Depression

How does ketamine therapy treat depression?

Research suggests that ketamine may treat depression through multiple brain mechanisms. Ketamine acts on the glutamate system in the brain, which stimulates the growth of new neural connections through a process called neuroplasticity¹. When people suffer from chronic depression, their neurons can become stunted with fewer connections. Ketamine helps repair this damage by restoring and strengthening neural pathways, enabling the brain to break free from rigid patterns of negative thinking that characterize depression.

Beyond neuroplasticity, ketamine can also offer relief from negative thoughts by normalizing activity in the default mode network—a part of the brain associated with rumination and self-referential thinking. By altering connectivity in this brain region, ketamine can help people break out of entrenched thought patterns that perpetuate depression. Additionally, ketamine's effects on the glutamate system can improve mood regulation and cognitive function, addressing multiple aspects of depression simultaneously.

Traditional antidepressants like SSRIs work by adjusting serotonin levels, which can take weeks or months to show effects². Ketamine therapy works differently and can be much faster. According to clinical research, it can provide rapid symptom relief, with some participants experiencing improvements within hours to days³, and can help create the neurological foundation for lasting change when combined with comprehensive therapeutic support.

Beyond its neurological effects, ketamine therapy at therapeutic doses can facilitate profound psychological experiences. During sessions, participants often gain new perspectives on their thoughts, emotions, and life circumstances. These insights, when properly integrated through coaching and reflection, contribute to sustained improvements in mood, motivation, and overall mental wellbeing.

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How effective is ketamine therapy for depression?

Research indicates that ketamine therapy can be highly effective for depression, including treatment-resistant depression⁴. In Mindbloom's peer-reviewed clinical studies following over 10,000 clients, 89% of participants reported improvement in their depression symptoms after completing just four sessions⁵,⁶. Additionally, 63% experienced a 50% or greater reduction in depression symptoms as measured by PHQ-9 scores, and 30% achieved full remission—meaning scoring below the diagnostic threshold for depression on the PHQ-9 assessment scale⁵,⁶.

These outcomes are particularly significant when compared to traditional treatments. Studies of SSRIs and psychotherapy typically require 8-12 weeks to achieve comparable results⁷, whereas Mindbloom clients experienced clinically significant symptom reduction in four weeks. For individuals with treatment-resistant depression—those who haven't responded to at least two different first-line interventions⁸—ketamine therapy represents a valuable alternative that works through an entirely different mechanism.

The effectiveness of ketamine therapy appears to be enhanced by the comprehensive support system surrounding the treatment. Mindbloom's approach combines the neuroplastic potential of ketamine with clinician oversight, guide coaching, integration practices, and community support. This holistic model has demonstrated enhanced effectiveness, suggesting that preparation and integration work significantly amplify the medicine's healing potential.

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What results can I expect from ketamine therapy for depression?

Results from ketamine therapy for depression can vary by individual, but clinical data provides clear benchmarks. After four sessions with Mindbloom, most clients report noticeable improvements in mood, motivation, and cognitive function (89% in our clinical study⁶). Many describe experiencing reduced rumination, fewer negative thoughts, and an improved ability to engage with daily activities and relationships.

The timeline for results can be remarkably fast. Some clients notice a shift in mood and mental clarity within hours of their first session, though it's more common to observe compounding benefits across multiple sessions. After completing an initial program, about two-thirds of clients report significant symptom reduction, with approximately one-third achieving full remission from depression.

Long-term outcomes may be enhanced by integration work and ongoing self-care. The neuroplastic window opened by ketamine creates an opportunity for lasting change, but clients who actively engage with integration practices—including journaling, therapy, lifestyle modifications, and continued reflection—tend to maintain and build upon their initial improvements. Many clients choose to continue with maintenance sessions or additional programs to sustain their progress and address emerging challenges. While some clients maintain improvements for extended periods after completing an initial program, others benefit from periodic maintenance sessions—typically one session every 4-8 weeks—to sustain their progress. The frequency of maintenance varies by individual and is determined in consultation with your clinician.

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Why choose Mindbloom for depression treatment

Mindbloom combines the therapeutic potential of ketamine with a comprehensive support system designed to maximize outcomes. Unlike many ketamine clinics or daily low-dose protocols that focus primarily on medicine administration, Mindbloom provides psychiatric clinician oversight, dedicated guide coaching, group integration circles, educational programming, and an engaged community—all for approximately 60% less than clinic-based IV treatments.

