Ketamine Clinics of Los Angeles

I am a 54-​year-​old female with bipolar disorder since early childhood. I’ve been through the gambit. From prior to pharmacology, to every generation of anti-​depressants, mood stabilizers to ECT, and my body are now completely polluted from years of being compliant. Numerous suicide attempts and ideation, as well as hospitalizations. I still don’t have a stable med cocktail and may never but I do know one thing and that is when I hit rock bottom again and it had been over 15 years since my last attempt is when I started researching Ketamine IV’s as an adjunct. After reading everything I could get my hands on I realized the one place that could serve my needs was Ketamine Clinics of Los Angeles and Dr. Steve Mandel and staff. Aside from painstakingly careful explanations about what the procedure would entail, the smooth and efficient and congenial manner in which I was received was excellent. One nice thing and for me different, was if you don’t respond after the 2^nd treatment it isn’t pushed on you. So whether you respond or not is determined very quickly. After my very first session — the suicide ideation was GONE. Food tasted like food. A huge layer of heavy thick fog lifted immediately. For some of us who haven’t had relief at all for extended periods of time, this can be a godsend, I understand it is expensive but where do you draw the line between life and death and how much money did I already spend destroying my body with psychotropic meds prescribed to me that has now left me with Tardive Dyskinesia. And yes with that bleak prognosis, I still advocate trying Ketamine IV’s with the proper professional. And by all means and research, I will be a repeat client of Dr. Mandel, as well as his staff. As I believe them to be incredibly compassionate, and in the forefront of using this off label treatment. They follow up with the patients. Demonstrate concern for each individual’s well-​being. Personally, I prefer the fact that Dr. Mandel is an anesthesiologist and not a Psychiatrist, who knows when the last time they dealt with anything in medicine other than medications. since they were in medical school.
Dr. Mandel and Ketamine Clinics of Los Angeles, I thank you on my behalf and for those out there who feel have run out of options, please know you haven’t. I would never have believed anyone had they told me that after a 45 minute IV of Ketamine I no longer had any thoughts of suicide. That in an of itself speaks volumes. Oh, the location is convenient off the freeway. The office is pleasant and warm as well as the entire staff.

Lifelong depression sufferer, nothing worked. Have been back many times now over the past couple years.
You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Yes it’s expensive, but how much is enjoying your days rather than merely surviving them worth?
Go.

Beyond amazing!!! I’m a 38 year old male and I’ve been struggling with treatment resistant depression for the past 18 years. I’ve tried everything to help alleviate the pain: all the standard medications (SSRI/​SNRIs, benzodiazepines, tricyclics, MAIOs, anti-​psychotics and more), I also tried ECT (electro convulsive therapy) which was the worst experience of my life causing significant memory loss and leaving me with no hope for the future until I found Dr. Mandel and his incredible team at Ketamine Clinics of LA.
I’m currently on infusion 5 of the standard 6 typically recommended and this is the first treatment that I can truly say is so obviously helping and it was apparent after the first infusion. I can honestly say if this was an option 10 years ago before I opted for ECT, my life would be so much better. I’m starting to feel hope for the future again, something I haven’t felt in over 12 years. All the little things that used to be overwhelming like brushing my teeth, eating well etc. have become easier and I don’t lament over having to do them like I used to.
It’s difficult to properly articulate how amazing this experience has been, everyone in the office genuinely cares about how I’m doing and they’re just great people that create the perfect atmosphere to relax and enjoy the treatment without anxiety or apprehension (I wish I could say the same of my past psychiatrists/​psychologists etc). It’s clear they’ve really thought out the patient experience and do everything possible to make it perfect from the paperless check in (iPads), brilliant music available on their iPods to enhance your experience (trust me, the music really influences how you feel during treatment) all the way to the diligent post-​treatment follow up ensuring they’ve done everything possible to help you.
Dr. Mandel, Erica, Tashawnda, Alyssa and Sam, you guys are serious life savers and I can’t thank you enough!!!
If you’re considering ketamine treatment this is THE place to do so. I highly recommend Ketamine Clinics of Los Angeles!

