Capitol Ketamine and Wellness — Ketamine Clinic in Washington, DC

I’m happy to share my very highest recommendation for Capitol Ketamine & Wellness. Everything about the experience was super professional, organized, kind, efficient, accommodating, and did I already say kind and compassionate. This is not my first ketamine rodeo, and while my first experience years ago had a generally good outcome, the CKW team was able to expertly refine and tune this current treatment plan and also the experience to my specific situation and needs. I couldn’t offer any thoughts to improve on my experience! So, here are some observations that I’d like to share: - This team of doctors and nurses are super knowledgeable and current regarding the use of ketamine for psychiatric purposes. They also are excellent team players in collaborating with patients’ existing healthcare providers. - I felt secure in the knowledge that the CKW team is a practiced ED team. Emergency physicians, IMO, by nature are team oriented, out-of-the-box thinkers with a can-do spirit. The CKW team’s positive approach applied to the setting of a ketamine infusion made getting to a positive outcome after 6 infusions possible, not to mention a strong start out of the gate with the first couple of infusion sessions. - The CKW team comprises exceptional communicators. They were very clear all the way along, from intake to treatment completion, about what I could anticipate or expect. Further, they were clear at the outset, as well as at points along the way, where we could evaluate whether the treatment was working and what adjustments or even alternative options might be worth considering. - I greatly appreciated all the doctors’ and nurses’ superior listening skills. I felt heard and seen at every step of the way. - This practice goes out of its way to accommodate patients’ scheduling needs. - The clinic itself is very nice, with patients’ and their family, accompanying partners’ or friends’ physical comfort at the front of mind. - Further, patients’ privacy is greatly respected and accommodated. The entire time of my treatment, not once did I see or become aware of other patients, but I know the other infusion rooms were occupied with other patients. Scheduling is expertly executed such that the timing of the visit and seeing to my treatment processes dovetailed with that of other patients. Last but not least, each of the CKW team members I encountered was extremely kind, warm, caring, and personable! Looking forward to continuing my journey with them.

I went to Capitol Ketamine after dealing with PTSD and anxiety following cancer treatment (and 23 years of living with MS). I had tried months of therapy with EMDR and I just felt… stuck. Drs Bloom and Woods (I never met Dr. Girma) and their nurses were compassionate, knowledgeable and professional. Dr. Bloom did a complete medical history review with me and made sure that my medications didn’t interact. She also knew of a couple of MS symptoms that could be affected, so we planned my sessions around them. The experience was - not to overstate it - life-changing. After three sessions, my racing mind calmed. After six sessions, issues I was having with my walking improved. There is minimal research for ketamine and muscle spasticity, but I can say that mine lessened. My mood is better than I can honestly remember it ever being in my adult life. And both of those things have lasted months after the six treatments I did. I know there is a certain stigma around ketamine that has people shy away from doing it or talking about it. Don’t let it dissuade you. Enjoy the trip (and I will add that the actual experience of sub-anesthetic ketamine was simply… beautiful.)

Came to Capitol Ketamine for my first time getting ketamine treatment for pain and was hopeful for the process! Was getting therapy for pain and having good results. I experienced various levels of education from providers about clinical expectations from treatment and different levels of bed side manner among doctors and nurses. I also experienced a very bloody uncomfortable situation in my first visit where they didn't get the IV placed in time it bled all over the place. My first two treatments were super anxiety provoking and I was told not take benzos. Another provider told me you could take benzos during treatment so it was much better when they offered on the 3rd treatment. They should have offered this at the start. After 4/6 sessions I was shocked when they terminated my treatment, because they thought I would best served by an alternate provider. They cited being unable to remove barriers such as scent-containing substances that I have reactions to. This has never been a problem at other doctor's offices; they just use normal hand soap. I also brought all the asthma medication and resources such as filters to deal with it and managed my asthma well. Additionally, they cited the other barrier of scheduling with certain providers. Regarding that, when asked if I could work with a doctor that I preferred I was told I could schedule with them. I was given Dr. Bloom, even though I preferred Doctor Woods but when I showed up it was Dr. Girma. I still went forward willingly with the treatment and there were no issues with the treatment clinically. Afterwards, they said they can't ensure a chosen provider, even though via text and verbally they offered scheduling with a preferred provider. Furthermore, they mentioned "light sensitivity" as a challenge, which is common when undergoing Ketamine therapy. My complaints are that they terminated treatment in the middle of a treatment course. I do not think their reason for terminating services is valid as I was working through the barriers and challenges and chose to continue treatment nonetheless. It is infantilizing to tell someone you know what is best for them, especially when they managed the challenges and did not have serious issues. When I started the process it was a 6 session protocol. If they had told me I wasn't seeing improvement and should consider another course of treatment that would be one thing but instead they chose a couple of trivial things to terminate services. I believe not providing me with clinical feedback as requested regarding my 4th dosing and terminating treatment in the middle of the process was unethical and I'm conerned someone would take a patient on without understanding some people will have challenges. Additionally, they offer appointments at 5 PM on weekdays but when I asked for that Dr. Woods seemed uncomfortable with that time. My hypothesis is that they make less money at that hour and because I had some "challenges," and requests for specific providers, they decided they weren't making enough money off of me and I was annoying them so they terminated services. I urge anyone working with them to ask very specific prying questions to ensure they will actually treat you through the recommended course. Furthermore, they sent me clinical documents and referrals via mail even thought I requested via email, which caused almost a week delay in receiving. As an aside, I'm not sure the six dose regimine is best for chronic pain. If seeking pain regimine likely better to do a higher dose for longer vs what they can offer. Capitol Ketamine mostly treats people with mental health issues and I don't think they have a good understanding of chronic pain.

CKW is excellent. The doctors are exceptional — very caring and committed. The nursing staff are highly professional. I can’t recommend this clinic strongly enough!

CKW has been a game changer! I’ve finally found a practice that is truly patient-focused in every way (vs more research-centric clinics). The entire staff is committed to helping you find your treatment “sweet spot” - and the fact that all are ER trained with decades of experience provides extra peace of mind (literally!). I will be forever grateful for their dedication, expertise, empathy, and genuine TLC. I look forward to continuing my treatment with this team and would unconditionally recommend CKW to anyone seeking relief with ketamine therapy.

I have known Drs. Girma and Bloom for many years professionally, and I refer my patients to them who need their care. Highly recommended!

What a great experience. Dr. Bloom is one of a kind!!

Great place! Dr Bloom is amazing.. so helpful, calming and knowledgeable.