Is Ketamine Therapy Only for People Out of Options? No.

If you’ve heard about ketamine therapy, you may have questions, especially if you’re already dealing with a complex or frustrating mental health journey. Is it safe? Is it only for people in crisis? Do I have to “fail” every other treatment first?

Let’s clear a few things up.

At New Pathways Clinic, we provide ketamine-assisted mental health care for people facing depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other treatment-resistant conditions. And while some of our patients come to us after trying many other options, ketamine is not just a last resort. It’s a valid, research-supported tool that may be worth considering earlier than you think.

What Ketamine Therapy Actually Does

Ketamine has been used in medical settings for over 50 years, originally as an anesthetic. In much lower doses, it’s now being used to support mental health treatment; most commonly, patients find their way to ketamine when traditional medications or therapies haven’t helped.

Rather than acting on serotonin (like many antidepressants), ketamine works on the brain’s glutamate system, helping restore neural connections and improving how different areas of the brain communicate. This often leads to faster symptom relief—sometimes within hours or days—compared to the weeks or months it can take with typical antidepressants.

Who It’s For and What You Need to Know

You don’t need to be in an emergency to benefit from ketamine therapy. 

But there are a few things you should know before starting:

• You will need a documented history of trying other treatments (for Spravato use). This is not just our policy; it’s an insurance requirement for Spravato (esketamine, the nasal spray form of the treatment). Most patients need to have tried two or more antidepressants or other common interventions first. For IV ketamine therapy treatments, we also require that patients have tried common interventions first.  
• Ketamine is not a cure. It’s a treatment that may significantly improve symptoms, especially when used alongside other supports like therapy, medications, and lifestyle changes. 
• You’ll go through a structured intake process. At New Pathways, every patient starts with a thorough evaluation. We want to understand your health history, medications, prior treatments, and current needs. This helps us make sure ketamine is the right fit and that we’re using it as safely and effectively as possible.

Why It’s Not Just a Last Resort

But misconceptions prevail. In the past, ketamine was seen as a niche option, something to try only after exhausting all other choices. 

But that thinking is starting to change.

For one, it’s increasingly clear that many people with depression, anxiety, or PTSD don’t get full relief from standard options. Common pharmaceutical options treat problems at the surface level, rather than addressing more fundamental issues. Ketamine is known for the new pathways that it develops in the brain.

Moreover, because of those new pathways, ketamine may help reduce suicidal thinking quickly, which can be an important step that is necessary early in a mental health improvement journey.

Bottom line, people who respond to ketamine often say it gave them mental breathing room or hope they hadn’t felt in years—enough space to start healing again. Hope is vital for healing. 

If you’ve tried a few things already and still don’t feel like yourself, you may not need to keep waiting.

What Treatment Looks Like at New Pathways

If you’re a candidate for care, our process is built around safety, structure, and support:

• Intake evaluation: A one- to two-hour assessment with one of our nurse practitioners. 
• Induction phase: 6 IV ketamine sessions over three weeks or 12 Spravato sessions over eight weeks, with careful monitoring 
• Ongoing care: Optional maintenance or booster sessions, depending on your needs. 
• Communication with your care team: We coordinate with your existing therapist or psychiatrist if you’d like us to.

Treatment is individualized. We don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach—and we’re always available to answer questions before, during, or after your sessions.

The Bottom Line

Ketamine therapy isn’t for everyone. But for many patients who feel stuck—especially after trying two or more medications—it’s a safe and promising option that can offer meaningful relief. 

You don’t have to wait until things get worse. 

If you’re curious about whether ketamine might be right for you, we invite you to schedule a consultation. There’s no pressure, just a chance to talk about your options with someone who understands the terrain.