If you’ve struggled to find relief for your teen’s mental health challenges,
ketamine treatment might be the breakthrough solution you’re looking for is a safe, effective, and fast-acting, ketamine therapy is a game-changing treatment for clinical depression, anxiety, and trauma. Even if your child’s symptoms have been labeled treatment-resistant.
As a parent, seeing your teen grapple with depression, anxiety, or trauma is a heart--
wrenching experience. While traditional medications are effective for some, they often fall short — especially if your child has treatment-resistant symptoms or if rapid intervention is crucial. Not to mention the fact that many of us would love to avoid psychiatric medication for our children altogether.
Enter Ketamine infusions and Ketamine-assisted therapy, a truly game-changing option
for teens suffering from mental health issues. Helping your teen with ketamine therapy might sound scary at first, but we promise it’s worth considering.
Currently, ketamine is the only rapid-action prescription for depression on the
market. It also helps treat anxiety, PTSD, and complex trauma. Ketamine can even
eliminate the need for other psychiatric drugs in some cases.
If the idea of giving your child ketamine sounds daunting or scary, you’re far from
alone. At our clinic, we safely administer Ketamine to adolescents and teens from 11-18
years old, and even younger in select cases. If there’s one thing these patients and their
parents have in common though, it’s anxiety about trying a treatment with effects similar
to a psychedelic.
This is where the right information and guidance is crucial. However, Ketamine is not
only incredibly effective, it’s also extremely safe. It’s been on the World Health
The organization’s list of essential medicines has been around for over half a century, and one of its common uses is as an anesthetic for pediatric surgeries. In other words, ketamine has already been in use for younger populations for many years.
Let’s explore this innovative solution for teen mental health issues and help you decide
if it might be worth trying with your teen.
The Alarming Rise of Teen Depression and Anxiety
Over the past 10-15 years, there’s been a startling surge in adolescent depression and
anxiety. According to the most recent national survey on mental health, 1 in 5 teens
suffered a major depressive episode in the past year. And around 15% had experienced
severe impairment in major areas of their lives.
Factors like social media, isolation, academic pressures, and trauma have contributed
to this crisis. The consequences are devastating — plummeting self-esteem, fractured
relationships, falling academic achievement, and elevated risks of substance abuse and
suicide.
There is good news though and reason for hope. Ketamine infusions have
demonstrated astounding efficacy for depression, anxiety, processing trauma, and even
suicidality — all with higher success rates than standard medications.
In our clinic, we’ve observed that 90% of patients of all ages show significant
improvement in their depression and anxiety symptoms after ketamine treatment.
And this figure becomes over 95% when treating depression alone — even if
symptoms have been labeled treatment-resistant.
What is ketamine? And what’s the best form of administration for teens and
adolescents?
Ketamine (full name: ketamine hydrochloride) is a rapid-acting dissociative anesthetic
agent that blocks certain brain and spinal cord receptors. The result is
relief from pain and the growth of new neurons.
Though initially approved as an anesthetic, it was discovered that sub-anesthetic doses
of racemic ketamine can provide fast-acting antidepressant effects as well as help with
anxiety symptoms. Research confirms its safety in teens/adolescents and in fact
Ketamine has been used safely in pediatric populations for decades as an anesthetic
and pain reliever.
In many cases, it is most effectively administered via IV infusion (intravenous ketamine)
or intramuscular injection (IM ketamine) although smaller doses are possible via nasal
sprays, pills, and sublingual administration. Studies show that IV and IM ketamine can
have longer-lasting effects than other methods, and the experience itself is often deeper
and more profound with these two methods.
Why we prefer ketamine Intramuscular injections over Intravenous infusion
At our clinic, we’ve offered all of the different routes of administration over the years and
have found the best, most consistent results with IM ketamine infusions.
Intramuscular (IM) injections offer several advantages over intravenous (IV)
administration in certain clinical situations. Expanding on the benefits of IM injections:
1. No Need for Continuous Monitoring: IM injections are often quick and do not
require the same level of monitoring as IV infusions. IV therapy often demands
continuous monitoring to ensure the drip is flowing properly, the vein is not
infiltrated, and the catheter remains secure, whereas IM injections typically
involve one shot and minimal follow-up.
