Centerspace Clinic for Ketamine Therapy

Innovative therapies for common treatment-resistant mental health conditions.

The MUSC Centerspace Clinic provides personalized, evidence-based therapies that incorporate effective, rapid-acting medications for common treatment-resistant mental health conditions like depression, anxiety and PTSD. From your first visit, our team of board-certified psychiatrists and behavioral health experts will collaborate with you to develop a personalized care plan that will lead to long-lasting improvements in your mental health and overall well-being.

Conditions we treat at Centerspace.

At Centerspace, we incorporate highly effective medications into tailor-made treatments for treatment-resistant psychological conditions including:

Depression that does not respond to conventional antidepressants or psychotherapy is commonly referred to as treatment-resistant depression. At Centerspace, our psychiatrists incorporate a medication called ketamine into our treatments for treatment-resistant depression. Research shows ketamine can provide rapid and robust antidepressant effects, often within hours or days of administration. With this treatment, Centerspace can significantly reduce your symptoms of depression, even if they have not responded to other treatments in the past.

If you are currently experiencing thoughts of suicide, please talk to someone today. Call 988 to speak to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline now.

At Centerspace, we treat suicidal ideation with treatments that include the medication ketamine. Research has shown that a single treatment of ketamine may produce significant and rapid reductions in suicidal thoughts, making it a potentially life-saving intervention for individuals struggling with suicidal ideation and severe depression. This rapid effect contrasts with traditional antidepressants, which often take weeks to show clinical benefit.

If you suffer from anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety, or social anxiety, you may benefit from treatments at Centerspace. We incorporate the medication ketamine into our treatment for anxiety. Research suggests that ketamine's effects on anxiety are thought to be related to its ability to promote changes in the brain's response to stress and emotional regulation. Some studies suggest that ketamine treatment may be beneficial in reducing the intensity and frequency of anxiety symptoms in certain individuals.

Treatments at Centerspace may be right for you if you suffer from depressive episodes associated with bipolar disorder, especially if your symptoms have not previously responded to mood stabilizers or other antidepressant medications. We incorporate the medication ketamine into our treatment for bipolar depression as studies have shown that it can produce a rapid improvement in mood, even in severe depressive states.

Ketamine use in bipolar disorder must be carefully managed to avoid triggering manic episodes, and should therefore only be utilized in a clinical setting under the careful supervision of mental health professionals like those at Centerspace.

If your symptoms of PTSD have not responded to traditional therapies like talk therapy or conventional medications, Centerspace may offer the right treatment for you. We use the medication ketamine in a comprehensive treatment approach to enhance healing and promote long-term recovery. Ketamine has been shown to help reduce habitual intrusive thoughts, hyperarousal, and negative emotional states commonly associated with PTSD.

Through our integrated approach, we help patients address the underlying trauma while also supporting symptom relief.

At Centerspace, we use the medication ketamine in conjunction with other treatments for our approach to treating problematic alcohol and substance use. While more research is needed, early studies suggest that ketamine may help reduce cravings and promote abstinence by altering the brain's reward system and enhancing emotional processing. Ketamine’s effects on the brain may also help reset unhealthy patterns of thought, emotion, and behaviors associated with problematic alcohol and other substance use.

Beyond the blues.

Ketamine: Hope Renewed

Centerspace is using ketamine to help patients find relief from depression when traditional treatments fail. Hear Kaitlyn's inspiring story.

Frequently asked questions about Ketamine.

