is ketamine therapy safe?
Ketamine therapy at Bluewater Psychiatry is administered by trained psychiatric providers in a supervised clinical setting, with continuous monitoring throughout each session. Side effects — most commonly mild dissociation or temporary nausea — are brief and typically resolve within hours. As with any medical treatment, candidacy is evaluated individually to ensure it is appropriate for your health history and current needs.
How many ketamine infusions are needed for depression?
Most patients begin with an initial series of six infusions administered over two to three weeks, which is the protocol supported by the majority of clinical research. Response varies by individual — some patients notice meaningful improvement after the first few sessions, while others respond more gradually over the full series. Your provider will evaluate your progress and recommend a maintenance plan tailored to your needs.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is required, though we do accept referrals from providers. You can start by scheduling a Discovery Call with our team to see if you are qualified for our servies. If you’re a provider looking to refer a patient, visit our Psychiatric Referrals page.
ARTICLES ABOUT KETAMINE FOR DEPRESSION
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Healing Hidden Trauma: Bypassing Your Brain’s Defenses with Ketamine Therapy
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Request a Discovery Call
Are you a candidate for ketamine infusions or psychiatric services? Request a Discovery Call with Dr. Randy Freeman and find out how we can help you achieve your mental, emotional, and behavioral goals.
Office Hours
Monday: 9am-5pm
Tuesday: 9am-5pm
Wednesday: 9am-8pm
Thursday: 9am-5pm
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