Our peer-reviewed clinical studies demonstrate that this comprehensive approach works. With over 700,000 treatment sessions completed, we're the nation's leading provider of at-home ketamine therapy. Our clinicians, guides, and support team have supported thousands of clients in transforming their relationship with depression, helping them rediscover joy, motivation, and purpose.

If you're ready to explore whether ketamine therapy might be right for your depression, start with a free assessment to determine eligibility. Our team is here to answer questions, address concerns, and support you through every step of the journey toward healing and transformation.

How long does ketamine therapy take to work for depression?

Ketamine therapy can work quickly for depression, with some participants noticing improvements sooner than traditional treatments.. Some individuals report mood elevation and reduced rumination within hours of their first session, though it's more typical to observe meaningful change after 2-4 sessions over several weeks.

In Mindbloom's clinical studies, participants who completed four sessions over approximately four weeks experienced significant symptom reduction. This timeline differs from SSRIs, which generally require 4-8 weeks for initial effects and may take months to reach full efficacy.² The rapid onset of ketamine's effects can be particularly valuable for people experiencing severe symptoms or those at risk of self-harm. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or thoughts of self-harm, please call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or go to your nearest emergency room immediately.

The durability of results varies by individual and depends heavily on integration practices. The neuroplastic effects of ketamine create a window of opportunity for change, but lasting transformation requires translating insights and perspectives gained during sessions into real-life behavioral changes. Clients who engage with integration work, maintain therapeutic support, and make lifestyle modifications typically sustain improvements longer. Many people choose to continue with maintenance sessions or additional programs to build on initial progress.

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How does at-home ketamine therapy compare to IV ketamine clinics?

At-home ketamine therapy with Mindbloom offers several advantages over in-person IV ketamine clinics. The most obvious is convenience—no traffic, no waiting rooms, no scheduling challenges around clinic hours. Sessions take place in the comfort and familiarity of your own home, an environment where many clients report feeling safer and more able to relax deeply into the therapeutic experience. This benefit isn't purely logistical; research suggests that set and setting (mindset and environment) may play a role in treatment outcomes for psychedelic-assisted therapies¹³.

Cost represents another significant difference. Based on a survey of ketamine clinic pricing in October 2025, IV ketamine infusions typically range from $400-$800+ per session, with some clinics charging over $1,000. Conversely, Mindbloom's at-home therapy costs approximately 60% less while including comprehensive support. Many clinic treatments focus primarily on administering the medicine, with less emphasis on preparation or integration support compared to Mindbloom's model. Mindbloom's model incorporates clinician oversight, dedicated guide coaching, integration circles, educational programming, and an engaged community—elements that may enhance outcomes based on best practices in psychedelic-assisted therapy¹⁴.

The therapeutic experience itself may also differ. At home, participants can curate their environment, play meaningful music, lie in their own bed, and take as much time as needed before and after sessions without feeling rushed. This comfort and spaciousness can enable deeper introspection and processing. Additionally, having sessions at home with proper medical oversight bridges the benefits of clinical safety protocols with the psychological comfort of a familiar setting.

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How many sessions will I need for depression?

Most Mindbloom clients begin with a program of 6 sessions over several weeks to achieve initial symptom relief. After completing an initial program, some people achieve lasting results, while others benefit from maintenance sessions or additional programs. Your clinician and guide will work with you to develop a treatment plan based on your progress and goals.

What should I expect during ketamine therapy sessions for depression?

The experience of ketamine therapy sessions for depression vary by treatment setting and protocol. In clinical settings, sessions typically occur in medical facilities with monitoring equipment, while at-home protocols like Mindbloom's involve treatment in a prepared home environment with remote clinical oversight. Mindbloom sessions typically last about two hours, though the primary effects of the medicine occur during the first 45-60 minutes. Before each session, you'll set intentions using the Mindbloom app and may review preparation materials from your guide.

The subjective experience varies by individual and can change across sessions. Many people describe feelings of relaxation, detachment from everyday concerns, and shifts in visual and auditory perception. Some experience what feels like a dreamlike state, while others report more introspective psychological journeys. The experience is generally described as peaceful and reflective rather than intense or overwhelming, especially when proper dosing and preparation are in place.

