Behavioral & Pain Support
Ketamine Therapy in Columbia, MD
Zest 4 Wellness provides ketamine therapy evaluation and administration in Columbia, Maryland under medical supervision. Ketamine is used clinically, in appropriate settings, for treatment-resistant mood and chronic pain conditions that have not responded to standard care. Candidacy is determined strictly by Dr. Francisco Ward, DO, after a thorough medical review.
At a glance
- Columbia, MD
- 8860 Columbia 100 Parkway, Suite 216
- Physician-led
- Evaluated and supervised by Dr. Francisco Ward, DO
- Make an appointment
- Free 15-minute consultation offer
- Contact
- (443) 917-6500
What is ketamine therapy?
Ketamine is a medication used in anesthesia that, in carefully controlled clinical settings, is also used for certain treatment-resistant mental health and chronic pain conditions. It has gained recognition for conditions that have not improved with conventional treatments.
Ketamine therapy is a serious medical treatment with significant effects and risks. It is not an everyday wellness treatment. At Zest 4 Wellness, ketamine is considered only for patients who meet clinical criteria and are assessed as safe candidates through a full medical and psychiatric evaluation.
Because of the nature of ketamine, treatment at Zest is highly structured: eligibility review, medical monitoring during sessions, and careful follow-up are non-negotiable parts of the program.
Why patients consider ketamine therapy
- Treatment-resistant depression that has not responded to standard treatments
- Chronic pain conditions under specialist care
- Conditions where other treatments have been inadequate
- A referral-based or physician-recommended conversation about ketamine
What is commonly evaluated
- Treatment-resistant depression (candidate-specific)
- Chronic pain under medical evaluation
- Mood and pain conditions that have not responded to conventional care
Who may be a candidate
- Adults who meet clinical criteria for ketamine and complete a full evaluation
- Patients without cardiovascular, psychiatric, or other contraindications
- Patients who can be safely monitored during and after sessions
- Patients under the ongoing care of the clinic's physician
Before you book: Ketamine is a powerful medication and is not appropriate for most people. Rigorous screening is required, and candidacy is never assumed.
What happens during ketamine therapy
- Screening: A complete medical and psychiatric evaluation determines eligibility.
- Informed consent: Risks, effects, and the treatment plan are explained and documented.
- Administration: Ketamine is given under direct medical supervision with monitoring.
- Follow-up: Response and safety are reviewed after each session, and the plan is adjusted.
What to expect
Patients are monitored during the acute effects and must arrange safe transport after sessions.
Multiple sessions over a structured course are typically required, with ongoing review.
Benefits and limitations
- Access to a treatment for select patients who have not responded to other care
- Administered under direct medical supervision with monitoring
- Rigorous screening to reduce risk
- Ketamine is not a first-line or universal treatment, and response varies
Risks and important considerations
- Ketamine can cause dissociation, elevated blood pressure, nausea, and other acute effects.
- It is not appropriate for patients with certain heart, psychiatric, or other conditions.
- Treatment requires safe transport arrangements and supervised follow-up.
- Ketamine is generally an out-of-pocket service and not covered by insurance.
Updated and reviewed
Content reviewed by the clinical team at Zest 4 Wellness. Last updated September 11, 2026. Individual results vary; talk with Dr. Ward about what may be appropriate for you.
In-clinic care
Care delivered at our Columbia clinic
The photo shows the in-clinic treatment room at Zest 4 Wellness, where physician-guided treatments and in-office procedures take place at 8860 Columbia 100 Parkway, Suite 216, Columbia, MD 21045.
Columbia clinic detailsMeet your physician
Dr. Francisco Ward, DO
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation · Pain Management · Wellness
Dr. Ward is a Johns Hopkins-trained Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation physician who specializes in pain management, interventional spine and joint care, and wellness. He personally evaluates each patient, reviews your history and diagnostic findings, and develops a treatment plan based on your health needs and goals.
Find us in Columbia
Columbia, MD location
Zest 4 Wellness is located at 8860 Columbia 100 Parkway, Suite 216, Columbia, MD 21045, serving patients in Columbia, Howard County, and the surrounding Maryland communities within about a 20-mile radius.
- 8860 Columbia 100 Parkway, Suite 216, Columbia, MD 21045
- Monday–Friday: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM · Saturday: 12:00 PM–5:00 PM
- (443) 917-6500
Questions, answered
Ketamine Therapy FAQ
Direct answers to the questions patients ask most about this service.
What is ketamine therapy?
Ketamine therapy is a medical treatment, given under supervision, used for certain treatment-resistant mood and chronic pain conditions that have not responded to standard care.
Who may be a candidate for ketamine therapy?
Only patients who meet clinical criteria and complete a full medical and psychiatric evaluation are considered. Candidacy is determined by Dr. Ward.
Is ketamine therapy covered by insurance?
Ketamine therapy at Zest is generally an out-of-pocket service, as the clinic does not accept insurance.
Start with a consultation about ketamine therapy
Tell Dr. Ward about your health goals and learn which options may be appropriate for you. Appointments are available at our Columbia, Maryland location.