LOCATIONS: NEW YORK CITY | LONG ISLAND
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Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) traps you in cycles of intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors that standard therapies sometimes struggle to break.
At our New York ketamine infusion centers—conveniently located in Manhattan and Long Island (Melville)—we leverage sub-anesthetic ketamine dosing to disrupt these cycles and promote rapid neural rewiring.
Many patients experience meaningful reductions in obsessions and compulsions within hours of their first infusion, a pace that traditional SSRIs or CBT may take weeks or months to achieve.
OCD is linked to overactivity in the cortico-striatal-thalamo-cortical circuit, where rigid thought patterns and compulsive urges loop endlessly. Ketamine, by blocking NMDA receptors, triggers a surge of glutamate in the prefrontal cortex and related networks.
This burst stimulates AMPA receptors and activates the mTOR pathway, fostering new synaptic connections that “reset” over-rigid circuitry. In effect, ketamine gives the brain a window of heightened plasticity—an opportunity to break free from entrenched OCD patterns.
Your journey begins with a comprehensive evaluation: we’ll review your OCD history, assess your medical profile, and set clear goals. On infusion days, you’ll relax in a private suite while ketamine drips intravenously over 40 minutes.
Throughout the session and for an hour afterward, our clinicians monitor your vital signs and comfort level. Whether you choose our chic Manhattan loft overlooking the skyline or our peaceful Long Island facility, you’ll receive the same rigorous protocols and compassionate support.
Ideal candidates are adults whose symptoms have remained stubborn despite at least two adequate trials of SSRIs or CBT, or those whose compulsions cause serious functional impairment.
Because ketamine can transiently raise blood pressure and produce mild dissociation, we carefully screen cardiovascular health and other factors.
Under medical supervision, the relief—often a 30–50% reduction in symptom severity after one or two infusions—can be transformative.
Most patients start with an induction phase of twice-weekly infusions for three to four weeks. As you notice improvement, we taper to maintenance sessions every three to six weeks, personalized to your response.
To solidify gains, we strongly recommend pairing ketamine with ERP (exposure and response prevention) or ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, harnessing that period of neural flexibility to learn new coping strategies and diminish relapse risk.
Under our protocols, temporary increases in heart rate, mild nausea, or a brief “floating” sensation are expected and managed immediately.
Recreational high-dose misuse carries bladder and cognitive risks, but our clinical dosing remains conservative and supported by close follow-up.
Our multidisciplinary teams in NYC and Long Island (Melville) tailor every plan to your unique needs, ensuring maximum benefit with minimal risk.
Ready to reclaim your peace of mind and break free from the cycle of obsessive thoughts—your journey toward lasting relief starts today. Our compassionate team of specialists is here to guide you every step of the way, from your first consultation through each transformative session.
Don’t wait another moment to experience the rapid relief that so many New Yorkers have already discovered. Reach out now to schedule a personalized assessment and discover how Ketamine for OCD Treatment in New York can help you rediscover calm, confidence, and hope. We’re here to support you on this path to a brighter tomorrow.
Treatment-resistant OCD generally refers to obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms that remain significantly disruptive despite appropriate first-line treatments, such as exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy and commonly prescribed medications. For people who continue to experience severe symptoms, researchers have investigated ketamine as a potential treatment option because of its rapid effects on glutamate signaling in the brain.
Early clinical studies suggest that IV ketamine may rapidly reduce obsessive thoughts and other OCD symptoms in some people, including those with treatment-resistant OCD. However, the evidence remains limited, responses vary, and improvements may not be long-lasting without an ongoing treatment plan. Ketamine is not FDA-approved specifically for OCD and its use for OCD is considered off-label.
At NY Ketamine Infusions, treatment decisions are made following an individualized medical evaluation. Ketamine should not be viewed as a replacement for established OCD treatments such as ERP or appropriate psychiatric care, but it may be considered as part of a broader treatment strategy for carefully selected patients whose symptoms have not adequately responded to conventional approaches.
1. Heroiu I, Le GH, Sioufi MC, et al. (2026).
Ketamine for the Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): A Systematic Review on Efficacy and Tolerability. Clinical Neuropharmacology. DOI: 10.1097/WNF.0000000000000692.
This should be our primary citation because it’s current and specifically evaluates ketamine for OCD.
PubMed – 2026 Ketamine for OCD Systematic Review
2. Bandeira ID, Lins-Silva DH, Cavenaghi VB, et al. (2022).
Ketamine in the Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Systematic Review. Harvard Review of Psychiatry. 30(2):135–145. DOI: 10.1097/HRP.0000000000000330.
PubMed – 2022 Systematic Review
3. Rodriguez CI, Kegeles LS, Levinson A, et al. (2013).
Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial of Ketamine in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Proof-of-Concept. Neuropsychopharmacology. 38:2475–2483. DOI: 10.1038/npp.2013.150.
PubMed – Randomized Controlled OCD Trial
4. American Psychological Association (2026).
Diagnosing and Treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. This is useful for substantiating the role of ERP and SSRIs as established OCD treatments, rather than using ketamine literature to establish the standard of care.
American Psychological Association – OCD Treatment
5. U.S. Food & Drug Administration.
Ketalar (ketamine hydrochloride) prescribing information. This is the appropriate authority for FDA-approved indications, administration and general drug safety information. The FDA confirms that approved ketamine products are indicated as anesthetics and that ketamine is not FDA-approved for psychiatric disorders.
