At Charleston Ketamine Center, we provide advanced, research-backed therapies for those struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, chronic pain, and other treatment-resistant conditions. Our mission is to offer new hope for healing when traditional approaches have fallen short—delivering safe, effective ketamine infusion therapy in a calm and supportive environment.
Led by experienced, board-certified medical professionals, our team is dedicated to compassionate care and clinical excellence. We take the time to understand each patient’s unique needs and work collaboratively to create a personalized treatment plan that promotes both physical and emotional wellness.
Richard L. Bowen, M.D.
Dr. Bowen received his undergraduate degree in biology from the University of South Carolina in 1980. He graduated from the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston in 1985. He completed his residency in Family Medicine at Spartanburg Regional Medical center in 1988. After completing his residency, he worked as an Emergency Department physician for several years and then went into private hospital based Family Medicine.
Observations made while caring for his patients fueled his interest in medical research. He has published over 25 papers in peer reviewed journals. For example, the Food and Drug Administration credited Dr. Bowen’s research as the primary basis for their decision to have the diet drug fen-phen taken off the market in 1997. After that his research interests focused on Alzheimer’s disease and aging. Findings in a particular patient led Dr. Bowen to co-author a new theory on aging, which was published in the scientific journal Gerontology. He was then the lead investigator in a phase II study testing a new treatment for Alzheimer’s disease based on this theory. The promising results of this study were published in the January 2015 issue of the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. Dr. Bowen presented these results at the 2014 Annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Psychopharmacology. While there he learned of the remarkable advances being made using ketamine in the treatment of refractory depression and decided to incorporate it into his practice. It soon became his primary focus and now after more than seven years Dr. Bowen has performed over 10,000 ketamine infusions. He emphatically states, “providing ketamine treatment for depression is by far the most rewarding thing I have done during my thirty-year career.”
Use this request form to send your Appointment Request by email to Palmetto Primary Care Physicians’ office. Please keep in mind that some doctors’ offices will reply more quickly than others.
Do not use this request form for emergency care. If you have a true medical emergency, DIAL 911.
“I have been seeing Dr Bowen since October of 2017. His kindness and caring nature have been instrumental in changing my life in miraculous ways. He’s the only doctor I know that still operates with old time altruism. His compassion for those of us suffering from untreatable depression is tantamount to my personal recovery and to others. Ketamine and Doctor Bowen gave me back my life!”
Miriam G.
“I hope you are doing well! I just wanted you to know about some recent changes. I am feeling better, and at times I feel normal! My pain levels are reduced, my normal meds work better, and I almost feel as though my body is improving! It seems almost miraculous!!! This is such a huge deal and I honestly cannot express my gratitude enough.”
Christopher J.
“I have multiple sclerosis, depression and chronic pain. I have been depressed since I was a kid and this is the first thing that has worked on my depression I was virtually catatonic when I had my first treatment and then I was fixed. Miracle. Ask my Family. Ketamine is a literal miracle drug. Doctor Bowen is a Godsend and will do anything he can to help his patients. This is the future of medicine.”
Benjamin H.
“Dr. Bowen has been one of my physicians since I was a child. As a young cancer survivor myself, doctors & treatments became vital to my survival by the age of 15. Now, in 2025, Doc still makes time to listen to and address very real, and sometimes life-or-death, issues that arise. His staff is knowledgeable, kind, funny, and extremely generous with their time. His Physician’s Assistant – Becki, Medical Assistant – Ashley and Office Manager – Laird are family. 5 stars for the entire team & operation.”
Catherine B.
“I truly cannot say enough positive things about my experience at Charleston Ketamine Center. From the moment I walked through the doors, I felt safe, understood, and cared for. Becky, Ashley, Laird and Dr. Bowen were compassionate, professional, and deeply knowledgeable. They took the time to understand my needs, explain the process thoroughly, and tailor the treatment to best support my mental health journey. The environment is peaceful and welcoming, which made a huge difference during such a vulnerable time. Each session was guided with care, and I always felt supported before, during, and after treatment. The effects of the ketamine therapy have been nothing short of transformative. I’ve struggled for years with depression and anxiety that didn’t respond well to traditional treatments, and this was the first time I felt genuine, lasting relief. This treatment gave me a renewed sense of hope and clarity that I hadn’t felt in a long time. If you’re considering ketamine therapy, I wholeheartedly recommend Charleston Ketamine Center. They don’t just treat symptoms—they help you heal. I’m beyond grateful for everything they’ve done for me.”
Katrina B.
“Dr. Bowen and his staff are incredible! I deal with chronic pain and depression, which stems from the pain. His treatment saved my life. Dr. Bowen and his staff actually care for you! Laird is awesome and Ashley is the absolute best with IVs. His treatment has changed my life for the better and I would recommend him to anyone struggling with pain or depression! Thank you for saving my life!”
Richie B.
