It’s exhausting to live with depression that won’t go away. You’ve probably tried medications, shown up to therapy, and done everything you’ve been told to do. But nothing seems to help and the sadness lingers. The energy never comes back, and you keep hoping for a shift that never happens.
This is what treatment-resistant depression feels like. And it’s more common than you think. In fact, about one in three people with depression don’t get better with standard antidepressants or talk therapy. That’s millions of people still waiting for real relief.
If that sounds like you, please know you’re not broken. And you’re not out of options. A new treatment is helping people feel better, many for the first time in years. It’s called ketamine infusion therapy, and it offers real hope for severe depression as well as other mental health diagnoses.
What is Ketamine Infusion Therapy?
Ketamine is a medication that’s been used in hospitals for decades, mainly as an anesthetic. But over the past several years, researchers have discovered something remarkable: at much lower doses, ketamine can greatly reduce depressive symptoms, especially in people with treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, bipolar depression, PTSD, or suicidal thoughts.
Ketamine works in a way that’s very different from traditional antidepressants. Most antidepressants focus on serotonin or dopamine. But ketamine targets a brain chemical called glutamate. This shift in approach is what makes ketamine infusion therapy so effective for treatment-resistant depression.
When you receive a ketamine infusion, it helps your brain form new connections. These new pathways can improve mood, ease negative thought patterns, and boost your overall well-being. And unlike medications that take weeks to work, ketamine often brings noticeable changes within hours or days.
Rapid Relief from Depression
One of the most powerful things about ketamine is how fast it works. Some people feel better after just one session. Others notice a shift after two or three. Either way, the results come much sooner than traditional therapy for depression.
The changes can be subtle at first. You might feel lighter, and your thoughts may feel less overwhelming. Tasks that once felt impossible may become more manageable.
For those struggling with suicidal ideation, this kind of fast relief can be life-saving. It interrupts the most intense symptoms and gives your mind the space it needs to heal.
What About the Nasal Spray?
There’s also a nasal spray version of ketamine called SPRAVATO® (esketamine). It’s FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression and used in specific medical settings. Esketamine is slightly different from traditional ketamine, it’s a more targeted version of the molecule and is taken intranasally under a provider’s supervision.
Some people respond better to infusions, while others may benefit from the nasal spray. Your provider will help you determine which option is best for you based on your symptoms, history, and body response. Another important consideration is IV ketamine treatment is generally not covered by insurance, however SPRAVATO® is covered by most major insurance plans.
What to Expect During Treatment
After your initial consultation and before your session begins, a trained provider will check your vital signs and ask how you feel. If you’re on any medications or dealing with other health concerns, like high blood pressure, they’ll take that into account to ensure the treatment is safe for you.
The ketamine is given through an intravenous infusion, which is delivered slowly through a small IV placed in your arm. The whole process usually takes about 40 minutes to an hour.
During the infusion, you’ll remain awake. Some people say they feel deeply relaxed or slightly disconnected from their surroundings, others feel calm or introspective. These experiences are normal and temporary. You’re monitored closely, so you’re never alone or unsafe.
After the session, you’ll rest quietly for a short period as the effects wear off. Many people feel a bit tired or floaty afterward, so it’s essential to have someone drive you home. It’s best to take it easy for the rest of the day and not drive again until you’ve had a full sleep cycle.
Most treatment plans include a series of infusions over a few weeks. This allows your brain to build on the positive changes from each session. As your symptoms improve and after a full round of treatment, your care team may suggest a booster infusion from time to time, depending on how you respond.
The experience is gentle, guided, and always done with your safety in mind. And while everyone reacts differently, many people walk out of their first session feeling a sense of lightness or clarity they haven’t felt in a long time.
Is Ketamine Safe?
Yes, when administered under medical supervision, ketamine is considered safe. Most people ask, is ketamine an opioid? And the answer is no. Ketamine works on a different system in the brain. It doesn’t carry the same risks of dependence or addiction when used in a medical setting, and its dose is based on a patient’s weight.. That’s why it’s gaining recognition in the health care world as a safe and effective option for people who haven’t found relief through other means.
Looking Ahead
Ketamine infusions are becoming a trusted option for people who are struggling with treatment-resistant depression or other diagnoses. More mental health professionals are turning to it because of how fast and effective it can be, especially when other treatments haven’t helped.
A recent study by Harvard researchers looked at how ketamine compares to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), which has been the gold standard for treating severe depression for more than 80 years. The study found that ketamine worked just as well as ECT, but with fewer side effects. More than half (55 percent) of the people in the study saw their symptoms improve after ketamine. That’s a big deal, especially when you’ve felt stuck for a long time.
We see the same kinds of results in our clinics every day. People come in feeling hopeless, disconnected, and overwhelmed. After one or more infusions, they feel lighter, have more energy, and slow down their thoughts. For some, it’s their first time feeling a sense of peace in years.
Our approach to ketamine therapy is deeply personal. We don’t just follow a standard protocol, we design a personalized care plan that fits you. We consider your symptoms, medical history, and goals, then tailor your treatment to give you the best chance at long-term progress. You’re monitored closely throughout each intravenous infusion, and our clinical team is always here to ensure you feel safe, supported and heard.
We also know that every journey is different. Some patients come to us with anxiety or depression, others with a bipolar diagnosis or post-traumatic stress disorder. We meet you where you are, and help you take the next step toward feeling better.
