Serving Rockville & nearby areas • Most major insurances accepted

IM-Ketamine for Anxiety in Adelphi, MD

Rapid-acting relief for Anxiety—guided by experienced psychiatric care.

When traditional treatments haven’t worked, IM Ketamine may offer a new path forward. Our medically supervised approach focuses on safety, comfort, and personalized care—helping patients experience meaningful symptom relief.

google logoBright Horizons PsychiatryBright Horizons Psychiatry
4.8 Stars - Based on 177 Reviews

Is IM-Ketamine right for you?

Physician-Led & Medically Supervised

IM Ketamine is administered in a controlled clinical setting under close psychiatric supervision, with monitoring before, during, and after each session to ensure safety and comfort.

Evidence-Informed Treatment

Ketamine has been widely studied for its rapid effects on mood and symptoms related to Anxiety. Treatment plans are personalized based on your clinical needs.

Fast-Acting Support

Many patients report noticeable symptom relief within hours or days rather than weeks, making IM Ketamine an option when traditional medications haven’t worked.

Personalized Dosing & Care

Each session is carefully tailored to you. Dosage, frequency, and progression are adjusted based on response, tolerability, and ongoing psychiatric evaluation.

When standard treatments haven’t worked

IM Ketamine may be an option for Anxiety

Backed by clinical research and delivered under the supervision of experienced mental health providers. Most major health insurance plans cover psychiatric consultations and evaluations with our care team.

University of Michigan Logo Mayo Clinic Logo Harvard Health Publishing Logo NIH Logo

IM Ketamine injections start at $349 per session

How IM-Ketamine Can Help with Anxiety

IM Ketamine is a physician-administered treatment that works on key brain pathways involved in obsessive thoughts, compulsive behaviors, and emotional rigidity. Unlike traditional medications that can take weeks to show effects, ketamine acts on glutamate signaling, which plays a role in neural flexibility and symptom relief.

For individuals living with Anxiety who have not experienced adequate improvement from therapy or standard medications, IM Ketamine may offer a different approach. By influencing how brain circuits communicate, ketamine may help reduce the intensity of intrusive thoughts and the urge to perform compulsive behaviors.

This treatment approach is personalized and guided by a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. IM Ketamine does not require daily medication and is delivered in a controlled clinical setting with close monitoring by trained medical professionals.

During treatment, ketamine is administered via a brief intramuscular injection. Patients are observed throughout the session to ensure comfort and safety. Sessions are structured, time-limited, and tailored to individual response and tolerance.

Most patients are able to relax during treatment and typically resume normal daily activities later the same day, following a short recovery period as advised by their care team.

What our patients say

What to Know About IM-Ketamine for Anxiety

IM Ketamine is a physician-administered treatment that works differently from traditional psychiatric medications. Rather than targeting serotonin alone, ketamine primarily affects the brain’s glutamate system, which plays a key role in neural communication, flexibility, and mood regulation.

For individuals living with Anxiety, this mechanism may help interrupt rigid thought patterns and reduce symptom intensity. IM Ketamine is often considered when standard treatments such as therapy or medications have not provided sufficient relief. Treatment plans are personalized and guided by a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation.
IM Ketamine may be appropriate for adults who continue to experience symptoms of Anxiety despite trying conventional treatments, including medication and psychotherapy. Candidates typically undergo a detailed psychiatric and medical assessment to determine whether ketamine is a safe and appropriate option.

Certain medical conditions, medications, or psychiatric histories may affect eligibility. Our care team carefully reviews each patient’s history to ensure treatment decisions are individualized, medically appropriate, and focused on safety.

During an IM Ketamine session, the medication is administered via a brief intramuscular injection in a comfortable clinical setting. Patients are closely monitored by trained medical staff before, during, and after treatment to ensure safety and comfort.

Sessions are structured and time-limited. Patients may experience temporary changes in perception or mood during treatment, which typically resolve within the observation period. Our care team will provide guidance on what to expect and how to prepare for each visit.