KETAMINE CLINICS OF LOS ANGELES: A MIRACLE
I’m a 52 yo woman and have been depressed for more than 30 years. When I was not in one of my many «major» depressive episodes, in hospital or in a state of utter despair and dysfunction, I was either in an alcohol-​fueled state of mania or, more usually, limping along with «minor» depression — feeling as if life was just something I had to get through until I could respectably give up and die. I have tried every possible combination of medications, have been in therapy for 25 years, and while this has been extremely helpful and has certainly kept me alive, it didn’t make being alive anything other than bearable at best.
I went to Ketamine Clinics out of desperation: only my duty to care for my children was keeping me from killing myself. It was truly a miracle. After my first infusion, I simply wasn’t depressed any more. (And I wasn’t manic, either.) It was as if a heavy, grey, clinging pall of awfulness had been removed from my mind. I now feel «normal,» and it’s such a relief and blessing to be free of that terrible existential dread and despair. I had no idea it was even possible. I wouldn’t say I get out of bed with a spring in my step — all my old problems (and they are many and major) are still there and they still make me sad and worried. But getting out of bed and facing the day is no longer a Herculean effort of will.
While there’s no guarantee that everyone will be «cured» as I have been, and while I’m aware that things may go bad again and I may need more infusions, I would urge anyone with intractable, treatment-​resistant depression to give Ketamine Clinics a go. It’s not cheap, and I’m not sure yet if insurance will cover any of it, but even if it doesn’t, it’s well worth the price.
As to the clinic itself, Dr. Mandel and the nursing staff are incredible. Kind, compassionate, completely competent and professional. More than that, they seemed to take a personal interest in me and my situation. Having the infusions is a rather weird experience, but I always felt completely safe and was confident that if anything *too* weird started happening, I would get effective attention and help immediately. I have had no side-​effects (beyond a bit of memory lag, which is resolving) and have been depression-​free for 5 weeks now, which I’ve not felt since I was a child, if then.
Again: if you have treatment-​resistent depression, you MUST give this a try, and definitely use Dr. Mandel’s Ketamine Clinics. It is first rate. I would go further and say that anyone diagnosed with major depression should consider trying ketamine as a first-​line treatment. SSRIs and SNRIs (the standard first-​line medications) take a long time to work. Ketamine can work within a day (as in my case). I wish that this transformative treatment had been around 30 years ago. My life would have been totally different (and much better). As it is, I now feel hopeful about making something good out of the time I have left. My gratitude to Dr. Mandel for offering this treatment option is unbounded.
(Sorry this is so long-​winded: it would have been helpful to me to read something like this while I was making my decision to try ketamine; hopefully it will help someone else. And no: I’m not getting a discount for this review, alas!!!)

I had researched half a dozen Ketamine clinics all over the United States and after 2 years chose Dr Mandel’s clinic for the medication resistant depression and severe anxiety id been suffering from since childhood. I too came in on day one, covered in sweat, with much apprehension. The Dr and his staff, in their wholeheartedly professional approach, each answered my questions to put each of my concerns to rest. I went through a series of five infusions and couldnt be happier! My Lifelong anxiety and depression were both relieved by an astonishing 75% after the first infusion and it only got better each succsessive infusion, unbelievable i thought!
I have come home seeing the world with a clear head, almost completely free (90%) of the severely debilitating Anxiety and Depression i had! I dont feel anger and resentment towards others and life as i did before either! The infusion experience/​process as ive explained to my family, seemed like it took my brain out, clearing out all the damage and emotional anguish, and put it back in restoring it to where i function better like never before! I never dreamed it would also lift my social anxiety and phobias to where i now can converse with anyone, anywhere with a shining smile that i now have, thanks to the caring and ever so compassionate Dr, Nurses, and staff at the clinic. Anyone who’s suffered to any degree like i have and is seeking out another approach, i would highly recommend it. Wow!

This is my experience: KCofLA establishes a new zenith in unsurpassed medical, emotional, and humane care. Dr. M treated me with presence, loving-​kindness, and understanding I have experienced nowhere else in my life of over sixty years. So, I affirm, did the Clinic staff without exception. As with many of us, I have tried a range of treatments, including psychiatry, psychotherapy, spiritual expeditions, and philosophical deep space explorations, all to address the woeful effects of childhood trauma. Dr. M and KC, in a few treatments, provided in a couple weeks more improvement than all other efforts combined. Again, I stress: he/​they did so with supreme humanity and kindness. MORE than five stars.

