Ketamine Treatment & Research Center

KING FAISAL HOSPITAL RWANDA > Departments > Ketamine > Ketamine Treatment & Research Center

Ketamine Treatment & Research Center

The Ketamine Treatment & Research Center offers innovative, evidence-based care for individuals suffering from severe depression, suicidality, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other treatment-resistant mood disorders. Our multidisciplinary team provides intravenous (IV) ketamine infusions in a safe, medically supervised setting, with integrated psychotherapy to support long-term healing.

Ketamine, originally developed as an anesthetic, has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and suicidal thoughts rapidly — often within hours to days — especially in patients who have not responded to traditional treatments. It also offers significant relief for individuals living with chronic PTSD by reducing intrusive thoughts, emotional numbness, and hypervigilance.

The clinic serves adults seeking a new path toward mental wellness, using cutting-edge treatments to restore hope and functioning.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Ketamine is a medication originally used for anesthesia. At much lower doses, it rapidly relieves symptoms of severe depression, suicidal thoughts, PTSD, and anxiety disorders. It enhances neuroplasticity — the brain’s ability to form new healthy connections.
  • Treatment-resistant depression
  • Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
  • PTSD
  • Severe anxiety unresponsive to treatment
A full psychiatric evaluation is required before treatment.
Patients receive a low-dose IV infusion over 50–60 minutes in a quiet, private room. A psychologist accompanies the patient, followed by an integration session.
Most patients start with six infusions over 2–3 weeks. Maintenance treatments follow based on progress.
Yes. When supervised medically, ketamine is safe. Side effects such as nausea or dizziness are temporary.
Yes. Integration therapy improves long-term mental health outcomes.
Improvements often appear after 1–3 infusions.
No. A driver is required due to temporary cognitive effects.
At therapeutic doses in a medical setting, addiction risk is very low.
Schedule a psychiatric evaluation. If you already have a mental health provider, they may refer you to the clinic.

Eligibility Criteria for Ketamine Infusion Treatment

✅ Inclusion Criteria (Who Is Eligible)
  • Treatment-resistant depression (failed at least two antidepressants)
  • Suicidal ideation or recent suicidal behavior
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Severe anxiety disorders not responding to standard treatment
  • Alcohol use disorder evaluated case-by-case
  • Age 18 and above
  • Medically stable for IV infusion
  • Able to provide informed consent
  • Willing to participate in integration psychotherapy
  • Under psychiatric care during treatment
❌ Exclusion Criteria (Who Is Not Eligible)
  • Uncontrolled hypertension or serious cardiovascular disease
  • History of psychotic disorders (schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder)
  • Current substance use disorder involving ketamine or dissociatives
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • Severe liver disease or intracranial pressure issues
  • Uncontrolled epilepsy or seizure disorder
  • Active manic episode in bipolar disorder (unless stabilized)
  • Unable to engage in follow-up sessions

Our Doctors

Our Dedicated Doctors,Nurses and other support staffs  are always here to serve you.

Dr. Asmeret Andebirhan

Dr. Cindi Cassady

Dr. Chantal Murekatete

Nurses and Support staffs

Ms. Beatrice Bikoroka Receptionist
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Ms. Xavera Mukangarambe Patient Access Officer
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Ms. Wivine Rehema Nurse
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Ms. Pacifique Rutayisire Nurse