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Ketamine Therapy for
Postpartum Depression

As many as 1 in 7 women experience postpartum depression after giving birth. Ketamine therapy can help, so you can focus on and enjoy your new baby.
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Understanding Postpartum Depression

What is postpartum depression and how is it treated

PPD is a mood disorder that can lead to major depression and other agonizing symptoms in women. Linked to the hormonal shifts that occur in a woman’s body as the result of pregnancy and childbirth, risk factors include a history of depression and mental illness, birth trauma or childhood trauma.

  • Clinical name
    Postpartum depression (PPD), or major depressive disorder (MDD) with peripartum onset
  • Prevalence
    ~1 in 7 women experience following childbirth (~12–15%)
  • Typical onset
    Usually begins within the first few weeks to months after childbirth
  • Standard treatment
    Psychotherapy & antidepressants
  • Diagnostic criteria
    Persistent depressive symptoms lasting at least 2 weeks, sleep or appetite changes, difficulty bonding with the baby
  • Treatment gap
    ~50% of women experiencing postpartum depression are not diagnosed or treated by a healthcare professional
Key symptoms
  • Mood swings
  • Depression and suicidal thoughts
  • Trouble bonding with your baby
  • Withdrawing from family and friends
  • Restlessness
  • Recurring thoughts of death or suicide
  • Thoughts of self-harm
  • Difficulty concentrating
The science

How ketamine treats postpartum depression

“For many patients, relief begins within hours of their first session — not weeks.”

Typically, a combination of psychotherapy, social support, and antidepressant medications helps ease difficult symptoms like extreme sadness and hopelessness.
In cases of severe PPD, mothers may not respond to conventional treatment. They may struggle to bond with their baby or be unable to experience real joy. In these cases, ketamine may be an option.

Research to better understand these mechanisms is ongoing.
Clinical studies have demonstrated ketamine’s effectiveness, particularly for individuals with treatment-resistant depression.

See if ketamine is right for you
Traditional antidepressants vs. ketamine
Ketamine therapy
  • Glutamate
  • NMDA receptor
  • New pathways
  • Onset of relief
Hours to days
  • Primary mechanism
Glutamate / NMDA
  • Neuroplasticity effect
Significant
Traditional antidepressants
  • Serotonin
  • Dopamine
  • Onset of relief
4+ weeks
  • Primary mechanism
Serotonin / norepinephrine
  • Neuroplasticity effect
Minimal
What to expect

The ketamine treatment process

01

Schedule a free consultation

The first step in our treatment process is a consultation! We’ll take time to understand your personal struggle and determine if ketamine might be a good option.

02

Begin treatment

From the moment you step into our clinic, you’ll be welcomed with a friendly smile and a calm environment. After a quick physical exam to confirm your readiness for treatment, our staff will ensure you’re completely comfortable and at ease as we prepare to begin.

03

During treatment

Settle into a cozy reclining chair in a private room. You’ll receive an eye mask, noise-canceling headphones, and music options. Each treatment lasts up to two hours, and our attentive medical team will be supporting you throughout.

04

Regular sessions

The induction period lasts 3-4 weeks and includes 6-8 sessions. After this, we’ll work together with you and your mental health providers to create a customized maintenance plan just for you.
Schedule a free consultation
Proven results

Rapid relief for postpartum depression

Feel better in hours to days — not weeks. Here’s what the research shows.

Over 10%

Women affected by postpartum depression

75%

Reduction in postpartum depressive episodes with esketamine

2–4 hours

Onset of relief

What our patients are saying

  • Keta Patient

Ketamine has helped me reconnect with my family, especially my kids and wife. I’m more present and engaged, and it’s been incredible to feel like myself again.

  • Keta Patient

It’s like a weight has been lifted, and I can finally see a better version of myself and my life.

Treatment options

We offer two evidence-based ketamine treatments: Spravato® nasal spray, for patients who also have treatment-resistant depression, and IV ketamine infusions, both administered under medical supervision.

Spravato®

Esketamine nasal spray

FDA-approved
  • FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression
  • Based on a ketamine derivative
  • In-clinic treatment under physician supervision
  • Insurance-covered
  • Most patients pay $0–$50 per visit after insurance coverage and available assistance programs.
Check my coverage
Learn more about Spravato

IV ketamine

Intravenous ketamine infusion

  • Treats depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, postpartum depression, AUD, and other mental health disorders.
  • Available to patients not eligible for Spravato
  • Delivered under physician supervision
  • Self-pay treatment 
  • $500 per session
View pricing
Learn more about IV ketamine

If you’re not sure, we’ll help you understand which option is right for you.

