Not an emergency service. If you are in immediate danger or thinking about self-harm, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. For immediate support, call or text 988.

Ketamine Therapy › Depression

Ketamine Therapy for Depression: How It Works and What to Expect

Evidence-based care for treatment-resistant depression, focused on relief, resilience, and personalized support when standard treatments have not been enough.

70%

of patients with treatment-resistant depression show significant improvement after ketamine therapy, according to Yale School of Medicine research.²

Book a Consultation Call 888-214-2144

Last Updated April 20, 2026

Evidence Base Peer-reviewed studies and clinical references are cited at the bottom of this page.

Before Treatment A personalized clinical evaluation is required before ketamine therapy begins.

Care Access Appointments are available for patients in Clearwater, Florida, and Johnson City, Tennessee.

Understanding Ketamine

How Ketamine Therapy Can Help With Depression

Ketamine therapy uses low, carefully controlled doses of ketamine to treat depression and related symptoms when traditional care has not brought enough relief. The medication was originally developed as an anesthetic. Unlike standard antidepressants that mainly target serotonin, ketamine works on the brain's glutamate system, the largest neurotransmitter network in the central nervous system.¹

At Valor Health Solutions, ketamine therapy is part of a broader, clinician-led treatment plan. We may use IV infusions, oral ketamine lozenges, or Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP). Every protocol is personalized to your needs, goals, and medical history.

How Does Ketamine Work in the Brain?

Ketamine blocks NMDA receptors. That starts a chain of events that supports synaptic plasticity, or the brain's ability to form new connections. This is different from SSRIs and SNRIs, which mainly affect serotonin and norepinephrine.

Research published in Science shows that ketamine can rapidly increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that helps neurons grow and stay healthy. This may help explain why some patients feel relief in hours or days instead of waiting weeks.³

In practical terms, ketamine can help the brain loosen rigid, repetitive thought patterns. People often describe depression as feeling stuck in loops. Ketamine may create a more flexible state where therapy and behavior change can take hold.

"Ketamine represents the most significant advance in the treatment of depression in over 50 years."

Dr. Thomas Insel, Former Director, National Institute of Mental Health

Treatment Options

Types of Ketamine Treatment Available at Valor

Your treatment type is determined by your clinical evaluation, diagnosis, and individual goals. These are the modalities we currently offer.

Treatment Type	Administration	Setting	Best For
IV Ketamine Infusion	Intravenous drip over 40–60 min (longer for pain)	In-clinic only	Depression, PTSD, anxiety, chronic pain
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)	Sublingual or IM + guided therapy session	In-clinic	Trauma processing, integration-focused care
At-Home Oral Ketamine	Sublingual lozenges with telehealth support	Home with clinical oversight	Maintenance, appropriate candidates

The right treatment pathway is determined after your clinical evaluation. Not every modality is appropriate for every patient.

Eligibility

Who May Be a Candidate for Ketamine Therapy for Depression?

Ketamine therapy may be appropriate if you meet one or more of the following conditions. Eligibility is always determined by your clinician after a full evaluation and medical screening.

Have been diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression (failed 2+ medications)
Live with PTSD, particularly service-related trauma or moral injury
Experience chronic pain conditions such as CRPS, fibromyalgia, or neuropathy
Struggle with severe anxiety that limits daily functioning
Are experiencing active suicidal ideation (ketamine is one of few treatments with rapid anti-suicidal effects)⁴

Important: Certain conditions, including uncontrolled hypertension, active psychosis, or active substance use disorder, may require alternative approaches. Your clinician will review your full history before any treatment is recommended.

The Experience

What to Expect During Treatment at Valor

Before Your First Session

Your first step is a focused consultation. Our clinical team reviews your medical history, current medications, and treatment goals. We explain which ketamine option may fit best and answer your questions.

During Treatment

Sessions take place in a calm, private treatment room. For IV infusions, you recline comfortably while the medication is given over about 40-60 minutes. Clinical staff monitors your vitals throughout.

Recovery

You'll rest in our recovery area for 15–30 minutes before being released. A responsible adult must drive you home. Side effects are typically mild and resolve quickly.

Integration & Maintenance

Integration means making sense of the experience and using it in daily life. That step matters for lasting results. Our psychotherapy and coaching team supports the process, and maintenance sessions are tailored to your response.

sessions over 2–3 weeks is the standard induction protocol. Maintenance sessions are then tailored to your individual response and long-term goals.

Safety Profile

Safety and Side Effects

Ketamine has been used safely in medical settings for more than 50 years. At sub-anesthetic doses, and with trained clinicians, the safety profile is well established. Common short-lived side effects include:

Typical During-Session Effects

Mild dizziness or lightheadedness
Temporary dissociation or dream-like state
Slight elevation in blood pressure
Nausea (manageable with anti-nausea medication)

What Valor Does to Protect You

Continuous vitals monitoring throughout every session
Full medical screening before any treatment begins
Trained clinical staff present at all times
Private recovery area before discharge⁵

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ketamine therapy?

Ketamine therapy uses low doses of ketamine, an FDA-approved anesthetic, to treat conditions like depression, PTSD, anxiety, and chronic pain. It works by modulating glutamate and promoting neural plasticity, helping the brain form new, healthier connections rather than staying stuck in the patterns that drive depression and trauma.

Is ketamine therapy safe?

When administered by trained clinicians in a medical setting, ketamine therapy has a strong safety profile backed by over 50 years of clinical use. Side effects are typically mild and short-lived, including dizziness, nausea, and dissociation during treatment. At Valor, we monitor vitals continuously throughout every session.

How quickly does ketamine therapy work?

Many patients report improvement within hours to days of their first session, unlike traditional antidepressants which may take 4–6 weeks. A typical induction series involves 6 infusions over 2–3 weeks, with maintenance sessions tailored to your individual response.

What forms of ketamine treatment are available at Valor?

We currently offer IV ketamine infusions, at-home oral ketamine therapy (with clinical oversight), and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP). The best method depends on your condition, medical history, and treatment goals, all of which are reviewed during your initial consultation.

How much does ketamine therapy cost?

Costs vary by treatment type. See our Pricing and Treatment Options page for current self-pay rates. We also offer financing options to help make treatment accessible. All ketamine treatments require evaluation and clinical approval before beginning.

Explore Further

Ready to Explore Whether Ketamine Therapy for Depression Is Right for You?

Our team is here to answer your questions and help you take the next step, without pressure, without judgment.