Ketamine Treatment for PTSD: A New Path to Healing at Recovery Without Walls
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects millions of individuals each year, often creating lasting emotional, physical, and psychological challenges. At Recovery Without Walls in Mill Valley, CA, we offer ketamine treatment for PTSD as part of a holistic, integrative approach to mental health. Our carefully designed ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) protocols provide relief for those struggling with trauma-related symptoms, especially when traditional treatments have not worked.
Book Your Free Information Session
What is Ketamine Treatment for PTSD?
Ketamine treatment for PTSD refers to the use of ketamine—an FDA-approved anesthetic medication—as part of a comprehensive therapeutic protocol to reduce PTSD symptoms. Delivered through intravenous (IV) infusions in low, sub-anesthetic doses, ketamine has shown promising results in clinical trials for treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, and trauma-related disorders.
Recovery Without Walls does not offer ketamine as a standalone treatment. Every patient is thoroughly screened by our team of expert clinicians, and ketamine is only administered in conjunction with psychotherapy, wellness planning, and close medical supervision.
How Ketamine Affects the Brain in PTSD
Ketamine is a NMDA receptor antagonist that acts on the glutamate system, rapidly influencing brain circuits involved in fear memory, mood regulation, and trauma response. Unlike traditional SSRIs that can take weeks to work, ketamine’s effects on synaptic plasticity, the prefrontal cortex, and posterior hippocampus occur within hours.
These rapid neural shifts support the reconsolidation of traumatic memories and may allow psychotherapy to become more effective by reducing emotional reactivity.
What PTSD Symptoms Can Ketamine Help With?
Clinical studies and real-world outcomes suggest that ketamine infusion therapy can significantly reduce a variety of PTSD symptoms, including:
Our clinicians use structured tools such as the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS-5) and PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) to track progress and tailor treatment.
How Fast Does Ketamine Work for PTSD?
One of the most promising features of ketamine is its rapid onset of action. Unlike conventional medications, which may take 6–8 weeks, patients often report noticeable improvements in PTSD symptoms within 24–48 hours after the first infusion.
Key findings include:
How Long Does Ketamine Last for Depression and PTSD?
The effects of IV ketamine for PTSD vary by individual. Some patients experience lasting benefits after a single session, while others may benefit from a structured protocol of multiple infusions over several weeks.
Typically:
Recovery Without Walls also emphasizes post-treatment wellness, using nutritional strategies, mindfulness practices, and behavioral support to sustain healing.
Why Choose Recovery Without Walls for Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy?
At Recovery Without Walls, we understand that PTSD cannot be effectively treated through medication alone.
We offer:
Our clinic also maintains rigorous safety protocols. All treatments are overseen by medical professionals trained in advanced psychiatric and anesthetic care. We monitor blood pressure, side effects, and emotional responses before, during, and after infusions.
Is Ketamine Safe for PTSD?
Ketamine is generally considered safe when administered under medical supervision in controlled, clinical settings. Our protocols follow guidelines developed in Randomized Controlled Trials, and we use sub-anesthetic doses to minimize risk.
Common side effects include:
Mild dissociation during infusion
Nausea or dizziness (managed with adjunctive medications)
Temporary increase in blood pressure
Ketamine is classified as a Schedule III medication and is used off-label for PTSD. Recovery Without Walls uses this treatment in accordance with best practices from leading studies and safety protocols.
Who is a Good Candidate for Ketamine Therapy?
Ideal candidates include individuals:
Each candidate undergoes a full psychiatric consultation and medical intake to ensure safety and suitability.
What Makes Recovery Without Walls Different?
Many ketamine clinics provide fast infusions without lasting therapeutic integration. At Recovery Without Walls, we go further:
We are also actively informed by the research of institutions such as COMPASS Pathways, Biogen, Bionomics, and academic centers exploring glutamate modulating agents and functional connectivity in PTSD.
Begin Your Healing Journey Today
If you or a loved one is struggling with the lingering effects of trauma and has found little relief through conventional means, ketamine treatment for PTSD may offer a new path forward.
Our integrative, compassionate team is here to guide you every step of the way. Let us help you rewire old patterns, restore emotional balance, and rediscover a life beyond trauma.
Schedule your free information session today to learn more about our PTSD programs and determine if KAP is right for you.
Serving San Francisco, the Bay Area, and beyond
Telehealth available for select services
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best dose of ketamine for PTSD?
We use sub-anesthetic doses (typically 0.5 mg/kg IV over 40 minutes), aligned with clinical research on safety and efficacy.
Does ketamine cure PTSD?
While not a cure, ketamine can significantly reduce symptoms and improve response to therapy. Sustained improvement depends on integration, lifestyle, and ongoing care.
Can I drive after ketamine treatment?
You should not drive for 12–24 hours after your infusion. Please arrange transportation.
How many sessions will I need?
Most protocols involve 6 initial sessions over 2–3 weeks, followed by evaluation and optional maintenance sessions.
Is this covered by insurance?
While most insurers do not yet cover ketamine for PTSD, we provide documentation to support out-of-network claims.