Why Ketamine for OCD?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder affects approximately 2-3% of the population and can be severely debilitating. Standard treatments—SSRIs at high doses and exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy—help many patients, but up to 40% remain treatment-resistant. Emerging research shows ketamine's glutamate-modulating properties may offer a new pathway for relief.
- OCD involves hyperactive circuits in the cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical (CSTC) loop
- Glutamate dysregulation plays a central role in OCD neurobiology
- Ketamine targets glutamate pathways directly—unlike SSRIs which target serotonin
- Rapid reduction in obsessive thoughts and compulsive urges reported in studies
- May enhance the effectiveness of concurrent ERP therapy through neuroplasticity
How Ketamine Works on Obsessive Thought Patterns
OCD is characterized by rigid, repetitive neural circuits that drive intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. The brain becomes "stuck" in loops it cannot break out of. Ketamine promotes neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to form new connections and break old patterns—offering a neurobiological reset.
- NMDA receptor modulation disrupts the rigid neural loops underlying obsessions
- Enhanced neuroplasticity allows the brain to form healthier thought patterns
- Increased BDNF supports growth of new synaptic connections
- Reduced activity in the overactive orbitofrontal cortex and caudate nucleus
- Creates a window of cognitive flexibility that can accelerate therapeutic progress
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Ketamine for OCD is most appropriate for adults with moderate-to-severe OCD who have not found adequate relief from standard treatments. Our physicians carefully evaluate each patient to determine suitability.
- Adults 18+ diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Tried at least one SSRI at adequate dose for adequate duration without sufficient relief
- Tried or engaged in exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy
- Experiencing significant functional impairment from OCD symptoms
- No active psychosis, uncontrolled blood pressure, or substance use disorder
- Willing to continue or begin therapy alongside ketamine treatment
At-Home Treatment for OCD
Our telehealth model allows you to receive ketamine therapy in the comfort and safety of your own home. For OCD patients, the familiar home environment can reduce the additional stress of clinical settings.
- Sublingual ketamine administered at home with a required companion present
- AI-guided sessions (KetAI) provide structured support throughout
- Board-certified physician develops your personalized treatment protocol
- Integration exercises designed to reinforce new thought patterns
- Follow-up visits to track OCD symptom improvement and adjust dosing
- Coordination with your existing therapist encouraged for maximum benefit