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When anxiety medications haven't worked, there are other options.

Ketamine IV infusion has shown meaningful results for treatment-resistant anxiety and panic disorders, including cases where SSRIs, SNRIs, and benzodiazepines have failed. We offer this treatment in Port Chester, NY.

What brings most of our anxiety patients to us.

Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions, and among the most undertreated. SSRIs, SNRIs, and benzodiazepines work for many patients, but a significant number experience only partial relief or none at all. When anxiety persists despite consistent treatment, it is often referred to as treatment-resistant anxiety.
At PMC Psychedelic, we see patients with generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and panic attacks who have not responded adequately to standard medications. Ketamine IV infusion works on a different brain pathway than these medications, which is why it can produce results where they have not.
  • Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) that has not responded to standard medications.
  • Panic disorder or recurring panic attacks despite treatment.
  • Anxiety that significantly disrupts daily functioning, work, or relationships.
  • Anxiety occurring alongside depression or PTSD — conditions ketamine treats effectively.

How ketamine addresses anxiety.

Traditional anxiety medications (SSRIs, SNRIs, buspirone, and benzodiazepines) primarily target serotonin, norepinephrine, or GABA receptor systems. They often take weeks to produce any effect, and for many patients, that effect is incomplete.
Ketamine works through the glutamate system. By briefly blocking NMDA receptors, it triggers a cascade of neuroplastic changes that can disrupt the entrenched anxiety patterns in the brain. For many patients, this produces a meaningful reduction in anxiety within hours of their first session.
Primary Treatment for Anxiety

Ketamine IV Infusion

  • Out-of-Pocket
  • Intravenous ketamine delivered in a calm, monitored clinical environment.
  • Precise dosing controlled throughout the infusion by our medical team.
  • Rapid onset — many anxiety patients notice relief within 24 to 48 hours.
  • Effective for generalized anxiety, panic disorder, and anxiety alongside PTSD or depression.
  • Paid out of pocket, no prior authorization or insurance approval required.
Spravato (esketamine) is primarily indicated for depression, not anxiety. However, if you have co-occurring depression alongside anxiety, Dr. Rueda may discuss Spravato as part of your treatment plan during your consultation.

A typical anxiety treatment course.

Ketamine IV for anxiety follows a similar protocol to its use for depression:
  • Induction phase: 6 infusions over 2 to 3 weeks.
  • Each session runs approximately 1 to 2 hours, including monitoring time.
  • You cannot drive home after a session, please arrange a ride.
  • Many patients notice improvement partway through the induction phase.
  • Maintenance sessions scheduled based on how long relief persists.
For a full walkthrough of what each session looks like, visit our What to Expect page.

What our patients experience.

75–83%
Improvement rate across ketamine modalities for depression and anxiety.
24–48 hrs
Time to first noticeable relief for many patients.
FDA
Approved treatments only — Ketamine is a DEA-scheduled, clinically established medication.
Results represent improvement, not a cure. Individual outcomes vary by condition severity, treatment history, and response to the induction phase.

Common questions.

Ketamine is administered in controlled, subanesthetic doses in a calm clinical environment by our medical team. It has a well-established safety record used this way. Some patients experience mild dissociative sensations during a session, which resolve during the monitoring period. Dr. Rueda evaluates each patient's full history before recommending treatment.

In most cases, yes. Dr. Rueda reviews your full medication list during your consultation. Benzodiazepines taken immediately before a session may reduce ketamine's effectiveness, so timing adjustments may be discussed. Do not stop any prescribed medication without guidance from your prescribing provider.

Ketamine IV infusion is paid out of pocket — it is not covered by insurance for anxiety. Spravato, which is primarily used for depression, is covered by most PPO plans. If your anxiety co-occurs with depression, discuss this with Dr. Rueda, as Spravato coverage may be applicable.

The standard starting protocol is 6 infusions over 2 to 3 weeks. Many patients notice meaningful improvement during this period. Ongoing maintenance sessions are scheduled based on how long relief holds for each individual.

Get Started

There may be an approach your anxiety hasn't tried yet.

Request a consult with Dr. Rueda's team. We will review your full treatment history and help you understand whether ketamine infusion is the right next step for your situation.
PMC Psychedelic · Port Chester, NY · Serving Westchester & Fairfield County
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