CNY Psychiatry
A Newer Perspective of Psychiatry

At CNY Psychiatry in Marcellus, NY a new era of mental health treatment is emerging with the clinic’s pioneering use of ketamine infusion therapy. This innovative approach provides an important alternative to patients for whom traditional medications and therapies like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) have failed. Dr. Jason Stepkovitch, MD, driven by the desire to broaden therapeutic options, has led the clinic’s transition from conventional psychotherapy and medication management to a leader in advanced psychiatric treatments.

Under the guidance of Dr. Stepkovitch and his wife Khatuna Stepkovitch, MD, internist and geriatrician, CNY Psychiatry has become a center of excellence that combines psychiatric expertise with the latest treatments, including ketamine therapy. This ensures a comprehensive approach to patient safety and care during ketamine infusions, bridging the gap between medical and mental health expertise.

CNY Psychiatry offers more than cutting-edge treatments. It provides an integrative, holistic care model. Its team, comprising psychotherapists, a nurse practitioner, and an ICU-trained nurse, is dedicated to administering safe and effective infusions. Recognizing the challenges of treatments like ketamine, which are not FDA-approved and often not covered by insurance, the clinic has adopted a hybrid billing model. It combines direct insurance billing for parts of the visit with a reasonable office visit fee, ensuring that high-quality treatment is accessible and affordable.

The clinic’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity in its patient base is evident, serving individuals from various demographics and socioeconomic backgrounds. Success is attributable to the quality of care it provides and its patients’ determination to overcome treatment barriers.

Why Should Ketamine Be Used in Psychiatry?

Dr. Stepkovitch has been a pioneer in the evolving field of psychiatry, which was long constrained by traditional methods. Since beginning his psychiatry practice in 2005, he has looked to advanced treatments to bring change to the conventional approach that was largely been reliant on psychotherapy and a limited arsenal of medications like serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine.

In his quest for more effective solutions, Dr. Stepkovitch turned first to transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). The treatment received FDA approval in 2008 and has shown significant promise for many patients. However, not everyone responded well to it, prompting him to explore further.

This pursuit led him to ketamine therapy, a path less traveled in psychiatry. Recognizing the potential, he undertook specialized training to administer the treatment, demonstrating his commitment to comprehensive care that meets his patients’ diverse needs.

Unlike antidepressants that primarily affect the brain’s serotonin or norepinephrine systems, ketamine therapy targets the glutamate system, another crucial neurotransmitter. Researchers believe that influencing this system promotes neuroplasticity—the formation of new neural connections—which can significantly improve mood and reduce symptoms in various mental health disorders. Ketamine is administered in a controlled medical setting as an intravenous (IV) infusion or intramuscular (IM) injection. It offers new hope to patients who have not responded to conventional treatments.

“Our integration of medicine with psychiatry sets us apart from others,” asserts Dr. Stepkovitch.

This innovative approach is evident in his advocacy for making advanced treatments like TMS and ketamine more accessible in mental health care. He believes these therapies should become a standard practice in clinics, much like the comprehensive care seen in other specialties. At CNY, the synergy of psychiatry with internal medicine gives unparalleled flexibility and a holistic approach to patient care, setting Dr. Stepkovitch’s practice apart in the mental health treatment landscape.

Assessing Suitability of Treatment

When patients express interest in CNY Psychiatry’s services, clinical appropriateness is the first determination. During an hour-long psychiatric interview session, a patient’s medical history and past treatments are reviewed as part of an assessment of their suitability for various modalities of care. Each patient receives personalized recommendations according to their specific needs. The evaluation also considers whether they would benefit from a psychotherapeutic component. While some may seek symptom management or reduction, others may have underlying psychiatric comorbidities, such as post-traumatic stress disorder or anxiety disorders, which can be addressed through psychotherapy.

CNY Psychiatry has also partnered with two psychotherapists who administer on-site ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, providing comprehensive support to patients throughout their treatment journey. Patients receive ongoing psychiatric monitoring to ensure their safety and well-being.

A Newfound Sense of Hope and Resilience

Among the patients who experienced transformative journeys. Is one who sought treatment after working with Dr. Stepkovitch for several years in his private practice. She had undergone regular psychotherapy sessions and numerous medication trials but continued to struggle with severe symptoms, particularly those related to childhood sexual trauma and longstanding depressive symptoms.

Despite receiving several treatments like antidepressants and therapy, her symptoms persisted and worsened over time.

Marital infidelity further destabilized the patient’s life, undermining her sense of security. She grappled with overwhelming feelings of anger, resentment and internal turmoil. Even intensive treatments like TMS proved ineffective, and she felt increasingly disconnected from her spirituality.

Despite initial skepticism, she was willing to explore ketamine therapy in the hope of finding relief from her persistent suffering. During the treatment, she experienced significant shifts in her perspective and emotional well-being, gradually releasing deep-seated anger. She was able to reconnect with her sense of purpose. Ultimately, ketamine therapy gave her a renewed feeling of hope and resilience, healing and recovery.

“Witnessing her transformation was truly profound, especially after her initial ketamine infusion. I vividly recall entering the room to find tears in her eyes as she expressed experiencing peace for the first time in years. She spoke of feeling deeply connected to the world around her and her faith, experiencing a newfound sense of joy and optimism toward life and her family,” says Dr. Stepkovitch.

As treatment progressed, she continued to experience symptomatic relief, with a significant reduction in depressive and PTSD symptoms.

The most noticeable change was the patient’s dissipation of anger and resentment, which was replaced by acceptance and understanding. Throughout her journey, she navigated a range of emotions, from despair to delight, as she processed her experiences within a broader context.

A Team Effort

An exceptional staff consistently showcases their dedication and passion. The clinic values patient feedback and strives to continuously improve its services based on their experiences and needs. Despite its rapid growth, CNY Psychiatry is committed to providing customized care, expanding treatment options for patients who do not respond to other therapies like TMS. Surrounded by breathtaking scenery, the clinic epitomizes its conviction to the therapeutic influence of beauty.

The clinic also regularly refines its procedures based on patient input. While it is intrigued by advancements in the psychedelic field, CNY Psychiatry prioritizes staying informed and undergoing relevant training. It is excited about the future of psychiatry, particularly with emerging treatments like psychedelics with psilocybin. It aims to stay at the forefront of these advancements, ensuring that it offers the latest and most effective treatments. In the near term, its focus is on delivering top-quality care without rushing growth.