The number of IM Ketamine sessions varies depending on individual response, diagnosis, and treatment goals. Some patients notice changes within the first few sessions, while others may require a structured series over several weeks.

Treatment plans are not one-size-fits-all. Progress is regularly reviewed by the psychiatric provider, and adjustments are made based on symptom response, tolerability, and overall clinical outcomes.

When administered in a controlled medical setting, IM Ketamine is generally well tolerated. Common short-term effects may include changes in perception, dizziness, nausea, or fatigue, which typically resolve within hours.

Our care team will review potential risks and side effects in detail before treatment begins. Continuous monitoring during sessions allows providers to respond promptly to any concerns and ensures patient safety remains the top priority.

IM Ketamine treatment itself is typically not covered by insurance, as it is considered an off-label therapy for mental health conditions. However, many insurance plans do cover related services such as psychiatric consultations, evaluations, and follow-up visits.

Our team provides clear pricing information upfront and can help determine whether any portions of your care may be eligible for insurance reimbursement or out-of-network benefits.

Yes. Patients from Adelphi, MD and surrounding areas can receive IM Ketamine treatment at our North Bethesda clinic, conveniently located at 6000 Executive Blvd, Suite 101, North Bethesda, MD 20852. We work with individuals across the region and provide clear guidance on scheduling, preparation, and follow-up care to make treatment as accessible as possible.

If you’re unsure whether IM Ketamine is right for you, our care coordinators can help answer your questions and arrange a consultation with a licensed mental health provider.

Rated 4.8 stars based on 171 reviews

Great doctor, very professional and friendly staff. They know how to make you feel comfortable, and actually feel good about talking of what is concerning you. Highly recommend this doctor and staff.
Read More
Tony Latsio Avatar
Tony Latsio
06 Feb 2026
Salvaron mi vida!!! Tuve una depresión muy grande, con un dolor que no podía soportar. Estuve internada, visité dos psiquiatras me dieron diferentes medicamentos, pero nada funcionaba y mi vida era miserable, hasta que di con Bright Horizons. Desde el primer momento el doctor Etesam me dio el tratamiento y medicación adecuada y la Dra Valliath me hizo seguimiento continuo. La atención de todo el staff es increíble. Mil gracias por cambiar mi vida.
Read More
Soledad Sosa Avatar
Soledad Sosa
31 Jan 2026
Dr Amir Etesam is a gem of a doctor. I was so nervous going into his office but he eased my mind with his knowledgeable expertise along with his kindness and detailed explanation of my options for treatment and who I need to see. He has excellent bedside manners and genuinely cares. He took his time answering my questions. Not rushing like so many others. For my particular case he gave me three references to call so I can set up an appointment to go see a neuropsychiatrist instead. He left open the fact that I can always go back to his office. I wish I could have been treated by him. I have been to many different doctors throughout my life. By far he is the best. I can't thank him enough for such a positive experience. His team is pleasant, friendly and making an appointment was easy. Very professional. The office is clean and the environment is light and positive.
Read More
Beatriz De Leon Avatar
Beatriz De Leon
29 Jan 2026
As a psychotherapist myself, I’m very selective about where I refer my clients for medication management, psychological testing, and advanced treatments and Dr. Etesam and his team truly stand out as exceptional. Their practice offers an impressive and thoughtful range of services, from traditional psychiatry to TMS and ketamine treatments, all delivered with a level of care, professionalism, and integrity that is rare to find. I consistently feel confident referring my clients here because I trust the quality of care and the clinical expertise across the entire team. On a personal level, I am also a patient of Anita Paudel, and she has been absolutely wonderful! I always feel heard, supported, and well cared for. I highly recommend Dr. Etesam and his team to both colleagues and my own clients seeking high-quality, comprehensive psychiatric care.
Read More
Olya Rich Avatar
Olya Rich
23 Jan 2026
Dr. V is very empathetic, understanding, and professional. I thank her immensely for the care that she gives. I would not have recovered and made it this far without her guidance and passion! By far the best experience I have had with a psychiatrist.
Read More
Benjamin Lawrence Avatar
Benjamin Lawrence
31 Dec 2025
I feel like this may be a new beginning for me, the staff was very polite and helpful, the doctor was extremely helpful, made everything crystal clear, having some test done that I’ve never knew existed, so I’m finding new ways with these people to help me feel better about myself and get a new lease on life. Thanks to all Edward.
Read More
Edward Bennett Avatar
Edward Bennett
18 Dec 2025
! This experience has had an extraordinary impact on my life. The staff are consistently accommodating and demonstrate exceptional empathy, which is especially meaningful in today
Read More
leengi Edwards Avatar
leengi Edwards
11 Dec 2025
I had an excellent experience at this practice. The office is impeccably clean, comfortable, and has a calming, positive vibe. Everyone was professional and welcoming. The person I met with was on her A-game—confident, knowledgeable, and genuinely kind. She made me feel completely at ease even though I wasn’t sure what to expect. I left feeling impressed and grateful to have found such a competent and caring practice. 🫶
Read More
Mella Davis Avatar
Mella Davis
04 Nov 2025
  • 1
  • 2
  • 14
  • >