Dr. Mandel and his entire team are simply amazing. They genuinely care about each and every patient and their follow is unprecedented. The team contacted me after each infusion, making sure no side effects were encountered. The email turn around time was very short too. Many times if I had any questions, I’d shoot an email and later that same day, I would have my question answered.
Dr. Mandel truly cares about his patients and it showed in the many conversations we had. He empathized as he heard my concerns and took every attempt to put my nerves at ease. His team was great too. They planned and coordinated all of my appointments within a very reasonable amount of time.
I would recommend Dr. Mandel to anyone. There is no longer a need to continue feeling down, helpless, hopeless or depressed. You can look forward to feeling like your old self and participating in activities you once had interests in.

I want to thank Dr. Mandel and his wonderful team. I knew I had hit a new low in my depression the weekend before I started treatment. I read many reviews regarding Ketamine but I was scared to try any more treatments because so far nothing had worked and every time it is very difficult to believe that this treatment would be the one that would actually work. I left a message over the weekend for the clinic, sent an e-​mail, and called as soon as they opened on Monday morning. Amanda picked up the phone when I called and she had all of my information, she was very professional and compassionate, she quickly put me at ease and scheduled my six treatments right away pending receipt of my medical records. That morning within hours she e-​mailed me the documents to forward to my doctor and the next day I confirmed with Sam that all was set and my treatment was going to start that week on Thursday. I was sweating and was so nervous when my husband and I showed up to meet with Dr. Mandel for questions before treatment. Dr. Mandel just like he was described very nice and understanding to difficulties that come with this condition. I started to see signs of improvement just two days after my first treatment, I started to do things that I was not able to get motivated in the past to do, it was great. Things continued to get better as I continued treatment, I don’t cry every day, I am able to socialize, and I don’t feel this heavy weight on me. I pray that I get better everyday until I reach a normal life again.
Dr. Mandel, Amanda, Sam, and Sheri thank you for professionalism, kindness, and sympathy. I am glad to be in the hands of a great team that cares about their patients.

I have nothing but the best to say for Dr. Mandel and his staff.

I have struggled for months at a time with depression in my life. After trying several different types of anti-​depression medications over the years, with no helpful solutions. I read about the significant benefits and results that can be had with ketamine infusions.
Starting out skeptical, I researched and explored the idea of an infusion. Hesitant at first, it took my partner and closest friend to convince me to try it. Preparing for another disappointment, I headed in for my first treatment.
The following results were amazing. The infusion Changed my thought patterns Instantly, Stimulating and Opening parts of my thought processes that had been dormant for Way-​To-​Long. The treatments are meditative and reviving. My Thanks and Compliments to Dr. Mandel
and His staff. It is Comforting to know I can count on a treatment that Helps and I Hope others can achieve the Benefits and Instant Relief that this treatment can Deliver.
Looking forward to more research and Advancement of this treatment. Maybe Providing a Credible anser to Solving this Horrible condition that so many face.
I feel strongly my experiences are Not unique and this treatment could Benefit
Many People. Hope this review Helps You Decide.

