New Yorkers suffering from depression, anxiety, pain, and trauma-induced mood disorders now have more access to psychedelic wellness clinics.
Nushama, a network of medically supervised ketamine clinics, has opened in New York City, currently operating in Manhattan and Brooklyn, with a headquarters opening in Midtown East in the fall.
The psychedelic wellness clinics currently provide high-dose ketamine infusions by an anesthesiologist for a safe and effective “ego-dissolving psychedelic experience,” as well as intramuscular ketamine infusions for group therapy.
Ketamine is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved dissociative anesthetic widely used in medical settings as a pain killer and sedative. At higher doses, it can have psychedelic effects. Recent studies have shown high doses of ketamine effective at treating hard-to-treat major depressive disorder and suicidality. In some instances, symptoms associated with trauma-related obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), eating disorders, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can also improve with ketamine treatment.
While the medicine is not FDA approved to treat depression, the agency recently granted clearance to Esketamine, a nasal spray version of ketamine, for severe depression and suicidal behavior.
Ketamine can legally be prescribed off-label for conditions such as depression or addiction, but health insurance won’t cover ketamine for off-label use. Some health insurance plans will cover ketamine infusions if there is a dual diagnosis of a pain condition, as ketamine is and FDA approved pain killer. “With accessibility a core value of the network, Nushama offers financing plans for out-of-pocket cases,” the network says.
“From the treatment preparation to the journey, itself, and aftercare integration, we collaborate with doctors and therapists to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients,” says Dr. Elena Ocher, Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Nushama. “With depression, anxiety, and addiction at an all-time high, we believe in our mission to offer innovative mental wellness services and make them accessible to all.”