During the session, you'll wear headphones and an eye mask to minimize external stimulation. The headphones play purpose-designed music composed specifically for therapeutic ketamine sessions, while the eye mask encourages inward focus and introspection. After the medicine's primary effects subside, there's typically a period of continued reflection and re-orientation. Many clients use the Mindbloom app's voice journaling feature to capture insights while they're still fresh. Integration work continues in the hours and days following the session, as you reflect on the experience with your guide and incorporate insights into your daily life.

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What happens if ketamine therapy doesn't work for my depression?

While clinical data shows that 89% of Mindbloom clients experience improvement⁵,⁶, ketamine therapy doesn't work for everyone. If you don't notice benefits after several sessions, your clinician will reassess your treatment plan, potentially adjusting dosage or exploring whether a different approach might be more appropriate.

Mindbloom offers a refund policy for eligible clients who don't experience the expected benefits, reducing financial risk as you explore whether this treatment is right for you.

Mindbloom's clinical team remains committed to supporting your journey toward improved mental health.

Can ketamine therapy help with treatment-resistant depression?

Ketamine therapy has demonstrated significant promise for treatment-resistant depression, defined as depression that hasn't adequately responded to at least two different first-line interventions. Because ketamine works through a different mechanism than SSRIs and other traditional antidepressants—acting on glutamate rather than serotonin—it can be effective even when other treatments have failed.

Research specifically examining treatment-resistant depression shows encouraging results¹⁵, and studies have found that ketamine therapy can lead to meaningful symptom reduction in many patients with treatment-resistant depression¹⁵. Mindbloom's clinical data, which includes clients who had not found relief from traditional treatments, showed that 89% experienced improvement and 30% achieved remission after four sessions.

For individuals who have struggled with depression for years despite trying multiple medications and therapies, ketamine therapy represents a genuinely novel approach. The neuroplastic effects create an opportunity to reshape the brain's response to stress, trauma, and negative thought patterns¹. When combined with therapeutic support to capitalize on this neuroplastic window, ketamine can help break the cycle of treatment-resistant depression and open pathways to healing that previously seemed closed.

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Who is a good candidate for ketamine therapy for depression?

Ketamine therapy for depression may be appropriate for adults experiencing moderate to severe depression, particularly those who haven't found adequate relief from traditional treatments. Good candidates include individuals dealing with treatment-resistant depression, those who experience severe side effects from SSRIs, and people seeking a faster-acting alternative to conventional antidepressants.

Clinical screening helps determine eligibility. Ideal candidates are generally between 18 years or older, not currently pregnant or breastfeeding, and without certain cardiovascular or psychiatric contraindications. People with a history of psychosis or mania, uncontrolled hypertension, active substance use disorders, or certain cardiovascular conditions may not be appropriate candidates. A thorough medical evaluation with a Mindbloom clinician assesses individual factors and health history.

Successful candidates also demonstrate readiness to engage with the full therapeutic process. Research suggests ketamine therapy is most effective when clients actively participate in preparation, set meaningful intentions for sessions, and dedicate time to integration work afterward¹⁴. Those who approach the treatment as one component of a broader commitment to mental health—including therapy, lifestyle changes, and self-reflection—tend to achieve the strongest and most lasting results.

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Is ketamine therapy safe for depression treatment?

Ketamine therapy for depression has an established safety profile when administered with proper medical oversight. Ketamine has been used in medical settings since 1970, accumulating over 50 years of clinical experience.⁹ When used at therapeutic doses for mental health treatment, ketamine therapy produces a different side effect profile than traditional antidepressants. The most common effects include temporary dissociation (altered perception), blood pressure elevation, and nausea, which typically resolve within hours of the session.¹⁰

In Mindbloom's clinical studies, 95% of clients completed their treatment course, with only 0.3% discontinuing due to side effects⁵,⁶. Among clients who did experience side effects, the most common were mild and temporary, including nausea or dizziness that resolved within hours of the session. This discontinuation rate differs from SSRIs, where side effects such as weight gain, sexual dysfunction, and emotional blunting may cause some people to stop treatment.¹¹

The safety of at-home ketamine therapy is supported by comprehensive clinical protocols. Before beginning treatment, clients undergo medical evaluation to ensure eligibility. Throughout the program, licensed clinicians actively monitor progress, adjust dosing as needed, and remain available for consultations. Sessions are conducted at home in a comfortable environment with safety protocols in place, and clients have access to 24/7 support. This level of oversight, combined with proper dosing and administration, makes ketamine therapy a valuable option for many people with depression.