At Centerspace, we incorporate the medication ketamine into our comprehensive treatments for mental health conditions. Want to learn more about ketamine? Review this list of frequently asked questions:

Ketamine is FDA-approved and has been increasingly studied for its effectiveness in treating mental health disorders since the early 2000’s. It is now recognized as a highly effective treatment for conditions that don’t respond well to traditional therapies, such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

Ketamine appears to work by enhancing neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to form new connections and "rewire" itself. This can be thought of like remodeling a room. Sometimes our brain’s usual patterns of thought and behavior become fixed in a certain way, especially when dealing with conditions like depression, anxiety, or PTSD. Ketamine helps by creating new neural connections, resetting pathways in the brain that were previously blocked or underactive. This process allows patients to break free from negative thought patterns, emotional responses, and behaviors that can be deeply ingrained over time. As a result, individuals often experience a shift in mood, with feelings of relief and a greater ability to engage with the present moment. Ketamine can also make it easier for patients to connect with the insights and progress made in therapy, further enhancing the overall healing process.

By encouraging the brain to reorganize and form new pathways, ketamine provides the opportunity to create lasting changes in how we think, feel, and respond to the world around us. This increased flexibility in the brain helps foster emotional resilience and opens the door to deeper, more meaningful changes in mental health and well-being.

When used in a controlled clinical setting, ketamine has been shown to be both safe and well-tolerated. At Centerspace, ketamine is administered under the close supervision of trained mental health professionals who monitor each patient throughout the treatment to ensure their comfort and safety. Because ketamine is used at much lower doses than those typically given for anesthesia, it remains safe for patients when administered with appropriate clinical supervision.

The side effects of ketamine are typically mild and temporary. Temporary side effects may include:

Nausea
High blood pressure
Lightheadedness

The ketamine experience is often described as dream-like, with some patients feeling a sense of detachment from their surroundings or experiencing altered perceptions of time and space. This mental experience is temporary, and patients are monitored to ensure they return to their usual state of awareness before the treatment session concludes.

One of the unique benefits of ketamine therapy is its ability to provide rapid relief. Many patients begin to notice improvements in their mood, energy, and overall well-being within hours or days of their first treatment. However, the onset of full effects may vary depending on individual factors, such as the severity of symptoms and the treatment plan.

For some, a series of treatments may be necessary to achieve sustained, long-term benefits. While traditional antidepressants can take weeks to show effects, ketamine’s fast-acting nature can help patients feel better more quickly, often enabling them to engage in therapeutic work and start making lasting changes much sooner.

At Centerspace, we are committed to making our transformative mental health treatments accessible to as many individuals as possible. We understand that insurance coverage is often a key consideration when seeking care, and we strive to work with our patients to navigate this process.

Currently, many insurance providers—both federal and commercial—cover certain aspects of the services we offer, including consultations, evaluations, and intranasal ketamine treatments. Spravato, in particular, is often covered by insurance, and in some cases, patients may have no out-of-pocket costs for this treatment, depending on their plan. Our team will work with you to secure prior authorizations for your treatments. Our team is available to assist with any necessary paperwork and to help clarify billing questions, ensuring that you fully understand the costs associated with treatment.

If use of insurance is not required or available, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy services provide an alternative option. Our goal is to help you access the treatment you need with as little stress as possible, and we are here to support you every step of the way.

Treatment approaches at Centerspace.

At Centerspace, we offer several types of ketamine treatments to provide a range of options tailored to meet the diverse needs of our patients. We recognize that your mental health journey is unique, and we believe in offering personalized treatment plans that can effectively address unique mental health conditions. By providing different types of ketamine treatments, or a combination of therapies, we ensure that we can offer the most suitable approach, whether you’re looking for the integrated support of therapy or a more medication-focused solution. The two primary treatment methods we offer at Centerspace are:

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP): Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy combines the powerful effects of ketamine with therapy to help patients gain insights, and to break free from entrenched patterns of thought, emotion, and behavior. During these sessions, you'll receive ketamine through an intramuscular injection while working with a trained therapist to explore and address any underlying emotional issues. This combination of psychotherapy and ketamine creates a supportive environment where deep, lasting healing can occur.
Spravato: Spravato (esketamine) is a nasal spray version of ketamine that was approved by the FDA in 2019 for treatment-resistant depression. Spravato is often used when patients need more immediate relief, particularly in cases of severe depression or suicidal thoughts. Unlike ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, Spravato does not involve therapy. Spravato has been shown to be highly effective as a medication-based approach to treatment and may also be part of a comprehensive care plan that may include other therapies or treatments. Additionally, Spravato is typically covered by insurance, making it an accessible and viable option for many patients.