2. Reduced Risk of Blood Loss: IV access requires venipuncture, which can
sometimes cause noticeable blood loss, especially if repeated attempts are
needed. In contrast, IM injections penetrate muscle tissue without entering a
vein, thus minimizing blood exposure.
3. Lower Risk of Infection: IV therapy presents a higher risk for infection due to
the direct access to the bloodstream through a catheter, which remains in place
for the duration of the infusion. With IM injections, the risk of infection is reduced
as the needle is withdrawn immediately after the injection, leaving no foreign
object inside the body.
4. Increased Mobility: During an IV infusion, the patient may be limited in their
movements due to the catheter and tubing. IM injections allow more freedom of
movement before and after the procedure, as the patient is not tethered to an IV
line, which can enhance comfort and convenience.
5. Less Pain and Discomfort Over Time: While an IV catheter may cause
discomfort throughout the duration of the infusion, an IM injection is typically a
quick puncture with minimal sustained discomfort. For patients who find IV lines
distressing, IM injections can be a more tolerable alternative.
6. Suitable for Non-IV Candidates: Some patients have veins that are difficult to
access, either due to medical conditions like dehydration, obesity, or prior IV drug
use. In these cases, IM injections offer an easier alternative, reducing the need
for multiple venipuncture attempts.
7. More Practical in Emergency Settings: In emergencies or field settings where
rapid access to a vein may not be feasible, IM injections are often preferred for
administering medications like epinephrine or vaccines. They can be delivered
quickly and efficiently without the need for setting up IV equipment.
8. Rapid Absorption for Certain Medications: While IV injections are the fastest
route for drug administration, certain medications delivered intramuscularly (such as antibiotics or vaccines) can still be absorbed relatively quickly due to the rich
the blood supply in muscles.
9. Each route of administration has its place depending on the clinical scenario, but
these factors make IM injections an appealing option for situations where IV
access is less practical or necessary.
Is ketamine treatment for those under 18 new?
One of the reasons ketamine can seem scary to parents is that it feels like a new,
untested treatment. While it’s true that ketamine’s use in mental health is more recent,
it’s been safely in use since the early 1960s in both adult and pediatric
populations.
At our clinic, we’ve been providing ketamine for depressive symptoms and other mood
disorders for an extensive time. After numerous successful sessions and patient
recoveries, we find it to be one of the most effective, safest medical interventions we
know of.
Here’s a brief timeline of how ketamine went from an anesthetic to a new gold
standard in mental health treatment:
Ketamine vs. Psychiatric Medications
Ketamine Infusions have several advantages over antidepressant medication and other
Standard psychiatric medicine:
Faster relief: Ketamine infusion therapy works much faster than standard
antidepressants, providing effects within hours or days. This rapid response is
vital for those experiencing suicidal ideation.
Help with treatment-resistant symptoms: The use of ketamine can help reduce
symptoms in the majority of cases labeled as treatment-resistant.
Reduced side effects: Ketamine has fewer side effects compared to traditional
antidepressants. Most of the ketamine’s side effects disappear within hours of the
treatment.
Simultaneous relief from anxiety, depression, and trauma: Ketamine can
help with co-occurring disorders, potentially reducing the need for separate
medications.
It’s important to note that psychiatric medication management still has its role in treating
mental health issues for your teen, but ketamine can be used concurrently with other
medications in most cases. At our center, we often suggest ketamine treatment as a
temporary bridge to bring fast relief while medication has time to take effect.
Ketamine and Psychotherapy (Talk Therapy)
At our center, we believe it’s essential for teens undergoing ketamine treatment to also
engage in psychotherapy. Adolescent/teen therapy and ketamine work well together,
with ketamine helping to accelerate the progress your child can make in therapy
sessions. Together, they can address environmental and psychosocial issues, such as
bullying, identity, academic pressures, or family conflict. Medication might help relieve
symptoms, but it can’t address the root causes.
