When traditional treatments for depression don’t bring relief, it can leave you feeling stuck, hopeless, or misunderstood. At Alessi Psychiatry and Life Center in Washtenaw County, Michigan, treatment-resistant depression is approached with precision, care, and advanced therapies, which sometimes include ketamine-assisted psychotherapy.
Dr. Norman Alessi, a nationally recognized psychiatrist with over 40 years of experience, understands that depression is not one-size-fits-all. Many patients seen at the Center have already tried multiple medications or therapy approaches without long-term improvement. That’s when it’s time to look deeper and consider newer, evidence-based tools.
What Is Treatment-Resistant Depression?
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is diagnosed when a patient has not responded adequately to at least two standard antidepressants taken at appropriate doses and durations. These patients often report ongoing low mood, fatigue, disconnection, and difficulty functioning—even while following their treatment plan.
TRD is not a personal failure or lack of effort. It’s a sign that the brain may require a different kind of support—and a more innovative approach to healing.
How Ketamine Offers a Different Path
Unlike SSRIs and other antidepressants, ketamine acts on the brain’s glutamate system and triggers a rapid increase in synaptic connections. This process, known as neuroplasticity, can help “reset” stuck brain patterns and allow new emotional pathways to emerge.
At our practice, ketamine is not given in isolation. Instead, it’s paired with psychotherapy to help you explore, process, and integrate the psychological shifts that ketamine may unlock. This combined approach is particularly beneficial if you are dealing with longstanding depression rooted in trauma or dissociation.
Is Ketamine Right for You?
If you’ve struggled with depression despite trying multiple medications, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy may be an option. Before this treatment, all patients undergo a comprehensive evaluation to determine if ketamine is appropriate and safe. The process includes a review of medical history, mental health diagnosis, and readiness for the therapeutic work that follows each session.
Because Dr. Alessi and his team specialize in complex and refractory cases, patients can expect care that is both clinically rigorous and personally attuned.
Explore a New Path Toward Healing
Depression that doesn’t respond to conventional treatment still deserves attention, validation, and hope. If you’ve reached a plateau in your current care, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy could offer a meaningful shift.
Contact (734) 222-6222 or visit Alessi Psychiatry and Life Center to schedule a consultation and learn more about advanced options for treatment-resistant depression.