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Can I do ketamine therapy if I've had suicidal thoughts?

Ketamine therapy has shown promise for reducing suicidal ideation. In Mindbloom's clinical study, 62% of participants who reported suicidal ideation at the beginning of treatment no longer reported any such thoughts after four sessions⁵,⁶. However, if you're currently experiencing a mental health crisis or active suicidal planning, immediate crisis intervention is necessary before beginning ketamine therapy. Your safety is the primary concern, and your clinician will assess whether ketamine therapy is appropriate for your current situation.

If you're currently experiencing suicidal thoughts, please contact:

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
• Emergency Services: 911

How does ketamine compare to SSRIs and traditional antidepressants?

Research shows that ketamine therapy differs fundamentally from SSRIs and traditional antidepressants in both mechanism and timeline. SSRIs work by increasing serotonin availability in the brain and typically require 4-8 weeks to show effects¹². Research indicates that approximately one-third of people with major depression are treatment-resistant and don't respond adequately to initial antidepressant treatments.⁷ Ketamine, in contrast, acts on the glutamate system to rapidly stimulate neuroplasticity, with many participants noticing improvements within hours or days.

The side effect profiles also differ markedly. SSRIs may cause side effects such as weight gain, sexual dysfunction, and emotional blunting, which can persist during treatment¹¹. Some people discontinue SSRI treatment due to side effects. Ketamine therapy has a different side effect profile, the most common of which include temporary dissociation, which is an expected part of the therapeutic process, along with transient blood pressure elevation and nausea¹⁰. Because ketamine is administered periodically rather than taken daily, effects are typically limited to the session period and resolve within hours. In Mindbloom's studies, only 0.3% of clients discontinued treatment due to side effects⁵,⁶.

Another key distinction is how the treatments work. SSRIs work by adjusting neurotransmitter levels, and are typically taken daily for ongoing symptom management. Ketamine therapy works through promoting neuroplasticity—the growth of new neural connections¹—and is administered in spaced sessions rather than daily dosing. When combined with therapeutic support and integration work, the neuroplastic window created by ketamine may help people develop new thought patterns and coping mechanisms.

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Can I continue my current antidepressants while doing ketamine therapy?

Many Mindbloom clients continue their existing medications while starting ketamine therapy. Your Mindbloom clinician will review your current medications during your initial consultation. Some medications may need to be temporarily modified, but for most people, ketamine therapy can be safely combined with ongoing treatment.

What are the costs of ketamine therapy for depression?

At-home ketamine therapy with Mindbloom costs significantly less than IV ketamine infusions at clinics. Based on a survey of ketamine clinic pricing in October 2025, IV ketamine infusions typically range from $400-$800+ per session, with some clinics charging over $1,000. Mindbloom offers structured programs that include not just medication, but comprehensive clinical care, guide coaching, integration support, and community access.

New clients can choose from several program options. A 6-session program costs $1,254 total ($209 per session), paid over three months at $418 monthly. A 12-session program costs $2,148 total ($1679 per session), paid over 6 months at $358 monthly. An 18-session program costs $2,862 total ($159 per session), paid over nine months at $318 monthly. Each program includes clinician consultations, guide coaching sessions with unlimited messaging, group integration circles, the Mindbloom app with 100+ soundscapes, and a Bloombox with everything needed for at-home sessions.

Returning clients receive reduced pricing. A 6-session continuation costs $954 total ($159 per session), representing a 24% savings. An 18-session continuation costs $2,322 total ($129 per session), a 38% savings per session. While insurance coverage for ketamine therapy remains limited, many clients find the investment worthwhile given the potential for significant improvements in their depression symptoms. Some health savings accounts (HSAs) and flexible spending accounts (FSAs) may cover ketamine therapy expenses. Additionally, many clients are able to reduce the total cost of treatment through out-of-network reimbursement—exact rates vary depending on individual plans and coverage, but reimbursement can be as much as $650 for a 6-session program and more for 18-session programs. Check with your plan administrator to confirm eligibility and potential out-of-network benefits.

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Does insurance cover ketamine therapy for depression?

Insurance coverage for ketamine therapy remains limited, as the treatment is prescribed off-label for depression. Some insurance plans may provide partial reimbursement, particularly for the clinical consultations. Health savings accounts (HSAs) and flexible spending accounts (FSAs) can often be used for ketamine therapy expenses. Mindbloom's team can provide documentation to support reimbursement requests.