Take the Next Step Toward Relief from Anxiety

If you’re struggling with symptoms that haven’t improved with traditional treatments, IM Ketamine may offer a new option worth exploring. Our experienced care team is here to answer your questions, review your history, and help you understand whether this treatment is right for you.

Schedule a free consultation today to learn whether IM-Ketamine is right for you and get answers from a qualified care team.

⚠️ Disclaimer on FDA Status, Off-Label Use, and Evidence Base for Ketamine in Psychiatry

Important Notice

Intramuscular (IM) ketamine treatment for depression and other mental health conditions is an off-label use. While ketamine is FDA-approved as an anesthetic, its use for psychiatric disorders—such as treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, and anxiety—is not FDA-approved.
However, off-label prescribing is both legal and common in psychiatry, especially when supported by peer-reviewed evidence and clinical expertise. Our IM ketamine protocols are informed by the growing body of psychiatric research and are delivered under close medical supervision.
Ketamine has been extensively studied in psychiatry and consistently shown to be safe and effective in controlled settings when administered appropriately:
Ahuja et al. discusses that IM ketamine is being utilized to treat psychiatric outpatients with multiple mental illnesses not limited to depression. Average depression and anxiety levels significantly improve throughout IM ketamine treatment and do not regress to baseline during patients’ maintenance treatment phase.
Hietamies et al. discusses Patients treated with ketamine exhibited significant and concordant reduction in both anxiety and depression symptoms after induction. patients experienced a significantly greater reduction in depression symptoms at eight weeks.
These and many subsequent studies have shown that when administered in controlled, medically supervised environments, ketamine is well-tolerated and safe for psychiatric use. IM ketamine, like IV, is used to harness these effects through a different route of administration.
Our clinic follows best-practice safety protocols, including medical screening, informed consent, and structured monitoring. Treatment is individualized and monitored closely for efficacy and tolerability.

References:

1-Ahuja S, Brendle M, Smart L, Moore C, Thielking P, Robison R. Real-world depression, anxiety and safety outcomes of intramuscular ketamine treatment: a retrospective descriptive cohort study. BMC Psychiatry. 2022 Oct 3;22(1):634. doi: 10.1186/s12888-022-04268-5. PMID: 36192794; PMCID: PMC9528178.
2-Hietamies TM, McInnes LA, Klise AJ, Worley MJ, Qian JJ, Williams LM, Heifets BD, Levine SP. The effects of ketamine on symptoms of depression and anxiety in real-world care settings: A retrospective controlled analysis. J Affect Disord. 2023 Aug 15;335:484-492. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.04.141. Epub 2023 May 16. PMID: 37201900.