How is Ketamine Administered at Centerspace?

The Centerpace team will ensure you receive the highest standard of care, closely assessing your individual needs and medical history to determine the most appropriate treatment plan. Our team of experienced clinicians administer the ketamine treatment in a quiet, comfortable, professional and private environment. Depending on your treatment plan, ketamine is typically administered through an intranasal spray, or by injection in your shoulder. Each session typically lasts between two to three hours, with follow-up sessions scheduled as needed to ensure your continued progress. Throughout your process, we emphasize creating a calming atmosphere that allows for your emotional exploration and healing.

If ketamine treatments are not suitable for you or do not prove effective, we offer referrals to other specialized forms of mental health treatment to ensure that you have access to the right care for your needs. We are committed to helping you find the most effective path to healing and wellness.

How Can Ketamine Treatments at Centerspace Help Me?

Centerspace patients who have received ketamine treatments often report rapid and long-lasting improvements in both emotional and cognitive well-being. Based on the most-commonly reported feedback from our patients, these are benefits you'll likely experience from treatment at Centerspace:

Rapid Improvement of Mood: Many of our patients experience significant reductions in symptoms of depression and anxiety, often within hours or days of treatment.
Increased Emotional Resilience: Our patients report feeling more equipped to handle stress, trauma, and difficult emotions with greater clarity and calm.
Enhanced Cognitive Flexibility: Some patients note an improved ability to think more openly and adaptively, leading to healthier responses to challenging situations.
Reduced Intrusive Thoughts: Individuals with depression, anxiety, or PTSD often notice fewer intrusive, distressing thoughts, leading to a greater sense of mental peace.
Improved Self-Connection: Many of our patients report a deeper sense of connection to themselves and their emotions, facilitating more meaningful introspection and personal growth.
Heightened Sense of Connection and Insight: Many of our patients report a deeper sense of connection to themselves and others. Many patients feel ketamine therapy facilitates meaningful self-introspection. Further, this newfound clarity can lead to valuable insights into their personal lives and life choices.

Podcast on Ketamine

In this episode of Advance with MUSC Health, Jennifer Jones, M.D., details how Centerspace, a transformational center at MUSC Health, is offering ketamine, a common anesthetic, as a novel treatment to help people with difficult-to-treat mental health conditions, such as treatment resistant depression.

Treating Depression with Ketamine

Your first visit to Centerspace.

Your first visit to the MUSC Health Centerspace Clinic will be an opportunity for our team to get to know you and understand your unique needs, concerns, and goals. During this initial consultation, you can expect:

A Personalized Consultation: Our team will start by discussing your medical and mental health history in detail. This helps us understand the context of your symptoms and ensures that ketamine therapy is a safe and appropriate option for you.
An Evaluation of Treatment Options: Based on your goals and needs, we will recommend a treatment plan that may include ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, Spravato treatments, or other complementary therapies. We will explain how each treatment works, what you can expect during the process, and how they may help address your specific mental health challenges.
Setting Expectations: We will outline the course of treatment, including the expected timeline for improvement, potential side effects, and the number of sessions typically needed to see progress. Our goal is to ensure you feel informed, confident, and prepared for your treatment journey.
A Collaborative Approach to Treatment Planning: At Centerspace, we prioritize empowering you throughout your treatment journey. From your first visit, we ensure that you are actively involved in the decision-making process, with our team listening carefully to your concerns, goals, and preferences. We believe in a collaborative approach where you are heard and respected, and your input is integral to developing a treatment plan that works for you. Our goal is to create an environment where you feel confident in your choices and supported in achieving your mental health goals.

By the end of your first visit, you will have a clear understanding of how ketamine therapy can help you and what steps to take next. We are committed to guiding you through your treatment and providing the support you need to achieve your mental health goals.

