CTK Therapy: Combining Ketamine and TMS for Better Results in Coeur d’Alene

Q: How is CTK therapy different from using ketamine or TMS alone?

CTK therapy enhances outcomes by combining the fast-acting benefits of ketamine with the long-term stabilization effects of TMS, providing a more comprehensive treatment.

John M. Thurston, MD
Oct 6
3 min read

Updated: Oct 9

Mental health care is entering a new era of innovation, and for patients who have struggled to find lasting relief, CTK therapy is offering powerful new possibilities. At North Idaho Ketamine & TMS, we are one of the few clinics in the region to provide this advanced, integrated approach that combines ketamine infusion therapy with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for enhanced outcomes. Led by John M. Thurston, MD, our clinic specializes in evidence-based treatments designed to help patients reclaim their lives with safer, faster, and more effective solutions.

What Is CTK Therapy?

CTK therapy stands for Combined TMS and Ketamine Therapy. It brings together two proven treatments to tackle depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other complex mood disorders from multiple angles. Ketamine infusion therapy delivers rapid improvements in mood and mental clarity by targeting the brain’s glutamate system and encouraging the formation of new neural pathways. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) uses non-invasive magnetic pulses to stimulate underactive regions of the brain linked to mood regulation, helping restore balance and long-term stability. By combining these treatments, CTK therapy amplifies their individual benefits, offering a more complete and effective solution for patients who have not responded to traditional approaches.

How CTK Therapy Works

CTK therapy is based on a synergistic treatment model that enhances brain function and promotes healing. Ketamine resets brain chemistry by targeting NMDA receptors to boost glutamate activity, encouraging the brain to build new, healthier connections and providing rapid relief for many patients within hours or days. TMS reinforces neural activity by stimulating mood-regulating areas of the brain, strengthening the neural pathways supported by ketamine therapy, and promoting lasting changes in brain function. By combining both treatments, patients often achieve faster, deeper, and longer-lasting results than with either treatment alone.

Who Can Benefit from CTK Therapy

CTK therapy is designed for individuals who struggle with treatment-resistant depression, experience chronic anxiety or generalized anxiety disorder, are living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), have severe mood fluctuations or symptoms unresponsive to medications, or seek faster relief than traditional antidepressants can provide. Patients who have not achieved results with medications, talk therapy, or TMS or ketamine alone are often excellent candidates for CTK therapy.

The Benefits of CTK Therapy

Compared to traditional treatments or single therapies, CTK therapy offers:

Faster results — noticeable improvements often begin within the first few sessions
Greater effectiveness — the combination targets both brain chemistry and neural activity
Longer-lasting outcomes — TMS helps sustain the gains achieved through ketamine
Non-invasive treatment — no surgery, sedation, or downtime required
Personalized care — every plan is tailored to the individual’s needs and goals

What to Expect During Treatment

At North Idaho Ketamine & TMS, your CTK therapy journey is designed for comfort, safety, and effectiveness. Comprehensive consultation — We evaluate your history, symptoms, and goals. Personalized plan: We develop a treatment protocol based on your individual needs.

Ketamine infusion sessions: Relax in a comfortable, monitored environment while receiving carefully dosed infusions.

TMS therapy sessions: Non-invasive sessions stimulate brain regions involved in mood regulation.

Ongoing progress tracking: Our team continually monitors your response and adjusts your plan as needed.

Why Choose North Idaho Ketamine & TMS

Patients across Coeur d’Alene and North Idaho trust us because we offer innovative treatments like CTK therapy not widely available in the region, experienced leadership under John M. Thurston, MD, personalized care plans based on each patient’s unique goals, evidence-based results grounded in the latest research, and supportive, compassionate care in a safe and relaxing setting.

FAQs About CTK Therapy

How is CTK therapy different from using ketamine or TMS alone? CTK therapy enhances outcomes by combining the fast-acting benefits of ketamine with the long-term stabilization effects of TMS, providing a more comprehensive treatment.

How quickly can I expect results? Some patients experience improvements within days, while others see steady progress over several sessions.

Is CTK therapy safe?

Yes. Both ketamine and TMS are evidence-based, FDA-cleared treatments administered under close medical supervision.

Key Takeaways

CTK therapy combines ketamine infusion therapy and TMS therapy to deliver faster, deeper, and longer-lasting results for patients struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other complex mood disorders. At North Idaho Ketamine & TMS, we are proud to lead the way in providing this innovative treatment to residents of Coeur d’Alene and North Idaho.