Ketamine Treatment for Depression | A Personalized, Integrative Path to Healing
For individuals navigating the emotional toll of depression, especially treatment-resistant depression, conventional antidepressants may not always offer the relief they need. At Recovery Without Walls, we provide ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) as part of a comprehensive, integrative mental health approach designed to create lasting transformation. We offer ketamine treatment for depression only to patients who have been carefully assessed by our expert team and determined to be appropriate candidates.
Unlike many private ketamine clinics, we never offer ketamine as a standalone treatment. Instead, it is incorporated into a tailored program that includes psychotherapy, functional medicine, nutritional support, and expert monitoring by experienced mental health professionals.
If you’ve struggled to find relief through traditional antidepressants, you are not alone. Ketamine therapy may offer a new path forward—one grounded in compassion, connection, and comprehensive care.
Book Your Free Information Session
We offer a complimentary 15-minute call to help you determine if ketamine therapy could be a good fit for you. It’s a chance to learn about our clinical approach, ask any questions you may have about the intake process, and get a clearer sense of what to expect throughout your treatment journey.
What is Ketamine Treatment for Depression?
Ketamine treatment for depression refers to the controlled administration of ketamine—a psychoactive drug originally used as an anesthetic—to alleviate symptoms of moderate to severe or treatment-resistant depression. Ketamine acts on the brain in a fundamentally different way than traditional antidepressants, influencing the glutamate system, which plays a key role in mood regulation and neuroplasticity.
In clinical trials and research at institutions like Massachusetts General Hospital and McLean Hospital, ketamine has demonstrated rapid antidepressant effects, often producing noticeable symptom relief within hours to days after treatment.
Key benefits of ketamine therapy include:
- Rapid symptom improvement in many patients
- Effectiveness for individuals with treatment-resistant depression
- Reduction in suicidal thoughts in some cases
- Enhanced engagement with psychotherapy
Why Choose Recovery Without Walls for Ketamine Therapy?
At Recovery Without Walls, ketamine therapy is never isolated from broader care. Our treatment process addresses the underlying causes of depression, not just the symptoms.
Our approach includes:
Our integrative psychiatry model prioritizes your safety and wellness. We work with you to understand your full story—including prior use of antidepressant medication, history of mental health disorders, lifestyle, trauma history, and physical health conditions.
Is Ketamine Right for You?
Ketamine therapy may be appropriate for individuals who:
We evaluate all patients for pre-existing health conditions, potential interactions with health care professionals or medications, and risk factors including history of addiction, cardiovascular concerns, and liver function.
How Long Does Ketamine Last for Depression?
A common question we hear from patients is:
How long do the effects of ketamine last?
The antidepressant effects of ketamine typically last about one to two weeks after a single infusion. In some patients, improvements have been noted for up to a month.
For more lasting effects, we often recommend a series of 6–8 treatments delivered over several weeks, followed by periodic maintenance sessions. Our team monitors your response closely and adjusts your treatment plan as needed.
The duration of benefit varies by individual and may be influenced by:
With ongoing support, many of our patients experience a gradual and sustained improvement in their depressive symptoms over time.
What to Expect from the Ketamine Experience
Ketamine is a psychoactive drug, meaning it produces altered states of consciousness. Some patients describe the experience as “trippy” or dissociative, while others experience emotional catharsis or memory recall. At Recovery Without Walls, sessions are conducted in a safe, supportive environment with trained professionals by your side.
We provide:
Medical screening to ensure you are a safe candidate
Individual preparation sessions with your clinician
Supervised sessions with psychotherapeutic support
Integration sessions to process and apply insights
We may use IV ketamine, oral ketamine, or other formats depending on what’s most appropriate for your clinical profile. We always monitor for increases in blood pressure, changes in heart rate, and other physical symptoms.
Addressing Common Concerns About Ketamine
Is ketamine addictive? When administered in a clinical setting and accompanied by psychotherapy, ketamine has a low risk of addiction. We avoid frequent or high-dose infusions and never offer ongoing ketamine treatment without therapeutic oversight.
Can ketamine cause side effects? Some patients may experience mild side effects like nausea, dizziness, or temporary increases in blood pressure. Rarely, patients report abdominal pain or dissociation after treatment. We monitor all sessions carefully and respond immediately to any concerns.
Will I need to take ketamine forever? No. Our goal is not dependence, but rather transformation and integration. Ketamine is a tool, not a cure-all. Most of our patients use it temporarily, in combination with deeper therapeutic work and other interventions.
Integrative Support for Depression: More Than Just Ketamine
Ketamine is just one component of our integrative model. Our broader depression treatment approach includes:
We believe in treating the whole person, not just managing symptoms. This may include addressing sleep issues, chronic stress, or past emotional trauma that conventional models often overlook.
Your Next Step: Book a Free Information Session
If you’ve been struggling with depression and feel like you’ve tried everything, you’re not alone. Our team is here to help you explore whether ketamine-assisted psychotherapy could be part of your healing path.
Click below to book a free 15-minute call with a member of our clinical team. We’ll listen, answer your questions, and help determine if our care model is right for you.
Serving San Francisco, the Bay Area, and beyond
Telehealth available for select services
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ketamine FDA-approved for depression?
While intranasal esketamine (Spravato) has FDA approval, IV ketamine and oral ketamine are currently used “off-label” but are supported by strong clinical evidence and endorsed by leading psychiatric institutions.
Can I receive ketamine if I’m on other medications?
Possibly. We conduct a thorough medication review to assess any potential interactions or risks, including concerns around tolerance to ketamine or contraindications.
Do you accept insurance?
Recovery Without Walls does not directly bill insurance, but we assist all patients in submitting documentation for potential out-of-network reimbursement.
Can ketamine help with other mental health conditions?
Yes. We also offer KAP for anxiety, PTSD, and addiction, with personalized care plans designed to meet your specific needs.
What Makes Recovery Without Walls Different?
Located in Mill Valley, California, Recovery Without Walls is a pioneering integrative mental health clinic led by a team of physicians, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and licensed therapists. Our mission is to transform mental health care by combining the best of modern medicine, functional health, and compassionate care.
When you choose our Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) clinic, you’re choosing a team that treats you with dignity, listens to your story, and tailors treatment to your life—not just your diagnosis.
Start your healing journey today.
Reach out with questions or book a free consultation. We’re here for you every step of the way.