Ketamine Therapy: A Complete Guide to How It Works and What to Expect
Evidence-based, compassionate care for depression, PTSD, anxiety, and chronic pain, delivered by providers who believe healing should be personal.
What Is Ketamine Therapy?
Ketamine therapy uses low, carefully controlled doses of ketamine, a medication originally developed as an anesthetic, to treat mental health conditions and chronic pain that haven't responded to traditional approaches. Unlike conventional antidepressants that target serotonin, ketamine works on the brain's glutamate system, the largest neurotransmitter network in the central nervous system.1
At Valor Health Solutions, we offer ketamine therapy as part of a comprehensive, clinician-led treatment plan. Whether administered through IV infusion, oral ketamine lozenges, or as part of 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 and triggers a cascade of neurobiological events that promote synaptic plasticity, the brain's ability to form new neural connections. This is fundamentally different from SSRIs and SNRIs, which primarily modulate serotonin and norepinephrine.
Research published in Science demonstrates that ketamine rapidly increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein essential for the growth and maintenance of neurons. This mechanism explains why patients often experience relief within hours rather than weeks.3
In practical terms, ketamine helps the brain move out of rigid, repetitive thought patterns, the kind that keep people stuck in depression, anxiety, or trauma loops, and into a more flexible, adaptive state where therapeutic 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 HealthTypes 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.
Who Is a Candidate for Ketamine Therapy?
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
What to Expect During Treatment at Valor
Before Your First Session
A comprehensive consultation where our clinical team reviews your medical history, current medications, and treatment goals. We discuss which ketamine modality is most appropriate and answer every question you have.
During Treatment
Sessions take place in a calm, private treatment room. For IV infusions, you'll recline comfortably while the medication is administered over approximately 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, the process of making meaning from your experience, is key to lasting results. Our psychotherapy and coaching team supports this process, and maintenance sessions are tailored to your individual response.
Safety and Side Effects
Ketamine has been used safely in medical settings for over 50 years. When administered by trained clinicians at sub-anesthetic doses, 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ketamine therapy?
Is ketamine therapy safe?
How quickly does ketamine therapy work?
What forms of ketamine treatment are available at Valor?
How much does ketamine therapy cost?
Related Topics
Ready to Explore Whether Ketamine Therapy Is Right for You?
Our team is here to answer your questions and help you take the next step, without pressure, without judgment.
- Abdallah, C.G., et al. (2018). "Ketamine and Rapid-Acting Antidepressants." Annual Review of Medicine, 69, 263–278.
- Yale School of Medicine. (2023). "How Ketamine Treats Severe Depression." Yale Medicine.
- Duman, R.S., et al. (2016). "Synaptic plasticity and depression: new insights from stress and rapid-acting antidepressants." Nature Medicine, 22(3), 238–249.
- Wilkinson, S.T., et al. (2018). "The Effect of a Single Dose of Intravenous Ketamine on Suicidal Ideation." American Journal of Psychiatry, 175(2), 150–158.
- Sanacora, G., et al. (2017). "A Consensus Statement on the Use of Ketamine in the Treatment of Mood Disorders." JAMA Psychiatry, 74(4), 399–405.
Medical information on this page is for educational purposes and does not replace individualized medical advice. Always consult a licensed clinician before beginning any treatment.