Why choose Centerspace?

We are a team of highly skilled and dedicated behavioral health experts committed to transforming mental health care through innovative, compassionate, and evidence-based treatments. Led by the clinic’s director Dr. Jennifer Jones, our multidisciplinary team includes psychiatrists, therapists, and other health care professionals who are experts in mental health care and ketamine-based treatments.

At Centerspace, our commitment to providing exceptional care is reflected in the following hallmarks of service:

Expert Care: We believe that when ketamine is used as a mental health treatment, it should be provided by qualified mental health professionals who understand its complexities and therapeutic potential. We take a holistic, collaborative approach to each patient’s care, ensuring that all treatments are evidence-based and tailored to meet your individual needs.
Core Values and Expertise: Our core values of compassion, innovation, and personalized care guide every aspect of our work. Our highly trained team is dedicated to helping you achieve lasting improvements in your mental health.
Innovative Treatments: As leaders in ketamine-assisted therapy, we integrate the latest research and cutting-edge treatments to provide the most effective solutions for treatment-resistant conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD. We are continually advancing our practice to offer the best possible outcomes for our patients.
Patient-Centered Approach: From your very first visit, we prioritize your comfort, well-being, and goals. We take the time to get to know you and design a treatment plan that reflects your personal needs and values. Our approach ensures a positive, empowering experience where you feel supported every step of the way.
Comprehensive Support: We don’t just treat symptoms—we focus on lasting healing and wellbeing. Our therapies are complemented by compassionate psychotherapy, providing you with the emotional support and tools needed to make meaningful, positive changes in your mental health.

Ready to get started?

To learn more about how the MUSC Centerspace Clinic can help you with difficult-to-treat mental health conditions, please contact us Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. We accept both self-referrals and referrals from providers. If you are seeking to use insurance coverage for treatment, we may ask that you work with your provider or pharmacy to bring a list of any previously tried mental health medications.

Before a consultation, we generally ask for a patient information form to be completed before arriving for the consultation.

Our research fosters innovation and supports education.

The Centerspace team is passionate about advancing knowledge for new and emerging medication-assisted therapies, such as psilocybin and MDMA, through ongoing research. Our goal is to offer the most effective and innovative treatment options for patients.

Centerspace also provides interdisciplinary trainees with the opportunity to gain hands-on skills in a clinical setting. Whether you are a medical student, resident, or early-career clinician, our clinic offers a unique learning environment where you can work alongside experienced professionals, gaining practical experience in cutting-edge mental health treatments while contributing to the impactful work we do for our patients.

Together, the Centerspace team is committed to delivering the highest standard of care while fostering an environment of learning, growth, and innovation.

Our soothing environment plays a vital role in the treatment process.

At Centerspace, we believe that the environment in which healing takes place plays a crucial role in supporting the treatment process. Our clinic has been thoughtfully designed to create a serene and supportive atmosphere that fosters relaxation, peace, and emotional well-being. Every element of the space, from the calming colors and natural light to the carefully selected furnishings and soothing sounds, is chosen to encourage a sense of safety and tranquility.

The treatment rooms are equipped with comfortable seating and soft, ambient lighting, offering an environment that feels more like a peaceful retreat than a traditional clinical setting. This calm atmosphere helps to reduce stress and anxiety, allowing patients to fully engage in their therapeutic journey.

We also prioritize privacy and confidentiality, ensuring that each patient has the space they need to feel comfortable and respected during their time with us. For each patient’s treatment, our team works to provide a space where healing can unfold naturally, free from distractions and stress.

By intentionally creating a space that supports relaxation and emotional openness, we help guide you toward a deeper connection with your personal healing process. Our clinic is not just a place for treatment; it’s a place where you can feel truly cared for and supported every step of the way.

You can find the MUSC Centerspace Clinic at 1470 Tobias Gadson Boulevard, Suite #107 in Charleston, SC.