OCD that hasn't responded to SSRIs or therapy may respond to ketamine.

Ketamine IV infusion can interrupt the obsessive-compulsive neural patterns that standard medications often cannot break. We offer this treatment in Port Chester, NY.

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What OCD is — and why it's hard to treat.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is characterized by recurring, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) performed to reduce the distress those thoughts cause. It creates a self-reinforcing cycle that can be extremely difficult to break.

First-line treatment is typically SSRIs combined with a form of behavioral therapy called Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). These approaches help many patients — but a significant number experience only partial relief or none at all. For these patients, the obsessive-compulsive loop persists despite consistent treatment.

OCD affects approximately 2 to 3% of the population — around 1 in 40 adults.
40 to 60% of OCD patients do not achieve adequate relief with SSRIs alone.
ERP therapy requires significant time, exposure to distress, and patient willingness — not always feasible.
Ketamine works on a different neural pathway and can disrupt the OCD cycle where SSRIs cannot.

How ketamine addresses OCD.

OCD is maintained by overactive circuits between the orbitofrontal cortex and the striatum — the brain's habit and compulsion system. SSRIs work on serotonin signaling within these circuits, but they don't always produce sufficient change in the underlying neural patterns.

Ketamine targets NMDA receptors in the glutamate system, triggering rapid neuroplastic changes that can effectively interrupt these compulsive circuits. For patients with treatment-resistant OCD, this can produce meaningful symptom reduction in a way that SSRIs have not.

Primary Treatment for OCD

Ketamine IV Infusion

Out-of-Pocket

Clinical evidence supports ketamine for treatment-resistant OCD.
Works by disrupting overactive orbitofrontal-striatal circuits.
IV delivery allows precise, controlled dosing throughout the infusion.
Rapid onset — some patients notice relief within 24 to 48 hours of early sessions.
Paid out of pocket — no insurance approval required.
Can complement ongoing ERP therapy for enhanced results.

Learn About Ketamine IV Infusion

If your OCD co-occurs with significant depression or anxiety, Dr. Rueda will discuss whether Spravato or a combined approach may be appropriate during your consultation.

A typical OCD treatment course.

The standard ketamine IV protocol for OCD follows the same structure as for other conditions:

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 OCD patients notice meaningful symptom reduction during the induction phase.
Maintenance sessions scheduled based on duration of improvement.

For a full walkthrough of each session, visit our What to Expect page.

Who is a good candidate for ketamine treatment of OCD.

Ketamine IV for OCD is appropriate for adults who have not found adequate relief through standard approaches:

You have been diagnosed with OCD.
You have tried one or more SSRIs without sufficient improvement.
You have engaged in ERP therapy or been unable to complete it.
Your OCD significantly disrupts daily functioning, relationships, or work.
You are able to attend a series of infusion sessions and arrange transportation home.

Dr. Rueda evaluates every patient personally before recommending treatment. If ketamine is not the right fit, he will tell you honestly and discuss alternatives.

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Common questions.

Clinical studies have shown meaningful reductions in OCD symptoms with ketamine IV infusion, including in patients who did not respond to multiple SSRIs. The mechanism is different from standard OCD medications — ketamine targets glutamate pathways rather than serotonin. Results vary by individual, and Dr. Rueda is transparent about realistic expectations during your consultation.

In most cases, yes. Dr. Rueda reviews your full medication list during your evaluation. Continuing ERP therapy alongside ketamine treatment can enhance outcomes. Do not stop any prescribed medication without guidance from your prescribing provider.

Ketamine IV infusion is paid out of pocket for OCD. If your OCD co-occurs with depression, Spravato may be covered by your PPO plan. We verify coverage before your first appointment — call us to discuss your situation.

Some patients notice a reduction in obsessive thoughts or compulsive urges within 24 to 48 hours of early sessions. Others experience more gradual improvement over the induction phase. Individual response varies by severity and treatment history.

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

Request a consult with Dr. Rueda's team. We will review your history, discuss your specific presentation, and give you an honest assessment of whether ketamine treatment is the right next step.

Book a Consultation

Check Your Insurance Coverage

PMC Psychedelic · Port Chester, NY · Serving Westchester & Fairfield County

OCD that hasn't responded to SSRIs or therapy may respond to ketamine.

What OCD is — and why it's hard to treat.

How ketamine addresses OCD.

Ketamine IV Infusion

A typical OCD treatment course.

Who is a good candidate for ketamine treatment of OCD.

Common questions.

Is ketamine really effective for OCD?

Can I continue my current OCD medications?

Is this covered by insurance?

How quickly might I see results?

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