Ketamine is typically used alongside existing therapies rather than as a sole treatment. Over time, as you and your clinician assess your progress, medication adjustments may be discussed.
Yes. We serve all of New York—Manhattan and Long Island —with flexible scheduling and telehealth follow-ups. Many patients travel to our clinics for inductions and then return for as-needed maintenance.
Early clinical research suggests that ketamine may rapidly reduce obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms in some patients. A 2026 systematic review found improvement in OCD symptom severity across the studies reviewed, but the evidence base remains relatively small and responses vary. Ketamine is not considered a first-line treatment for OCD and is used off-label when prescribed for this condition.
No. Ketamine is not FDA-approved specifically for OCD. When ketamine is prescribed to treat OCD, it is considered an off-label use. Research is ongoing to determine its effectiveness, optimal dosing, and duration of benefit for OCD.
Ketamine affects the brain’s glutamate system, primarily through NMDA receptor activity. Researchers are investigating whether these effects may influence neural circuits involved in obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. Ketamine’s mechanism differs from traditional serotonin-based medications used for OCD, which is one reason it is being studied as a potential option for patients who have not responded adequately to conventional treatment.
Research is promising but still developing. Clinical studies have reported reductions in OCD symptoms following ketamine treatment, including among patients with difficult-to-treat symptoms. However, studies have generally involved relatively small numbers of participants, and the magnitude and duration of improvement vary. More research is needed to determine which patients are most likely to benefit and how treatment should be maintained over time.
Some clinical research suggests ketamine may rapidly reduce the intensity of obsessive or intrusive thoughts in certain patients with OCD. In a randomized placebo-controlled study, participants receiving IV ketamine experienced significant improvement in obsessions compared with placebo during treatment. Results vary between individuals, and ketamine should not be considered a guaranteed treatment for intrusive thoughts.
Some studies have observed changes in OCD symptoms within hours of IV ketamine administration. This rapid onset is one of the reasons ketamine is being investigated for OCD. However, not every patient responds, and the timing, degree, and duration of improvement can differ substantially from person to person.
The duration of improvement varies. Research has reported effects ranging from hours after treatment to several weeks in some participants. A 2026 systematic review found considerable variation in how long benefits persisted. Additional research is needed to establish the most effective approach for maintaining improvements over time.
Ketamine may be considered for some adults with persistent or severe OCD symptoms, particularly when established treatments have not provided adequate improvement. Eligibility depends on psychiatric history, previous treatments, medications, cardiovascular health, other medical conditions, and additional risk factors. NY Ketamine Infusions conducts an individualized evaluation before recommending treatment.
Ketamine can cause temporary side effects such as dizziness, nausea, changes in perception, increased blood pressure, or a dissociative or dream-like sensation. Patients receiving IV ketamine at NY Ketamine Infusions are medically monitored during treatment. Individual risks and potential side effects are reviewed before treatment begins.
Clinical studies of ketamine for OCD have generally reported that treatment was well tolerated under controlled conditions, but ketamine is not appropriate for everyone. Medical screening and monitoring are important because ketamine can temporarily affect blood pressure, perception, and other physiological functions. Long-term or inappropriate use carries additional risks, which is why treatment should occur under qualified medical supervision.
Exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy and serotonin reuptake inhibitors are established first-line treatments for OCD. Ketamine is different: it affects glutamate signaling and is being investigated as a potential option for patients whose symptoms have not responded adequately to conventional approaches. Ketamine should not be viewed as a replacement for ERP or ongoing psychiatric care, and some patients may receive it as part of a broader treatment plan.
At NY Ketamine Infusions, the current fee for an IV ketamine infusion is $525 per treatment Treatment frequency varies according to the patient’s clinical needs and response. Discounts for certain prepaid packages and eligible groups, as well as CareCredit financing for qualifying patients, may be available. Please confirm current fees with our team when scheduling.
Before treatment, patients undergo an evaluation to determine whether IV ketamine may be appropriate. During an infusion, ketamine is administered intravenously in a monitored clinical setting while the medical team observes vital signs and patient comfort. Temporary changes in perception or a dream-like sensation may occur. Patients are monitored after treatment and should arrange transportation rather than driving themselves home.
Most insurance companies do not currently cover IV ketamine for mental health indications, including off-label OCD treatment.
Conditions Treated
NY Ketamine Infusions provides advanced Ketamine therapy and insurance-covered SPRAVATO® treatment options for patients near Lower Manhattan and surrounding New York City communities. Our team helps patients explore treatment options for anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, Bipolar Disorder, Alcohol Dependence, and treatment-resistant depression in a supportive clinical setting.
160 Broadway, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10038
Phone: 917-261-7370
Treatment Hours:
7 days a week: 9AM to 7PM
150 Broadhollow Rd, Suite 103, Melville, NY 11747
Phone: 631-629-4626
Treatment Hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 9AM to 5PM
Our protocol requires a brief intake conversation with one of our physicians to determine if ketamine is likely to help you. Please fill out the form below and you will be contacted by our Patient Care Team within 24 hours. After submitting, you’ll get the opportunity to provide more personal information via an optional questionnaire.
