Specialized Expertise
Ketamine Use Disorder Treatment
As ketamine use has expanded—both therapeutically and recreationally—we're seeing more patients with problematic patterns and medical complications. We have specific expertise in treating ketamine use disorder and its unique medical sequelae.
A Growing
Concern
Ketamine occupies a unique space: it's a legitimate anesthetic, an FDA-approved treatment for depression (as esketamine/Spravato), widely used in off-label ketamine clinics, and also a common recreational drug.
This means people develop problematic ketamine use through multiple pathways—some from recreational use, others from therapeutic use that evolved into daily self-medication. Regardless of how it started, the treatment is similar.
Unlike opioids or alcohol, ketamine dependence is primarily psychological rather than physical, but this doesn't make it easier to stop. Many patients describe powerful cravings and difficulty imagining life without the dissociative escape ketamine provides.
Why Treatment Matters
Heavy ketamine use carries serious medical risks that many users are unaware of:
- Ketamine cystitis — Bladder damage causing urinary frequency, urgency, pain, and in severe cases, permanent bladder dysfunction
- Cognitive effects — Memory impairment and difficulty with concentration that may persist
- Gastrointestinal issues — Chronic abdominal pain (K-cramps)
- Psychological dependence — Compulsive use despite mounting consequences
Our Approach
Comprehensive Assessment
We evaluate your pattern of use, any medical complications, co-occurring mental health conditions (depression, anxiety, trauma), and what role ketamine has been serving in your life. This informs a personalized treatment plan.
Medical Management
While there are no FDA-approved medications for ketamine use disorder, we can address underlying conditions (depression, anxiety, ADHD) that may be driving use, and manage medical complications like cystitis. Referral to urology when needed.
Psychotherapy
Therapy is essential for ketamine use disorder. Our psychotherapists work with you to understand the function ketamine has served, develop alternative coping strategies, and address any underlying trauma or psychiatric conditions.
Who We See
Recreational Users
Patients who started using ketamine at parties or for "self-exploration" and found it has become a daily or near-daily habit that's affecting their health, relationships, or work.
Therapeutic Ketamine Escalation
Patients who began with supervised ketamine therapy for depression and transitioned to obtaining ketamine through other channels, using more frequently than prescribed.
Dual Diagnosis
Patients with treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, or anxiety who have been self-medicating with ketamine. We can address both the ketamine use and the underlying condition.
Medical Complications
Patients presenting with ketamine cystitis or other medical complications who need both addiction treatment and medical management of the physical sequelae.
Your Treatment Team
Paul Abramson, MD
Medical Director & Founder
Dr. Abramson comes from a multi-generational lineage of physicians. He combines rigorous medical training with a background in engineering from Stanford, bringing sophisticated, data-driven expertise to health optimization.
Kelly Yi, PhD
Psychotherapist
Dr. Kelly Yi completed his doctoral training from the clinical psychology program at Sofia University in Palo Alto, CA. He is currently Associate Chair of the psychology doctoral Program at The Institute of Transpersonal Psychology at Sofia University.
Orion Harris, LMFT
Psychotherapist
Orion Harris completed his masters degree in Counseling Psychology at California Institute of Integral Studies. Orion weaves together mindfulness based cognitive behavioral techniques, humanistic-existential and depth approaches.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If ketamine use has become problematic—whether you're worried about your health, can't seem to stop, or are experiencing medical complications—contact us for a confidential consultation.