One of the ways ketamine enhances therapy is by facilitating access to deep-seated
parts of ourselves, including repressed memories or thoughts. Ketamine can temporarily
loosen these protective mechanisms, leading to greater insights and breakthrough
moments in therapy.
An Important Note About Ketamine and Trauma
If your teen is having PTSD or other trauma, their ketamine treatment can require extra
care. Ketamine can bring up difficult memories, potentially making your teen feel worse
before they feel better. It’s crucial to help them understand that these negative feelings
are an essential step in processing and releasing their trauma. With younger patients,
it’s especially important to help them process their experiences with ketamine and
prepare them for potential effects like dissociation or altered vision.
Understanding Dissociation in Ketamine Treatment
Dissociation is a temporary altered state of consciousness characterized by detachment
from one’s surroundings, thoughts, or self. During dissociation, your child might feel as if
they’re floating, watching events from a distance, or observing themselves from outside
their body. Some describe it as a dreamlike state, with vivid imagery or brief, movie-like
scenes. Dissociation is temporary, and not everyone experiences it during treatment.
The likelihood varies based on individual sensitivity and dosage. Furthermore,
dissociation is not necessary for ketamine infusions to be effective.
Step-by-Step: What to Expect During a Ketamine Infusion
1. Initial Consultation: A thorough assessment and medical evaluation determine
if ketamine is the right fit. At our center, this is done with our board-certified
psychiatrist (MD).
2. Preparing for the Infusion: Patients are advised to have a light meal a few
hours before the treatment and wear comfortable clothing.
3. The Infusion Process: The infusion lasts about 60 minutes, followed by another
30-40 minutes of “clearing” — relaxing as the ketamine leaves the system.
Patients remain seated, wearing eyeshades, and may listen to special music to
enhance the experience.
4. Post-Infusion: Some drowsiness or dizziness might be experienced. Teens of
driving age must not drive for 12-24 hours after their session. Most can resume
normal activities the next day.
5. Initial Series and Follow-Up: Most patients have an initial series of 6-9
infusions over 3-5 weeks. Follow-up sessions are scheduled based on individual
needs.
Risks and Side Effects of Ketamine Treatment for Teens
Is ketamine treatment safe for teens and adolescents?
As a parent, your child’s safety is undoubtedly your top priority. It’s natural to have
concerns about any medical treatment, especially something as clouded in mystery —
and misinformation — as ketamine therapy.
Here’s the good news about ketamine’s safety record:
Ketamine has a well-established safety profile when administered in a controlled
medical setting by experienced professionals. It has been used as an anesthetic
for decades, including in pediatric populations. The doses used for mental health
treatment are much lower than those used for anesthesia, further reducing the
risk of complications.
It’s also important to put the safety profile of ketamine treatment in context. Untreated
depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions can have serious, long-lasting
consequences for your child’s development and well-being. Ketamine therapy has
shown remarkable success in providing rapid relief from these symptoms, often when
other treatments have failed.
While no medical treatment is without risks, we believe that the potential benefits of
ketamine therapy often outweigh the risks for many young patients struggling with
mental health challenges. This is especially true when the risk of suicide is present, but we believe this is also true in many milder states of depression and anxiety where your
child’s life is impacted negatively.
What are the side effects and risks of ketamine therapy?
Side effects often come up in conversations about ketamine, but it’s important to note the
majority of these effects are temporary and subside shortly after the treatment session
as ketamine flushes from the body.
At our clinic, the most common short-term side effects we see are nausea, dizziness,
headaches, changes in heart rate and blood pressure, and visual effects. Any nausea
can be mitigated with Zofran or other anti-nausea medication, and it’s rare that ketamine
patients of any age vomit.
Dissociation is another possible short-term side effect, but this isn’t necessarily a
negative effect. Dissociation can be pleasant, and many patients find dissociative
ketamine experiences among the more insightful and helpful although it’s important to
note that dissociation isn’t necessary for ketamine treatment to be effective. Like all the
side effects of ketamine, understanding them in advance can greatly reduce any
distress or discomfort from them. This is especially true of the more psychedelic-like
effects from ketamine, such as dissociation and visual distortions.