Dr. Mandel has truly made my unlivable life, livable again. Dr. Mandel is by far the best Doctor of ANYTHING, I’ve seen for my depression. I’ve been battling depression my entire adolescent and adult life, with very little relief from anti-​d., medications, also known as Drug Resistant Depression.
From the moment you meet Dr. Mandel, to the awakening from your procedure he’s not only the most professional but also the most caring doctor you may ever meet. He will make you smile before he’s even suppressed your depression, he’s like a really nice guy. Also Dr. Mandel clearly has an empathy for his patients that translates into very a safe and comfortable experience.
After my first round of treatments with Dr. Mandel, six, every other day, for two weeks, My life made a 180 degree difference. It had been so long since I was without, at least an underlying depression, that I didn’t realize I would now have the ability to discern between events that, SHOULD, agitate me or realize when I’m being irrational. I’ve also gained the ability to truly process an event, prior to make reaction, such as the rationality of my upcoming response, the emotional toll of my response to the event, the possible consequence, etc,.
My ability to get out of bed early and or nearly right as I wake up has significantly improved. I’m able to keep up with my incredibly hectic schedule. My overall mood is high and lethargy is low. My social anxiety is at an all time low, and I haven’t had a panic attack since my first infusion.
I’ve stopped taking all SSRI medications. Out my monthly RX of 30 Lorezepam, I use about an average of three or four since my first round of infusions, staggering since I used to finish the bottle every month. Ketamine infusions work better than any medicine I’ve taken and has none of the horrible side effects, I and most people endure.
The actual infusion is most likely different for everyone. My dad being a surgeon explained Ketamine to me and that I would be very disoriented and dissociated, Dr. Mandel told me the same, so I was, somewhat ready for the experience. The first infusion was definitely akin to the first drop of a roller coaster… that lasted 45 minutes. By the 6^th infusion I would say I enjoyed the break from reality and realized that the dissociative experience was also apart of my infusion. It opens you’re mind and lets it process your life at high speeds. I can’t remember what I thought about… but those things don’t bother me anymore.
In summary I would say that your safest, most caring and comfortable option for Ketamine Infusion is Dr. Mandel and the Ketamine Clinics. My father is a heart surgeon, My mom a Physical Therapist, I’m a certified Med Tech and I’ve basically grown up around health care my entire life. The Ketamine Clinics is one of the most professional and welcome health care providers you will ever meet, even under the circumstances.

Dr Mandel was so attentive, very caring. He made me feel at ease. Since I was a bit nervous .Like a minute b4 surgery. I had a panic attact. He saw that n said «don’t worry I’m going to take good care of you».Walla.When I came out of it, everything was good. He did take care of me. Awesome job Dr. Mandel n Dr. Zarrabi

Dr. Mandel was the anesthesiologist during my breast augmentation surgery with Dr. Zarrabi. Dr. Mandel is great! The night before surgery he called me to go over the process and answered all my questions. The day of the surgery, I was a bit nervous but by the time I knew it, I was already done with my procedure! He is a great!!!

I just want to say to Dr Mandel you truly saved my life! I never realized I was so close to killing myself! Now I have hope ! I can live my life content and know that there is always hope it doesn’t have to even get that bad! I know that you have changed my life forever ! For that I thank you and my family does as well! To people that are out there wondering if this can help you! I say what do you have to lose? Things could truly only get better! There is hope! HOPE!!!

After struggling with CRPS for the past two years, I finally decided to take my treatment options to the next level. I read various articles about ketamine infusion therapy and decided to give it a shot.
Dr Mandal and his staff were very professional and helpful. They aquired my necessary medical records in a short amount of time, and Dr Mandel himself called me for my first phone interview. From the start, I was impressed with the level of personal involvement and care expressed by the entire staff.
The best part (for me) is that the three day infusion sequence, although exhausting and nauseating, seems to have worked! I had not experienced this return to normalcy with any other treatment since my initial onset of CRPS.
I highly recommend Dr Mandal, and best wishes to anyone seeking treatment for RSD/​CRPS!

