Now accepting new patients
Now accepting new patients
Living with chronic, unyielding depression can feel physically and emotionally exhausting, particularly when multiple trials of oral antidepressants have failed to bring relief. For individuals facing treatment-resistant mood conditions, spending months adjusting medications with little improvement often leads to deep frustration. Over the past decade, clinical research has introduced practical options that work outside standard pharmaceutical pathways.
At Best Life Psychiatry, led by board-certified psychiatrist Dr. Janette McGaugh, patients can access medically supervised Ketamine Therapy when traditional care falls short. Conveniently located off I-30 in Saline County, the practice combines evidence-based medical standards with personal attention to help patients find steady relief.
Request an Appointment
Ketamine was developed in 1962 and cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1970 as an anesthetic. For decades, surgical teams and emergency departments have trusted it because it controls pain safely without slowing down breathing or dropping heart rates.
Later research from major psychiatric centers showed that very small doses produce a fast antidepressant response. While typical daily medications focus on chemicals like serotonin or dopamine, ketamine acts on glutamate, the most common chemical messenger in the brain.
Standard oral antidepressants often take six to eight weeks to shift brain activity. Ketamine uses a direct path:
Historic research from the STAR*D study showed that when patients fail two standard oral medications, switching to another pill leads to remission in only 10% to 15% of cases. In comparison, clinical trials show that 60% to 70% of people with treatment-resistant depression experience meaningful symptom relief with ketamine-based care.
At the Benton clinic, treatments take place in private rooms set up to keep lights and noise low. Depending on diagnostic evaluations and insurance rules, care follows straightforward steps:
(501) 522-2158
While ketamine began as an anesthetic, psychiatric research supports its use for several challenging conditions:
Condition
Treatment-Resistant Depression
Major Depression with Acute Suicidal Thoughts
Bipolar Depression
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Role in Care
Primary option after multiple oral pills fail
Fast stabilization to reduce crisis-level thoughts
Support during low periods under careful oversight
Helps ease physical tension and intrusive memories
Calms constant physical worry when other tools fail
Typical Response Window
Often within 4 to 24 hours
Often seen after initial appointments
Monitored closely to protect mood stability
Gradual reduction in emotional reactivity
Creates space to engage in counseling
book an appointment
Clear communication helps patients feel prepared for what to expect during their visits. The majority of ketamine side effects are mild and fade on their own within the two-hour observation window as the body processes the medication.
Ketamine is not recommended for people with untreated high blood pressure, blood vessel conditions like aneurysms, active psychosis, or unstable heart disease.
Knowing the financial details upfront makes planning care much easier. The final Ketamine Treatment cost mostly depends on whether a patient receives an FDA-cleared prescription or an off-label compounded medicine.
Receiving this type of care calls for guidance from a board-certified physician who treats the whole person rather than offering a quick service.
When looking at different Ketamine Clinics near Benton, choosing a doctor-led practice ensures your care remains steady and well organized. As an experienced Ketamine Provider in Benton AR, Dr. Janette McGaugh completed her medical training at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), where faculty awarded her the Outstanding Graduating Resident Award. The practice emphasizes thoughtful, ongoing care over high-volume appointments.
Located inside the Saline Psychological Services building on Congo Road, the clinic provides local access to individuals across Saline County, Bryant, Little Rock, Conway, and Hot Springs. The team coordinates smoothly with any outside counselor or Ketamine therapist Benton AR you already trust. For anyone looking for reliable Ketamine Therapy Benton AR, the office offers a calm, professional medical home. Weekend and evening appointments are available for IV Ketamine, so treatment can fit around work, school, and family. Call (501) 794-6037 to ask about open times.
Contact For Free Consultation
Step 1
Dr. McGaugh reviews your health background, past medications, and current symptoms to ensure this treatment is safe and fitting for you.
Step 2
Office staff coordinate with your insurance carrier to review coverage rules and submit paperwork.
Step 3
Treatment usually starts with two visits per week for the first four weeks to give brain pathways steady support.
Step 4
Appointments taper to once a week and then every other week, depending on how you feel.
Unlike daily pills that take weeks to build up in the body, ketamine acts right away on glutamate pathways. Many individuals notice lighter moods, clearer thinking, and relief from emotional heaviness within 4 to 24 hours after their first few visits.
The day-of sensations wear off in about two hours. The mood improvements generally last from several days to a couple of weeks after a visit. Finishing a full starter series helps new brain connections settle in, with maintenance visits spaced out to keep progress steady.
Yes. Doses used in psychiatric care are much lower than surgical amounts. Patients stay awake, aware, and able to talk throughout the appointment. Most people relax in the recliner with an eye mask and soft music.
No. The medication temporarily slows reaction times and alters depth perception. Clinic safety rules require an adult to drive you home. You can return to driving and your normal routine the next morning after a full night of rest.
When given in tiny medical doses on a set clinic schedule, the chance of dependence remains very low. The medicine stays in the clinic and is never sent home as an unmonitored prescription.
IV treatment uses liquid ketamine through an arm vein and is almost always paid out of pocket. Spravato® is an FDA-cleared nasal spray containing esketamine, designed specifically for treatment-resistant depression, which allows most insurance plans to cover it.
Yes. In fact, official guidelines for esketamine require patients to stay on their daily oral antidepressant. Dr. McGaugh reviews your full medication list beforehand to make sure everything works safely together.
In clinical practice, treatment-resistant depression means a person has tried at least two different classes of antidepressant pills at full doses for adequate time without getting enough relief. A standard consultation helps confirm if your medical history meets these guidelines.
