When Depression Doesn’t Budge: Why Fast Help Matters
Depression doesn’t always respond to traditional medication. In fact, about 30% of people with major depressive disorder experience what’s called “treatment-resistant depression.” That means months or even years of trying pills, therapy, and lifestyle changes—with little to no relief. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. And there is hope. Ketamine for depression is making headlines for a reason—it can deliver rapid depression treatment when nothing else works.
“There is no standard normal. Normal is subjective. There are seven billion versions of normal on this planet.” – Matt Haig
In cities like Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Torrance, patients are turning to innovative care at Wellness TMS to explore options like Ketamine, TMS, medication management, and holistic therapy approaches including talk therapy, EMDR, and ACT. All services are covered by insurance and designed with one thing in mind—your healing.
How Ketamine Works for Depression
Not Your Average Antidepressant
Unlike traditional antidepressants, ketamine doesn’t take weeks to start working. In many cases, patients feel relief within hours to days. Ketamine targets glutamate, a neurotransmitter tied to mood regulation, and encourages the brain to create new neural connections. This is why it’s such a promising option for people who feel stuck in cycles of hopelessness.
Types of Ketamine Treatment
- IV Ketamine Infusions
- Intramuscular (IM) Injections
- Oral Ketamine (Lozenges/Tablets)
- Spravato® (FDA-approved esketamine nasal spray)
These options are provided under expert supervision at our Wellness TMS locations throughout the South Bay area.
Rapid Depression Treatment: The Results Are In
What the Science Says
A 2022 study in the Journal of Affective Disorders showed that 70% of patients with treatment-resistant depression saw improvement within 24 hours of their first ketamine treatment. Other studies echo similar outcomes—especially when ketamine is combined with ongoing therapy and professional support.
Is It Safe?
Yes, when administered in a medical setting by trained professionals. Ketamine therapy is closely monitored and tailored to the individual, with safety screenings in place. It’s important to differentiate therapeutic ketamine from recreational misuse.
TMS and Therapy: A Holistic Support System
TMS as a Complement or Alternative
At Wellness TMS, we understand that ketamine is just one tool. Some patients benefit even more from combining it with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), especially when brain activity mapping shows patterns of dysregulation. TMS is non-invasive, covered by insurance, and often used alongside or in place of medications.
Therapies That Rebuild from the Inside Out
Our clinic offers a suite of therapy services to match your needs and goals:
- Talk Therapy: Work through trauma, stress, or relationships in a supportive environment.
- EMDR: Eye movement desensitization to reduce trauma triggers.
- ACT: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to break free from mental traps.
Covered by Insurance & Accessible in Southern California
Wellness TMS has clinics conveniently located in Long Beach, Torrance, and Los Angeles. Our care is designed to be accessible and affordable. Most of our treatments—including ketamine therapy and TMS—are covered by insurance. Our team will help verify benefits and guide you every step of the way.
Why Choose Wellness TMS?
- Advanced brain mapping and personalized treatment plans
- Full spectrum of care: medication management, TMS, ketamine, and therapy
- Compassionate, trauma-informed providers
You’re Not Alone—And You Don’t Have to Stay Stuck
If you’ve tried everything and still feel trapped in the fog of depression, ketamine for depression may be the breakthrough you need. Combined with the innovative treatments and compassionate care at Wellness TMS, there is real hope—and real help—available today.
Contact our Los Angeles, Torrance, or Long Beach offices to schedule a free consultation and see if you’re a candidate for rapid depression treatment.
📚 References
- Andrade, C. (2017). Ketamine for depression: Efficacy, safety, and mechanism of action. Indian Journal of Psychiatry.
- Newport, D. J. et al. (2015). Ketamine and other NMDA antagonists: Early clinical trials and possible mechanisms in depression. American Journal of Psychiatry.
- Krystal, J. H. et al. (2019). Ketamine: A paradigm shift for depression research and treatment. Neuron.
- Wilkinson, S. T. et al. (2019). Impact of midazolam vs. ketamine on suicidal ideation. JAMA Psychiatry.
- Daly, E. J. et al. (2020). Efficacy and safety of intranasal esketamine in adult patients with treatment-resistant depression. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry.
- National Institute of Mental Health. (2019). Esketamine approved for treatment-resistant depression.
- Feder, A. et al. (2021). Efficacy of repeated ketamine infusions for treatment-resistant depression. Depression and Anxiety.
- Zanos, P., & Gould, T. D. (2018). Mechanisms of ketamine action as an antidepressant. Neuroscience Letters.
- Wilkinson, S. T. et al. (2018). Cognitive behavior therapy following ketamine treatment for depression. Depression and Anxiety.
- Murrough, J. W. et al. (2013). Rapid and longer-term antidepressant effects of repeated ketamine infusions. Biological Psychiatry.