When it comes to dealing with depression — even depressions so deeply entrenched in the human brain they sneer in the face of traditional antidepressant medications — Ketamine infusions work miracles and Dr. Steven Mandel is a bona fide miracle worker.
My mother suffers from depression and she has spent most of the last 40 years in bed because of it. My own struggle with this deadly disease began before I was even in high school and lasted until January 19, 2015 — the day I walked into the Ketamine Clinic of Los Angeles.
I was overflowing with apprehension that day. My depression had robbed me of all strength and all hope and I figured I would spend the 45-​minute IV treatments hallucinating unspeakable horrors.
Dr. Mandel listened to my fears and then firmly but kindly put them to rest, It turns out ketamine infusions as a treatment for depression are nothing like the abuse of ketamine practised by young people at «raves» and the like.
In Dr. Mandel’s expert hands the recommended series of six slow infusions did two things for me.
The first thing was some vitally important brain reconstruction. It seems depression creates an actual depression, like a «cave in», in part of the brain. Ketamine immediately starts working to rebuild the depressed area. The effects of the treatments are cumulative; each successive treatment starts where the previous treatment left off.
The second marvelous thing the ketamine infusion did (each time) was give me 45 minutes of shining, sparkling, freedom from the shackles of depression. If you haven’t suffered from long-​term depression you cannot imagine the pleasure to be found in being able to completely relax and allow your mind wander without any dread of where it will go.
I’m sure everyone’s experience under the influence of ketamine is different. Dr. Mandel had told me to expect some distortions in sights and sounds — and yes, despite the fact I was wearing a sleep mask, there was plenty to see!
Some people opt for listening to music during the infusions, while others prefer silence. Dr. Mandel has a couple of ipods full of music for his patients to choose from, — but for some reason I took it into my head I wanted to listen to «water sounds» and his music library did not include those. Once you get to know Dr. Mandel you will not be surprised he took the time to find and purchase a collection of water sounds for me – from roaring surf to rain on a cottage roof.
I used Dr. Mandel’s music/​sounds for the first four infusions. When listening to the water sounds I often had the sensation of floating lazily or sitting outdoors in a gentle rain. By the fifth treatment I was confident enough to create my own playlists from my own music and I’m so glad I did. Listening to «Defying Gravity» and «Let it go» while being «infused» with ketamine is a joyous experience.
One of Dr. Suess’ most popular books is titled «Oh The Thinks You Can Think!» When you suffer from the disease of depression the «thinks you can think» are trapped in a tiny box and vary only from «bad» to «worse». Thanks to Dr. Mandel and The Ketamine Clinics of Los Angeles my thoughts are free, my mind is free — which means for the first time in my life I am truly free.

I recently had a breast augmentation and Dr. Mandel was my anesthesiologist. Dr. Mandel showed true interest in my case as he called me the day before my surgery to get to know me. I’ve only been under anesthesia once when I was about 4 so I don’t remember much about that experience. I am 21 now and this experience went very smoothly. He and nurse Amanda gave me the most comfortable experience before I went under and only felt little pain when the needle was injected into my arm. Before I knew it, I was awake and was told my surgery was a success. Dr. Mandel and his staff, along with my surgeon Dr. Zarrabi, treated me with kindness and eased my nerves before surgery.

Dr. Steven Mandel is uniquely qualified to administer Ketamine Infusion for depression. He has an expertise in both Psychology (Masters Degree) and is a Board Certified Anesthesiologist. The Psychology background brings to the table his understanding and empathy, while his specialty insures a proper dosing and administration of the infusion.
The infusion is done in friendly, safe and clinical environment. The treatment has provided me with the ability to separate myself from the depression and to approach it in a new light. I have seen a marked improvement in my mood and I feel much healthier now compared to when I began. It has felt like a window has been opened in a hot, stuffy room. A breeze is now blowing that has given me a fresh prospective on myself and my situation.
I think Ketamine Infusion should be another tool in the arsenal for all those who are burdened with depression and for the people who care about them.
I would highly recommend Dr. Mandel and his Ketamine Clinics of Los Angeles if you are considering this wonderful, newly available treatment for depression.

Not only is Dr. Mandel a great anesthesiologist in providing uncompromising medicine to ensure patient safety, he is also a kind and caring individual. I’ve had the pleasure of working with him and have observed first hand his outstanding bedside manners in delivering outstanding care to his patients. I would definitely not hesitate to refer my family and friends to his capable hands. I highly recommend Dr. Mandel!

I’ve been a patient of Dr. Steve for surgery on several occasions and he has always been comforting, gentle, informative, and kind. Each time, we were talking and the next moment I was waking up in the recovery room. I strongly recommend Dr. Steve to anyone who is in need of an anesthesiologist. He is truly a great guy!

Steven is an outstanding anesthesiologist. He is experienced, caring and always puts his clients first.
Steven provides sleep dentistry for me. Since I am unable to get numb via traditional methods such as Novocain, he has made it possible for me to save time by getting more done in a single visit since my pain is being managed.
I recommend him highly!