Home

/

Services

/

Ketamine Therapy In Richmond

Richmond, TX Ketamine Therapy Clinic: Rapid-Acting Care for Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, and Chronic Pain That Standard Medications Haven't Touched

Ketamine therapy for Richmond and the Fort Bend County corridor. Board-certified anesthesiologist Dr. Ho directs every treatment protocol at three Houston-area locations. Open 6am–9pm, seven days a week.

Ketamine Therapy in Richmond, TX

There’s a quiet frustration that builds in people who’ve been prescribed medication after medication for depression, anxiety, or PTSD without ever being told that all those prescriptions operate on the same narrow set of brain chemicals. Sertraline targets serotonin. Venlafaxine targets serotonin and norepinephrine. Bupropion targets norepinephrine and dopamine. Swap them around, combine them, augment them with a second-generation antipsychotic — the underlying pharmacological strategy doesn’t change. You’re adjusting the volume on the same three channels.

For roughly 30% of patients, those channels aren’t where the signal disruption lives. The real damage — the reason symptoms persist despite textbook-appropriate treatment — is structural. Chronic mental illness and unrelenting pain physically thin the synaptic connections in brain regions that regulate mood, manage threat perception, and process pain signals. No serotonin-based medication can rebuild those connections. That requires a different mechanism entirely. Ketamine provides it. Working through the glutamate system — the brain’s most extensive signaling network — ketamine triggers the rapid formation of new synapses in damaged regions. Cedars-Sinai, one of the country’s leading academic medical centers, highlights ketamine-derived treatment as the first genuinely new approach to depression in decades, noting its ability to improve mood within hours or days compared to the weeks required by conventional antidepressants. Catalyst Health & Wellness brings this treatment to the Richmond and Fort Bend County community through three Houston-area clinics, every one led by Dr. Ho — a board-certified anesthesiologist and former pediatrician whose combined expertise covers the precision pharmacology, physiological monitoring, and patient-centered care this treatment demands.

Ketamine — A Medication Older Than Most Antidepressants, Working Through a Completely Different System

Most people hearing about ketamine therapy for the first time assume it’s experimental. It isn’t. Ketamine was synthesized in 1962, received FDA approval as a general anesthetic in 1970, and has been continuously used in hospitals, emergency rooms, pediatric units, and military field stations ever since. Its safety record spans more than fifty years and millions of patients — a foundation no recently developed psychiatric medication can match.

What’s newer is the understanding of what ketamine does at sub-anesthetic doses. Beginning in the late 1990s, researchers investigating the glutamate signaling system — responsible for the vast majority of excitatory neurotransmission in the human brain — discovered that low-dose ketamine produced something unprecedented: fast, substantial depression relief in patients who’d failed every other treatment. Not gradual relief over weeks. Measurable change within hours.

The biology behind this discovery is now firmly established. Conventional antidepressants boost the presence of certain neurotransmitters and wait for the brain to slowly recalibrate — a process that takes four to eight weeks when it succeeds. Ketamine bypasses that slow recalibration entirely. By blocking NMDA receptors within the glutamate system, it sets off a biochemical chain reaction that releases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), the protein directly responsible for constructing new synaptic connections. Depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain all share a common structural signature: degraded connectivity in brain regions controlling mood, threat response, and pain modulation. Ketamine addresses that shared damage at the source. And because the repair mechanism is structural rather than chemical, it can produce simultaneous improvement across conditions that seem unrelated on the surface but stem from the same underlying neural erosion.

What Our Patients Say

“Catalyst Ketamine changed everything. Within two sessions, I felt a lifting of the heavy fog that had consumed me for so long.”


"It was by chance I came across Dr. Ho. I have had 4 infusions of ketamine with him. It has been a wonderful experience. Dr. Ho is very accommodating."


"Dr Ho’s 30 years experience is apparent. He skillfully discusses the entire treatment process and applies the correct dosage to ensure optimal patient comfort."


"Dr. Ho’s empathy and experience make all the difference—this is a place where you truly feel safe. Ketamine therapy might sound intimidating, but it’s backed by science."


"This treatment has literally saved my life. I’ve suffered from depression and anxiety for over a decade." 


"This was a life changing experience for me. Dr. Ho is kind and makes you feel really comfortable- you can tell he cares about his patients."


