Depression is relentless. Anyone living with treatment-resistant depression will tell you that hope always feels just out of reach, no matter how many medications or therapy sessions they try. If this sounds like your experience, you are not alone. You are not out of options.
One of the most promising breakthroughs in modern psychiatry is ketamine therapy for depression. Ketamine was originally developed as an anesthetic, but has since emerged as a fast-acting and highly effective treatment for people who haven’t found relief through traditional treatment methods.
At Serenity Mental Health Centers, we specialize in innovative and holistic therapies that help our patients take back their lives. In this article, we explore ketamine therapy, how it works, who it helps, and why it may be the answer you’ve been searching for.
The Basics: What Is Ketamine Therapy?
Ketamine therapy involves administering low doses of ketamine (either intravenously or via nasal spray) in a controlled clinical environment. It works differently than traditional antidepressants, which is exactly why it’s helping so many people when other options have failed. At Serenity, we administer ketamine infusions intravenously for rapid relief.
While standard antidepressants target neurotransmitters like serotonin and can take weeks to show results, ketamine interacts with glutamate, a key chemical messenger in the brain. This allows for rapid symptom relief within hours or days of treatment.
There are also different forms of ketamine treatment, including:
- IV Ketamine Therapy: Intravenous infusions delivered over a set period
- Esketamine (Spravato®): A nasal spray approved by the FDA for treatment-resistant depression
- Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy: A combined approach involving therapy during or after treatment sessions
You can learn more about ketamine’s use in psychiatric care at Serenity on our Ketamine Therapy page.
How Does Ketamine Work?
To understand ketamine treatment, we need to look at how the brain changes during depression. People with severe depression often have reduced neural connectivity and impaired synaptic plasticity, meaning their brains are less flexible and responsive.
Ketamine activates glutamate receptors and promotes the growth of new connections between brain cells in a process called neuroplasticity. According to the National Institutes of Health, ketamine can “restore synaptic connections in the brain cells damaged by stress and depression.” This makes it possible for patients to escape the patterns of feeling “stuck” that depression creates.
Is Ketamine Right for You?
Ketamine therapy for depression may be recommended if you:
- Have tried multiple antidepressants with limited success
- Suffer from treatment-resistant depression
- Experience suicidal thoughts or crisis-level symptoms
- Can’t tolerate the side effects of traditional medications
- Need faster symptom relief than oral medications can provide
A licensed psychiatrist will conduct a full evaluation to determine if ketamine infusion therapy is a safe and effective option for your situation. At Serenity, we also assess for co-occurring conditions such as anxiety disorders, PTSD, OCD, and bipolar depression to ensure every aspect of your care is addressed.
What to Expect During Ketamine Treatment
When you begin IV ketamine therapy at Serenity, your treatment will be administered in a calm, supervised, and private room. You’ll be monitored closely by our care team as the ketamine is administered during your 40-minute session.
You may experience mild dissociation, altered perception, or a sensation of floating during the session. However, these effects are temporary and generally subside shortly after the ketamine infusion ends.
Here’s what your experience will generally include:
- A psychiatric consultation
- An individualized treatment plan
- Multiple ketamine infusions (usually 6–8 over 2–3 weeks)
- Symptom tracking between sessions
- Access to mental health treatments that support long-term recovery
- Integration therapy, if needed
We recommend that patients arrange transportation home after each session. Though the effects wear off quickly, you may feel tired or emotionally sensitive afterward.
How Fast Does It Work?
Unlike traditional antidepressants, which may take 4–6 weeks to show benefits, many people begin noticing improvements within 24–72 hours of their first or second infusion.
Research from Yale Medicine shows that 70% of patients with treatment-resistant depression responded to ketamine therapy. These improvements can include:
- Reduced suicidal thoughts
- Increased energy and motivation
- Improved mood and concentration
- A sense of emotional clarity or detachment from negative thoughts
For many patients, it’s the first time they’ve felt hopeful in years.
Potential Ketamine Therapy Side Effects
Like any medical treatment, ketamine infusion therapy can come with side effects. Most are mild and temporary.
Possible ketamine therapy side effects include:
- Mild dissociation or dizziness
- Nausea
- Increased blood pressure
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Temporary disorientation
Rest assured that your safety is our priority. All Serenity locations are fully equipped mental health clinics with experienced staff who monitor your comfort throughout every session.
Long-Term Benefits and Maintenance
Once a series of infusions is completed, patients may continue with occasional maintenance treatments like structured gratitude therapy, TMS therapy, or medication management. This could also mean one infusion per month or every few months, depending on symptom recurrence and individual progress.
What Conditions Does Ketamine Help With?
Although most commonly used for severe depression, ketamine also shows effectiveness for:
- Suicidal ideation
- PTSD
- Bipolar depression
- Anxiety disorders
- OCD
- Chronic pain (in some settings)
When integrated into a larger behavioral health plan, ketamine therapy can unlock healing in areas previously resistant to care. This is why our psychiatrists tailor treatment according to the patient, diagnosis, and symptoms. If you’re struggling with depression, don’t hesitate to reach out to learn how our cutting-edge care can help you find relief.
Is Ketamine Therapy Covered by Insurance?
If you’re searching for coverage for ketamine therapy near me, it depends on the type of ketamine treatment you’re receiving. Spravato® (nasal esketamine) is FDA-approved and covered by most insurance providers. IV ketamine therapy is not yet FDA-approved for psychiatric use, so it may be out of pocket.
At Serenity, we work with many major insurance plans and will help you understand what’s covered. We also offer payment options for self-pay services, ensuring that cost is never a barrier to your mental wellness.
A New Partner in Healing
Serenity Mental Health Centers is a team of experienced psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, and care coordinators who specialize in outpatient mental health care. Our mission is to help our patients reclaim their lives through modern, science-backed treatments delivered with compassion.
Here’s what makes us different:
- World-class psychiatric care across 30+ locations
- Board-certified experts in ketamine treatment
- A welcoming, stigma-free mental health clinic environment
- Individualized plans with options like TMS therapy and neurodiagnostic testing
- A commitment to long-term healing, not just short-term relief
Ready to Take the First Step?
If you’re living with depression that hasn’t responded to traditional treatments, you don’t have to keep suffering. Ketamine therapy for depression may be the breakthrough you’ve been hoping for, and we’re here to help guide you every step of the way.
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FAQ: Ketamine Therapy for Depression
What is ketamine therapy for depression?
It’s a form of treatment that uses low doses of ketamine, either as IV ketamine therapy or nasal spray, to relieve depression symptoms, especially in patients with treatment-resistant depression.
How quickly does ketamine work?
Many patients notice improvement within 24–72 hours of their first ketamine infusion therapy session, though multiple treatments are usually needed for lasting relief.
Are there side effects?
Possible ketamine therapy side effects include temporary dizziness, nausea, or disorientation. These are typically mild and monitored in a clinical setting.
Can I receive ketamine therapy near me?
Yes. Serenity Mental Health Centers offers local ketamine therapy at locations across the United States. Find a clinic near you and schedule your evaluation today.
Is ketamine therapy safe?
When administered by a qualified team in a licensed mental health clinic, ketamine treatment is considered safe, effective, and life-changing for many patients.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.