Schedule a free consultation

Research on ketamine therapy & postpartum depression

Below are several studies examining the effectiveness of ketamine and esketamine (Spravato) in treating postpartum depression. Ketamine therapy is a subject of ongoing research and is frequently covered in both mainstream media and scientific journals.

Jama Network

Intraoperative Esketamine and postpartum depression

intraoperative Esketamine and postpartum depression among women with cesarean delivery

View study
Journal of Medicine and Life

The effect of ketamine

The effect of ketamine on preventing postpartum depression

View study
British Medical Journal

Efficacy of a single low dose

Efficacy of a single low dose of esketamine after childbirth for mothers with symptoms of prenatal depression: randomised clinical trial

View study

FAQs

Yes, when administered under medical supervision by trained physicians, ketamine therapy is safe. At Keta Medical Center, our team is led by emergency medicine physicians with extensive training, ensuring that every treatment adheres to the highest standards of medical safety.

Side effects may include mild nausea, dizziness, feelings of dissociation, anxiety or increased blood pressure. These typically resolve shortly after the treatment session. Our medical team monitors patients closely to manage any side effects effectively.
Keta Medical Center offers 2 types of ketamine-based treatments for postpartum depression — Spravato (Esketamine) nasal spray and Intravenous Ketamine Infusions. As a physician-led mental health clinic, all sessions are supervised by trained clinicians to manage safety, dosing, and overall comfort. We also offer Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) and integrated psychiatric care to deliver an integrated treatment plan tailored to individual needs.
Many patients experience improvement rapidly, with most IV ketamine patients reporting symptom relief within 2–4 hours and clinical benefits often appearing within days. A 2024 study also found that a single low dose of esketamine given after childbirth reduced the risk of postpartum major depressive episodes in mothers with prenatal depression. Individual response varies, so we monitor progress closely and tailor follow-up care.

The Spravato manufacturing label recommends no breastfeeding. If you feel strongly about breastfeeding and would like to continue breastfeeding, we recommend to pump and dump for 48 hours after the treatment session. Please inform your doctor as well as the infant’s pediatrician for careful infant monitoring.

Keta Medical Center evaluates postpartum patients with extra care and coordination. Some factors that will be evaluated are:

  • Your symptoms: postpartum depression, anxiety, or PTSD that hasn’t improved with standard treatment or psychotherapy
  • Your medical stability: blood pressure, heart health, and any pregnancy- or birth-related complications
  • Your medications: to check for interactions
  • Breastfeeding status: to discuss safety considerations and timing
  • Support and logistics: ability to attend in-clinic sessions and arrange safe transportation

If ketamine is safe, appropriate, and aligned with your mental health goals, we will work with you and your care team to determine the best treatment approach.

Yes. Fathers can experience paternal postpartum depression (PPND), and ketamine therapy may help when anxiety or depression symptoms are significant or haven’t improved with traditional treatments. Because ketamine can work quickly to reduce depression and anxiety, it may offer meaningful support for fathers struggling with mood changes, overwhelm, or emotional distress after a baby is born.

The overwhelming majority of Keta Medical Center’s patients are covered by insurance and pay $50 or less per treatment. 

Insurance coverage for postpartum depression depends on the type of ketamine treatment you receive:

  • Spravato® (Esketamine) is FDA-approved and many insurance providers will cover it for postpartum depression.  Keta Medical Center will work with your insurer to complete the required prior authorization and provide documentation of your treatment history.
  • IV Ketamine is considered an off-label treatment, so most insurance plans do not cover it. Therefore, it is typically an out-of-pocket service. Superbills for patients to submit to insurance providers are available. 

Keta Medical Center’s team can help you review your benefits, understand your coverage options, and determine the best financing plan to suit your needs and budget. Unsure? Schedule a consultation and we can help clarify.

Not sure yet?

Explore the resources on our site to find out how ketamine treatment can help you heal. 

Patient stories
Learn about the science
Browse FAQs

* Required information

Check if your insurance covers
Spravato®
  • Upload the front and back of your insurance card.
  • Have Medicare? Upload your supplemental insurance card too.
We do not accept Medicaid.
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