Take the First Step Toward Healing

Schedule

Mon – Sun: 6am-9pm

Book Appointment

Ketamine Administration Methods

Two proven delivery routes. Both clinically effective. We'll match the method to your medical needs and personal comfort during your consultation.

iv ketamine therapy houston tx

IV Ketamine Therapy

Intravenous delivery places ketamine directly into the bloodstream through a small catheter, allowing your treatment team continuous, real-time control over the dosing rate. That means instant adjustments — optimizing the therapeutic window or managing a transient side effect without delay. This level of precision is why IV delivery remains the standard in both ketamine research and clinical practice. Mood disorder sessions generally run 40 to 60 minutes.

im ketamine therapy houston tx

IM Ketamine Therapy

Intramuscular delivery uses a single injection — typically in the upper arm or thigh — and eliminates the need for an IV line. The medication enters the bloodstream through muscle tissue and delivers the same core therapeutic effect. Patients who feel anxious about IV access, whose veins are challenging, or who prefer a more straightforward setup often find IM delivery more comfortable. Full monitoring in a private treatment room continues throughout.

There's no right or wrong choice between the two. We'll walk through both during your consultation and help you decide based on clinical factors and personal preference — without pressure in either direction.

Conditions We Treat Near Richmond

Ketamine works across a broad range of diagnoses because it targets a biological feature common to all of them: degraded synaptic connections that standard medications cannot restore.

Your protocol is constructed from your specific clinical data — your diagnoses, your treatment history, your daily functional realities, and the improvements that would genuinely change your life.

The Treatment Process: Start to Finish

Clarity at every stage. Here's exactly what happens from your first phone call through your ongoing care.

Call (713) 772-5315. Within minutes you’ll be speaking with someone who understands treatment resistance — not reading from a form, but listening to your story. No referral necessary. No insurance prerequisites. No barriers.

We’ll cover:

  • The real shape of your symptoms — when they’re worst, what they prevent, how they affect the people around you
  • Your complete treatment history: what you’ve tried, what partially helped, what failed, what produced side effects you couldn’t tolerate
  • A clear explanation of ketamine therapy — how it works, what it costs, and what the treatment timeline involves
  • Honest expectations based on your specific clinical picture
  • Any questions, concerns, or reservations you want addressed before deciding

Completely free. Zero obligation. The only goal is giving you enough information to make a confident decision.

Once you decide to proceed, we’ll send a comprehensive intake questionnaire. This isn’t a formality — it’s the foundation of your treatment protocol. We’ll ask about every medication you’ve tried and your body’s specific response to each, your complete physical health picture, when your symptoms peak and what triggers them, and what you’d consider meaningful improvement in the context of your actual daily life. We welcome coordination with your existing providers — psychiatrist, therapist, primary care doctor — whenever you give the green light. It strengthens every clinical decision we make, though it’s never required.

Getting ready is straightforward:

  • No food for at least 6 hours before treatment
  • Clear liquids in small amounts are fine up to 2 hours before
  • Wear whatever makes you comfortable

Once you arrive:

  • We’ll walk through the session step by step and address any last questions
  • Record your baseline vital signs
  • Place the IV catheter or prepare the injection site

Dr. Ho honed his needle skills in pediatrics — placing IVs in small children who needed extraordinary care and gentleness. That precision transfers directly to adult patients who feel anxious about the process. He uses the smallest gauge needle practical for the treatment, offers topical numbing cream before any skin contact, and keeps a portable ultrasound available for patients with difficult venous access. Almost universally, patients say the needle was the thing they feared most and felt least.

You’ll recline in a padded chair inside your own private treatment room, built for comfort:

  • Noise-cancelling headphones with soothing playlists
  • A soft eye mask
  • A warm blanket
  • Lighting under your control

Duration depends on your condition:

  • Mood disorders (depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD): approximately 40 minutes of treatment plus 20 minutes of recovery
  • Chronic pain conditions (fibromyalgia, migraines, EDS, stenosis pain, complex pain): approximately 4 hours of treatment plus 2 hours of recovery

The extended chronic pain protocol provides the sustained NMDA receptor blockade needed to meaningfully disrupt central sensitization — the nervous system remodeling that perpetuates pain long after original tissue healing.

Vital signs monitored continuously throughout. Dr. Ho or a clinical team member remains present, checking in at regular intervals. First-session nervousness is expected — and nearly always replaced by surprise at how calm and controlled the experience actually is.

After treatment, you’ll rest in your chair as the effects gradually lift. Most patients feel clear-headed and grounded within 20 to 60 minutes.

