TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells in the brain, often used to help relieve symptoms of depression when other treatments haven’t worked. It’s safe, painless, and performed while the patient is awake.
Located near San Diego, Stella Mental Health in Encinitas, California provides interventional psychiatric care for individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD/PTSI, and other treatment-resistant mental health conditions. Using evidence-based treatments and advanced psychiatric protocols, Stella’s Advanced Practice Providers integrate effective, innovative treatments within a medically guided model of care. Treatment options include Spravato (esketamine) nasal spray, ketamine-assisted infusion therapy, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), pharmacology medication management, or the dual sympathetic reset (DSR) of advanced stellate ganglion blocks (SGB). Trusted by patients and backed by clinical research, Stella San Diego delivers one of the most comprehensive sets of mental health treatment options available under one roof. Stella’s experts help patients clearly understand their symptoms, determine the most effective treatment pathway, and pursue an approach with the highest likelihood of meaningful improvement, symptom relief, and long-term stability.
Our San Diego clinics provide clinically supervised ketamine infusion therapy for adults seeking relief from depression and treatment-resistant conditions. We offer evidence-based care in a medically monitored outpatient setting for patients who have not responded to conventional antidepressants or who are exploring alternatives to long-term oral medications. Residents from Downtown San Diego, La Jolla, Mission Valley, and surrounding communities can access treatment without requiring hospitalization or extended time away from their daily routines.
Ketamine produces antidepressant effects by targeting the glutamate system through NMDA receptor blockade — a mechanism distinct from conventional antidepressants that act on serotonin or norepinephrine pathways. This difference allows ketamine to produce relief more rapidly in many patients, sometimes within hours to a few days of the initial infusion. Clinical teams in San Diego administer infusions at individualized doses and monitor patients throughout each session to optimize both effectiveness and tolerability.
At our San Diego locations, every infusion session is overseen by licensed medical professionals with training in ketamine administration. Vital signs are monitored throughout each session, and clinical staff remain present at all times. Our protocols are aligned with guidelines published by psychiatric and anesthesiology associations. Each patient undergoes a pre-treatment evaluation, and progress is assessed regularly throughout the full course of infusions to guide any necessary adjustments.
Our San Diego clinics are conveniently located in areas including Downtown San Diego, La Jolla, and Mission Valley. Because ketamine infusions are outpatient procedures, most patients can schedule sessions around work and personal commitments. Sessions typically last 45–60 minutes, and patients should plan for a ride home afterward. Our staff works with you to develop a treatment schedule that fits your life without unnecessary disruption.
Our San Diego clinics deliver clinically supervised ketamine infusion therapy to patients throughout the San Diego region, providing evidence-based mental health care for residents across San Diego County and the broader Southern California area. We treat:
During your consultation, our clinical team will complete a thorough psychiatric and medical evaluation to determine whether ketamine infusion therapy is appropriate and which protocol is best suited to your individual needs.
Your journey begins with a comprehensive consultation where a clinician reviews your psychiatric history, current medications, and medical background. If you are determined to be a candidate, you will be scheduled for an initial series of infusions — typically six sessions over two to three weeks. Each session involves a brief IV placement followed by a 45–60 minute infusion in a monitored room. After completing the initial series, your clinical team will assess your response and discuss whether maintenance infusions are appropriate.
Ketamine can interact with certain medications, which is why a thorough medication review is part of the pre-treatment consultation. Most patients continue their existing psychiatric medications during the infusion series, while adjustments may be recommended in some cases. Never stop or change psychiatric medications without medical supervision. Your clinical team will review your current regimen and provide guidance on any potential interactions or timing considerations.
Costs vary depending on the number of sessions in your personalized treatment plan. Insurance coverage for IV ketamine is currently limited, though some California plans may provide benefits for specific indications. Our staff will work with you to verify coverage, provide transparent pricing information, and explore financing options to help make treatment feasible within your budget.
When administered in a clinical setting under medical supervision at therapeutic doses for a defined course of treatment, the risk of dependence is considered low. Ketamine therapy in a clinical context differs significantly from recreational use. That said, patients with a history of substance use disorders will be evaluated carefully during the pre-treatment consultation. Your clinical team will factor your full history into the decision-making process and provide appropriate monitoring throughout treatment.
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