A physician's guide to how ketamine therapy works, who it helps, and what to expect during treatment.
For people struggling with depression, anxiety, or PTSD, traditional treatments don't always work. About one-third of depression patients don't respond adequately to antidepressants — a condition known as treatment-resistant depression.
Ketamine-assisted therapy (KAT) offers a different approach. It combines the rapid neurobiological effects of ketamine with guided psychotherapy to help patients heal in ways that medication or talk therapy alone often can't.
Ketamine is fundamentally different from standard antidepressants:
Ketamine stimulates brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), promoting new neural connections. The brain becomes more flexible and open to change.
Unlike SSRIs that take 4-6 weeks, ketamine can reduce depression symptoms within hours to days.
The temporary shift in consciousness helps patients access and process emotions and trauma that are difficult to reach in ordinary therapy.
You meet with a clinician to discuss your goals, medical history, and treatment intentions. You'll receive detailed instructions on how to set up a safe, comfortable space at home.
You take an oral ketamine tablet under your tongue and let it dissolve. The medicine begins working within 20-30 minutes.
Over 45-90 minutes, you may experience deep relaxation, vivid imagery, or emotional insights. An eye mask and calming music are recommended. The effects gradually subside over about 2 hours.
After the session, a trained therapist helps you process the experience and apply insights to your daily life. This is where lasting change happens.
Ketamine-assisted therapy has shown effectiveness for:
Yes. Ketamine has been used safely in medicine for over 50 years. It's FDA-approved as an anesthetic and prescribed off-label for mental health conditions by licensed physicians.
At therapeutic doses under clinical supervision, side effects are mild and temporary:
These typically resolve within a few hours. Read our full safety information.
88.8%
of Isha Health patients with moderate-to-severe depression show measurable improvement
Based on validated PHQ-9 assessments across 500+ patients. See full outcomes report →
"I found myself enjoying myself in a way I had never been able to." — Joseph, Cambria, CA
If you've tried traditional treatments with limited success, ketamine-assisted therapy may help. Here's how to take the next step:
Already working with a therapist? Ask them about incorporating KAP into your treatment plan, or have them collaborate with Isha Health.
Looking for a KAP therapist? Browse our clinician directory with 600+ therapists trained in ketamine-assisted psychotherapy.
Ready to start? Book a 60-minute consultation with an Isha Health physician.
$350 · 60 minutes · Available in AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, NY, OR, TX, WA
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