Key details:

  • Arrange a ride in advance — you cannot drive yourself
  • Plan a low-key remainder of the day, preferably with someone nearby
  • No major decisions, heavy physical activity, or machinery until the next morning
  • Our team will call to check in that evening or the following day

At the sub-anesthetic doses we use, significant adverse events are rare. Our clinical team stays reachable by phone if any concern arises after you leave.

Ketamine response follows different timelines for different people. Some patients experience a clear shift after their first session. Others build improvement across several treatments. Both patterns are entirely normal.

The standard framework:

  • Initial series: 6 sessions over 2 to 3 weeks for mood disorders
  • Dose refinement between sessions, guided by your individual response
  • A maintenance schedule shaped by your trajectory — weekly, biweekly, or monthly
  • Reassessment at every appointment so the protocol stays current with your progress

This plan isn’t fixed. It’s a living document that evolves with your data, your feedback, and the clinical evidence generated by each session.

The Evidence Behind Ketamine Therapy

Ketamine didn’t enter psychiatry on the strength of anecdote. Its credibility rests on decades of controlled, peer-reviewed research from some of the most respected institutions in medicine.

The pivotal National Institutes of Health trial found that a single IV ketamine infusion produced a 71% response rate in treatment-resistant depression — compared to 0% with placebo. No psychiatric drug trial has ever produced a wider efficacy gap in a controlled setting (Zarate et al., 2006).

A multi-center replication using an active placebo to account for sedation effects confirmed a 64% response rate within 24 hours versus 28% with the active control, yielding a number needed to treat of just 2.8 (Murrough et al., 2013).

On the mechanistic front, a Science publication demonstrated that ketamine directly reverses stress-induced synaptic damage, stimulating measurable new neural connection growth in the prefrontal cortex within a single day (Li et al., 2010).

For PTSD, a controlled trial at the Icahn School of Medicine found that repeated ketamine infusions produced sustained, clinically significant symptom improvement, with roughly two-thirds of participants meeting response thresholds (Feder et al., 2014).

Richmond — the historic seat of Fort Bend County, incorporated in 1837 and among the oldest cities in Texas — has weathered nearly two centuries of change through resilience and practical judgment. These research findings meet that standard: tested, replicated, and grounded in measurable outcomes.

What the research consistently demonstrates:

  • Ketamine acts through the glutamate pathway — entirely distinct from the serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine systems addressed by every conventional antidepressant
  • Response rates of 60-71% in treatment-resistant depression far exceed the 10-15% success rate of switching between standard medications
  • Synaptic regrowth begins within hours, confirmed by neuroimaging — the fastest documented structural brain change for any psychiatric intervention
  • The same neural repair mechanism simultaneously addresses depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, chronic pain, and suicidal ideation

Why Richmond and Fort Bend County Residents Choose Catalyst

01

A Physician Whose Training Mirrors the Medicine's Origin

Ketamine came out of anesthesiology — and delivering it safely, even at psychiatric sub-anesthetic doses, requires the skills that define anesthesia training: IV pharmacokinetics, real-time hemodynamic awareness, instant dose adjustment, and composure under physiological change. That's Dr. Ho's primary discipline. His additional board certification in pediatrics adds a communication style rooted in patience, transparency, and genuine care — qualities every patient deserves, especially when they feel vulnerable.

02

Every Protocol Custom-Built

Before you receive a single dose, we construct a detailed clinical portrait from your medication history, physical health, symptom timing and triggers, functional impact, and personal definition of meaningful improvement. Each session produces new data points, and we integrate them before your next visit. You won’t find a standardized template anywhere in this process.

03

Three Clinics Accessible From the Fort Bend Corridor

Richmond sits along US-59 and the Grand Parkway (99) in central Fort Bend County, with direct access to all three Catalyst clinics. Nearby communities — Rosenberg, Pecan Grove, Aliana, Sugar Land, Fulshear, and Missouri City — all fall within a convenient drive.

  • Catalyst Health & Wellness Heights 104 W. 12th Street, Suite B, Houston, TX 77008
  • Catalyst Health & Wellness Southwest 7710 Beechnut, Suite 206, Houston, TX 77074
  • Catalyst Health & Wellness South Loop 6300 West Loop S, Suite 526, Bellaire, TX 77401

04

Complementary Treatments Available Without Referrals

When your condition calls for more than ketamine alone, Catalyst provides additional evidence-based treatments under the same clinical roof — keeping your care team unified and your progress coordinated.

