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How Ketamine Therapy Is Changing the Treatment of Depression and PTSD

Updated: Jun 18

Psychiatric Services of Prescott

Mental health treatment is evolving—and ketamine is leading the charge. Once used primarily as an anesthetic, ketamine has emerged as a revolutionary treatment for individuals battling depression and PTSD, especially when traditional options have failed. At Psychiatric Services of Prescott, we’ve seen firsthand how ketamine infusion therapy is giving people new hope, faster relief, and a path toward lasting wellness.

 

What Is Ketamine Therapy?

Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that’s been FDA-approved for decades. In recent years, low-dose ketamine infusions have gained attention for their rapid antidepressant effects, particularly in cases of treatment-resistant depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

 

Unlike SSRIs or SNRIs, which target serotonin and may take weeks to work, ketamine acts on NMDA receptors in the brain—triggering a release of glutamate and stimulating neuroplasticity. In simple terms, ketamine helps the brain form new pathways and “reset” harmful patterns of thinking.

 

Why Traditional Treatments Don’t Work for Everyone

Depression and PTSD affect people differently. Some respond well to therapy and medication, while others feel stuck despite trying multiple prescriptions. These individuals may be dealing with what's called treatment-resistant depression (TRD)—a condition where two or more antidepressants have failed.

 

PTSD is equally complex, involving chronic stress responses that are deeply embedded in the brain’s wiring. Traditional therapy helps, but many patients continue to suffer from flashbacks, emotional numbness, or panic.

 

This is where ketamine therapy offers something new.

 

What Makes Ketamine Different?

Fast-Acting Relief: Many patients report noticeable improvements in mood within 24–48 hours of their first infusion.

 

Effective for TRD and PTSD: Clinical studies have shown that ketamine can significantly reduce symptoms where other treatments fail.

 

Improves Brain Connectivity: Ketamine promotes the growth of new neural connections, enhancing resilience and recovery.

 

Can Reduce Suicidal Thoughts: One of the most compelling aspects is ketamine’s ability to quickly reduce suicidal ideation, often in emergency cases.

 

How We Administer Ketamine at Psychiatric Services of Prescott

At Psychiatric Services of Prescott, our licensed medical team administers intravenous ketamine infusions in a controlled and calming environment. Here’s what patients can expect:

 

Initial Evaluation: We conduct a thorough assessment of your history, symptoms, and treatment goals.

 

Customized Treatment Plan: You’ll receive a recommendation on the number and frequency of infusions—often starting with six over a 2–3 week period.

 

Monitoring and Support: Each infusion session lasts 40–60 minutes and is closely monitored by our medical staff to ensure comfort and safety.

 

Ongoing Follow-Up: Progress is reviewed regularly to determine next steps, such as maintenance infusions or integrated therapy options.

 

Is Ketamine Right for You?

Ketamine therapy may be ideal for individuals who:

 

Have tried multiple antidepressants without success

 

Struggle with chronic PTSD symptoms

 

Experience suicidal thoughts

 

Want fast-acting relief alongside traditional care

 

We believe no one should be left behind in their mental health journey. Ketamine offers a powerful new tool in our toolkit—and it’s transforming lives every day.

 

Contact us to schedule a consultation and find out if ketamine infusion therapy is right for you.


 
 
 

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