Lastly, blood pressure rate and heart rate are monitored every several minutes in
person at our clinic. We would advise staying away from clinics that rely on video
monitoring. We would also advise choosing in-person ketamine therapy over at-home
treatment because of the medical supervision that’s only possible in person.
Are there any long-term risks with ketamine therapy for teens?
Regarding long-term risks, the most significant concern is the potential for bladder
issues with frequent, high-dose use. However, this risk is primarily associated with
the recreational misuse of ketamine and is extremely rare in the context of supervised
medical treatment. We carefully monitor dosing and frequency to minimize any potential
long-term effects.
As a parent, the decision to give any kind of medical treatment to your child is a
significant one. However, major depressive disorders and anxious depression among
young people can have lasting impacts on their overall well-being, academic success,
and social development. Untreated depression also significantly raises the risk of
addiction and suicidality.
We encourage anyone considering this treatment to learn more by speaking to
knowledgeable medical professionals who can review your child’s specific needs as well
as individual factors like medical history and other important considerations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ketamine Therapy for Teens
How old do you have to be for ketamine therapy? Is it safe to do ketamine
treatment under 18?
At our clinic, teen and adolescent patients ages 11-17 are often good candidates for
ketamine therapy, especially if other interventions aren’t working. Patients under 11 can
also be candidates, especially if suicidal thinking is present and rapid intervention is
prudent. We perform thorough assessments to determine the appropriateness of a case-
by-case basis.
Is ketamine therapy safe for teenagers? What are the risks?
Ketamine has been used safely in pediatric populations for decades as an anesthetic
and pain reliever. When administered in a medical setting by qualified staff, ketamine
therapy carries minimal risks. Potential side effects include dissociation, nausea,
headache, and dizziness — most of which resolve shortly after the infusion.
What mental health conditions can ketamine therapy for teens help treat?
Ketamine has demonstrated efficacy in treating teen depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD,
trauma-related conditions, OCD, and more. It can also rapidly reduce suicidal thoughts.
Additionally, it may play a role in managing chronic pain, inflammation, and addiction
disorders in some cases.
What are the potential side effects of ketamine therapy in teens?
Temporary side effects teens may experience include dissociation/unreal feelings,
blurred vision, headache, nausea, elevated blood pressure, and drowsiness. These
typically go away within hours after infusions. There are no known long-term side effects
of professionally administered ketamine at therapeutic doses based on current
research.
How does ketamine treatment for teens differ from adults?
For teens, we use lower doses tailored to body weight, with more gradual increases
than typical adult protocols. Sessions may involve greater psychotherapy support before
and after. More education is provided on what to expect. Overall, the process is very
similar, with adjustments to serve the individual needs and concerns of each patient.
How long does a typical ketamine treatment course last for teens? How many
infusions will my teen need?
Most patients require an initial series of 6-9 ketamine infusions over 4-5 weeks to
achieve therapeutic benefits. After that, maintenance sessions may be recommended,
with frequency varying based on the individual and their response over time. Our
medical team will work with you to determine the ideal infusion schedule.
Can ketamine be combined with my teen’s current medication?
In most cases, yes. Ketamine can be used in conjunction with antidepressants or other
psychiatric medications a teen is already prescribed. Our medical team will review all
current medications and determine if any adjustment is necessary.
What kind of support should parents provide during their teen’s ketamine
therapy?
Before treatment, it’s important to make sure your child has an open, nonjudgmental
space to share any questions or concerns. If they have specific anxieties or fears about
the treatment and if you need help discussing it with them, let us know and we’ll be happy
to help support you. More practical items for supporting your adolescent or teen during
treatment includes: transportation to/from appointments when needed, attending some
sessions with them, asking questions, processing experiences together, encouraging
psychotherapy participation, and providing healthy nutrition/sleep hygiene support at
home.
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