Ketamine for PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, can turn life upside down.  It often brings flashbacks, panic attacks, nightmares, and intense anxiety. While traditional treatments like talk therapy and medication help many, they don’t work for everyone. 

That’s where ketamine for PTSD comes in as a newer, promising option.

What Is Ketamine?

Ketamine has been used in hospitals for decades as an anesthetic.  Doctors usually give it before surgery to make people sleep or feel no pain. 

But in recent years, researchers found that small doses of ketamine, given under medical care, can help with mental health issues, especially depression and PTSD. Ketamine affects a chemical in the brain called glutamate. This chemical helps with learning, memory, and how our brain responds to stress. 

Experts believe that when glutamate works better, it can help the brain heal from trauma.

How Ketamine Helps People with PTSD

Fast-Acting Relief

One reason ketamine for PTSD is getting attention is how quickly it works. Some people feel better after just one session. This is very different from common antidepressants, which can take weeks or even months to show any real change.

Rewiring the Brain

PTSD can cause certain brain areas to “shut down” or become overly active. Ketamine may help reset or “rewire” these brain circuits, making it easier for people to manage their emotions and feel safer in their bodies.

Helping Therapy Work Better

For people already going to therapy, ketamine can make sessions more effective. That’s because it may open up blocked emotions or help people talk about painful memories without getting overwhelmed.

Types of Ketamine Treatments

IV Ketamine Infusion

A doctor gives ketamine through a small tube in your vein. The session lasts about 40–60 minutes, and you’ll stay at the clinic while they monitor you.

Ketamine Nasal Spray (Esketamine)

Esketamine is a form of ketamine approved by the FDA for treatment-resistant depression. Some doctors also use it for PTSD. It’s sprayed into the nose in a medical office, and patients are watched for a couple of hours afterward.

Sublingual Ketamine

Sublingual ketamine (often administered as lozenges or tablets that dissolve under the tongue) is a commonly used option in ketamine-assisted therapy, especially in outpatient and therapeutic settings. It’s more cost-effective than IV treatments and tends to feel less clinical, making it a good fit for clients seeking a gentler, more accessible approach.

Sublingual ketamine is especially well-suited for trauma work, as its slower onset and milder intensity can support deep emotional processing without overwhelming the nervous system. It also pairs effectively with modalities like EMDR, particularly in ketamine-assisted EMDR, where the combination can enhance integration and healing.

We regularly use sublingual ketamine in our practice. To learn more about how we incorporate it into our sessions, visit our ketamine therapy page.

We also offer intramuscular (IM) ketamine, which can create a deeper, more immersive experience. These sessions are guided in real-time by a trained therapist and may be well-suited for clients looking for a more intensive or profound therapeutic process.

What to Expect During Treatment

Before Your First Session

You’ll meet with a doctor or therapist who understands ketamine for PTSD. They’ll go over your medical history, explain the process, and make sure ketamine is safe for you.

You can meet our team here—each of them is certified in psychedelic-assisted therapy and experienced in guiding clients through this work with care and expertise.

During the Session

Most people describe feeling relaxed, “floaty,” or disconnected from their usual thoughts. Some say it feels like dreaming while awake. These effects wear off within a few hours.

After the Session

You might feel tired or a little out of it right after. Many people also report feeling clearer or emotionally lighter the next day. Most clinics recommend a series of sessions over several weeks for the best results.

Benefits of Ketamine for PTSD

Works When Other Treatments Don’t

Some people with PTSD try many types of therapy or medicine and still feel stuck. Ketamine for PTSD gives hope to those who haven’t found relief anywhere else.

Can Lower Suicidal Thoughts

Studies show ketamine can reduce suicidal thinking fast, sometimes within hours. This makes it a powerful option in crisis situations.

Improves Mood and Sleep

Many people report fewer nightmares, better sleep, and more balanced moods after ketamine treatments.

Risks and Side Effects

Short-Term Side Effects

Most side effects are mild and temporary. These can include:

• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Blurred vision
• Feeling “spaced out” or confused

These usually fade within a few hours.

Not for Everyone

Ketamine is not a cure-all, and it isn’t the right fit for everyone. It may not be safe for individuals with certain medical or psychiatric conditions, such as untreated high blood pressure or a history of psychosis. It’s also not a replacement for regular therapy, integration work, or consistent self-care practices. Instead, ketamine can be a powerful tool when used thoughtfully and in conjunction with other forms of support.

Possible Dependence

While the risk is low in medical settings, ketamine does have the potential to be misused if not used properly. That’s why it should only be given by trained professionals in a controlled setting.

How to Choose a Ketamine Clinic

If you’re considering ketamine treatment for PTSD or other mental health concerns, it’s important to choose a provider who offers safe, professional, and well-supported care. Here are some key things to look for:

• They provide a medical intake and oversight
  A licensed medical provider should complete a thorough medical evaluation and stay involved throughout treatment.
  
• They do a full psychological screening
  Careful mental health screening ensures ketamine is appropriate and safe for your specific needs.
  
• They provide therapy during or following ketamine treatments
  Research shows that outcomes are better when ketamine is combined with therapy. Look for a clinic where trained therapists guide or integrate the sessions.
  
• They offer aftercare and follow-up support
  Ongoing support is crucial for integrating insights and maintaining progress.
  
• They have specialized training in psychedelic-assisted therapy
  Ask about your provider’s certification, training, and experience in ketamine-assisted therapy to make sure you’ll be in skilled hands.

Questions to Ask Before Starting

Before beginning any ketamine treatment, it’s important to ask thoughtful questions to make sure the clinic and approach are the right fit for you. Consider asking:

• How many sessions will I need?
• What results should I expect?
• What happens if I don’t feel better?
• Do you work with my therapist?

Some clinics offer package pricing or flexible payment plans—don’t hesitate to ask about what’s available.

Final Thoughts

Ketamine for PTSD isn’t a magic fix, but it’s opening new doors for healing. 

For people who have tried everything and still feel trapped by trauma, it can offer quick relief and a fresh start.  Like any treatment, it’s not right for everyone, but with guidance from medical professionals, it can be life-changing.

If you or someone you know is struggling with PTSD and looking for something different, ketamine therapy might be worth exploring. You can schedule a free, 15-minute consultation with someone from our team. We’ll listen, talk through where you are, and help you figure out what kind of support feels right.