TMS Therapy

Non-invasive magnetic brain stimulation targeting the circuits behind depression and OCD

Spravato Treatment

FDA-approved esketamine nasal spray, frequently eligible for insurance coverage

Stellate Ganglion Block

A targeted nerve block with demonstrated effectiveness for PTSD, anxiety, and complex pain

Beyond IV and IM ketamine, we offer additional innovative treatments that can complement your ketamine therapy:

05

Seven-Day Scheduling That Adapts to Fort Bend Life

Fort Bend County families manage school districts, commute corridors, and the competing demands of one of Texas’s fastest-growing regions. All three Catalyst locations are open Monday through Sunday, 6am to 9pm — offering early-morning, late-evening, and weekend flexibility when rigid office hours don’t align with real life.

Begin Ketamine Therapy Near Richmond, TX

The medications you’ve been prescribed all spoke the same neurochemical language — serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine. Your brain needed a different conversation. The glutamate pathway, where chronic conditions erode the synaptic connections that healthy function depends on, was never within their pharmacological vocabulary. Ketamine speaks directly to that system. It doesn’t modulate chemistry and hope for gradual adaptation. It constructs new neural connections and lets the results speak for themselves.

Call (713) 772-5315. Tell us your story — the conditions, the treatments, the outcomes you’re still searching for. We’ll give you an honest assessment of whether ketamine therapy fits your clinical picture, explain every detail of the process, and leave the decision completely in your hands. The consultation is free.

Three Houston-area clinics. Open every day, 6am to 9pm. A physician whose dual training in anesthesiology and pediatrics places him at the precise intersection of pharmacological expertise and compassionate, patient-centered care.

Our Schedule

Monday-Sunday, 6am-9pm

Free consultation

Personalized care

Three Houston locations

Expert medical team

Commonly Asked Questions

Get Help Now

How fast does ketamine therapy work compared to standard antidepressants?

Many patients notice improvements within hours of their first treatment, though some people need a few sessions before experiencing the full benefit. This rapid action is one of ketamine’s most remarkable qualities, especially compared to traditional antidepressants that can take 4 to 8 weeks to work.

What makes ketamine therapy safe in a clinical setting?

Yes, when administered by trained medical professionals in a controlled setting. Ketamine has been used safely as an FDA-approved anesthetic for over 50 years. Dr. Ho’s expertise as an anesthesiologist ensures the highest safety standards. We monitor your vital signs throughout treatment, and serious complications are rare.

What does a complete ketamine treatment plan involve?

Most patients receive an initial series of six treatments over two to three weeks. After that, you’ll likely need maintenance treatments to sustain your improvements. The frequency varies based on individual response. Some people return every few weeks, while others maintain their benefits with monthly treatments. We’ll work with you to find the schedule that keeps you feeling your best.

How would you describe the ketamine treatment experience?

Experiences vary from person to person. Many patients describe feeling relaxed, peaceful, or slightly disconnected from their surroundings. Some people have visual or sensory experiences, while others simply feel calm. These effects are temporary and subside as the ketamine wears off. Most patients find the experience pleasant and therapeutic.

What transportation arrangements should I make for treatment day?

No, you cannot drive yourself home after ketamine treatment. You’ll need to arrange transportation. By the time you leave our facility, you’ll feel much clearer, but for your safety, you should not drive, operate heavy machinery, or make important decisions for the rest of the day.

How sustained are the results from a ketamine treatment series?

This varies considerably between individuals. Some people maintain their improvement for weeks or even months after their initial series. Others need more frequent maintenance treatments. During your follow-up appointments, we’ll assess how you’re responding and adjust your maintenance schedule accordingly.

Can ketamine therapy work alongside the medications I'm already taking?

In most cases, yes. Ketamine typically works well alongside other psychiatric medications. However, we’ll review your complete medication list during your consultation to ensure there are no contraindications. Never stop taking prescribed medications without consulting your prescribing physician.

Do I need a referral or pre-authorization to get started?

No, you don’t need a referral to begin ketamine therapy at Catalyst Health & Wellness. However, communication with your current healthcare providers can be helpful, and we encourage coordination of care whenever possible.

Our Locations

Catalyst Health & Wellness Heights

104 W. 12th Street, Suite B Houston, TX 77008

Visit Clinic

Catalyst Health & Wellness Southwest

7710 Beechnut, Suite 206 Houston, TX 77074

Visit Clinic

Catalyst Health & Wellness South Loop

6300 West Loop S Suite 525
Bellaire, TX 77401

Visit Clinic

Make an Appointment

Our mission is to empower individuals to overcome life’s challenges through professional psychological support.

Schedule

Mon – Sun: 6am-9pm