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What Is Ketamine-Assisted Therapy (KAT)?
Ketamine is an FDA-approved medication that has been used in medical settings for over 50 years. Ketamine-assisted therapy uses small doses of ketamine in a supervised medical setting to treat depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health conditions.

KAT works differently from many traditional medications. Research suggests that, at low doses, ketamine may temporarily increase neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to form new connections between nerve cells. It may create a window of time when the brain becomes more flexible, helping some people approach thoughts and emotions in new ways and allowing them to make meaningful changes in their lives.

What Is Ketamine-
Assisted Therapy?

Ketamine is an FDA-approved medication that has been used in medical settings for over 50 years. Ketamine-assisted therapy uses small doses of ketamine in a supervised medical setting to treat depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health conditions.

KAT works differently from many traditional medications. Research suggests that, at low doses, ketamine may temporarily increase neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to form new connections between nerve cells. It may create a window of time when the brain becomes more flexible, helping some people approach thoughts and emotions in new ways and allowing them to make meaningful changes in their lives.

Learn more about whether KAT is right for you.

Is Ketamine Safe?

Ketamine is an FDA-Approved Medication With Decades of Clinical Use

Ketamine isn’t new. It’s an FDA-approved medication that’s been used safely in medical settings for over 50 years. Medical professionals understand its risks and side effects, and how to use it safely.

Ketamine has Extensive Safety Data

With decades of use, researchers and clinicians have gathered extensive safety data on ketamine. All treatment decisions are informed by years of clinical evidence and established medical knowledge.

Ketamine-Assisted Therapy is Off-Label

FDA-approved medications may be used by licensed medical professionals for purposes beyond their original approval when supported by scientific research. This is known as off-label use. Ketamine-assisted therapy is one example of off-label use of ketamine.

We Put Patients First

Choosing whether to explore ketamine-assisted therapy should always be your decision, guided and informed by open conversations with your provider.
When you work with HealMind, you can expect:
  • Clear information about KAT so you know exactly what to expect before, during, and after treatment
  • Respect for your comfort level, boundaries, and pace
  • The freedom to ask questions, pause, or decide not to continue at any time
  • Guided integration support to help you prepare for sessions and make sense of what emerges
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Safety information

Important Safety Information

HealMind is a care coordination platform that supports independently owned and operated healthcare providers (“Clinics”) in delivering ketamine-assisted therapy (“KAT”) and related services. HealMind does not provide medical care, does not practice medicine, and does not control or direct the clinical judgment of any licensed provider.

All medical evaluations, diagnoses, treatment decisions, and prescriptions are made solely by licensed clinicians affiliated with the Clinic providing your care. The Clinic and its providers are fully responsible for the medical services you receive.

A licensed clinician may determine, in their independent medical judgment, whether ketamine is appropriate for you based on a clinical assessment.

Ketamine: 

  • Is a Schedule III controlled substance
  • Has been FDA-approved for certain uses (e.g., anesthesia), but has not been approved by the FDA for the treatment of depression, anxiety, or many other mental health conditions
  • May be prescribed in compounded formulations under Section 503A of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA), which do not require FDA approval. As such, the FDA has not determined that compounded ketamine is safe or effective for these conditions.

While there is a growing body of scientific literature supporting the use of ketamine in mental health treatment, its mechanisms, comparative effectiveness, and long-term outcomes are not fully understood.

Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that can alter perception, mood, and cognition. Effects may include dissociation, perceptual changes, emotional shifts, or altered awareness. These effects are typically temporary but can vary significantly between individuals.

Some individuals experience improvement in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and related conditions, sometimes rapidly. However:

  • Results are not guaranteed
  • Outcomes vary
  • Benefits may be temporary and require ongoing care

 

Risks & Side Effects

Ketamine may cause serious side effects, including but not limited to:

  • Sedation and impaired coordination
  • Dissociation or perceptual disturbances
  • Anxiety or psychological distress
  • Increases in blood pressure or heart rate
  • Respiratory depression (rare but serious)
  • Nausea, vomiting, or dizziness
  • Cognitive impairment or confusion
  • Blurred vision or slurred speech
  • Elevated intraocular or intracranial pressure
  • Urinary tract or bladder symptoms with repeated use
  • Dependence, misuse, or abuse

 

Ketamine may worsen certain psychiatric conditions, including in individuals with schizophrenia, severe personality disorders, or other serious mental health conditions.

In some cases, symptoms of depression or anxiety may worsen. If you experience severe or concerning symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.

You should not proceed with ketamine treatment without medical clearance if any of the following apply:

  • Allergy to ketamine
  • Active psychosis or mania
  • Uncontrolled high blood pressure
  • Serious cardiovascular conditions (e.g., congestive heart failure)
  • Severe respiratory conditions
  • Elevated intraocular or intracranial pressure
  • Certain thyroid conditions (e.g., uncontrolled hyperthyroidism)
  • Pregnancy, breastfeeding, or attempting to become pregnant
  • Other significant or unstable medical conditions

 

Additional caution is required for individuals with:

  • A history of substance use disorder
  • Personal or family history of psychotic disorders

 

Final eligibility is determined solely by a licensed clinician.

If you participate in treatment, you agree to:

  • Follow all clinical instructions provided by your care team
  • Use medication only as prescribed
  • Disclose all relevant medical and psychiatric history
  • Avoid alcohol or contraindicated substances around treatment
  • Avoid driving or operating machinery until fully recovered (typically after a full night of sleep)
  • Arrange appropriate support if instructed (e.g., a responsible adult present during treatment)

 

Failure to follow instructions may increase the risk of adverse outcomes.

Some services may be delivered via telehealth.

Potential benefits include:

  • Increased access and convenience

 

Potential risks include:

  • Technical failures or delays in care
  • Limitations without in-person evaluation
  • Rare risks to data privacy despite safeguards

 

HealMind and affiliated Clinics take reasonable steps to protect your information but cannot guarantee absolute security or uninterrupted access.

Services facilitated through HealMind are intended to complement, not replace, your primary care provider or mental health providers. You are encouraged to maintain ongoing care relationships outside of this platform.

HealMind and affiliated providers do not provide emergency services.

If you are experiencing a medical or mental health emergency:

  • Call 911
  • Go to the nearest emergency room
  • Or contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

 

To the fullest extent permitted by law:

  • HealMind is not responsible for clinical decisions, prescriptions, or medical care provided by Clinics or their providers
  • You acknowledge that ketamine treatment involves inherent risks, and you voluntarily assume those risks

 

Acknowledgment

By using HealMind’s platform, you acknowledge that you have read and understand this disclaimer and agree to proceed under these terms.