Keta Medical Center

Scrolling Your Way to Anxiety? How Social Media Impacts Mental Health

Haviva Malina MD — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 18:09:54 +0000

Perhaps you’ve seen one of the many documentaries showing the dark side of social media, such as The Social Dilemma. Perhaps you were shocked that so many people who created the social media companies today regret what they’ve created, in part because of the damage it’s done to people’s mental health.

The clinical research backs it up: Studies have consistently found that frequent social media use is linked to increased levels of anxiety and depression, particularly among teens and young adults. And it’s about more than just the amount of time spent on TikTok or Instagram.

The platforms are designed in a way that causes them to be addictive, activating the brain’s reward system with likes and comments. When users don’t get that feedback, it can leave them feeling inadequate or rejected. The design of social media actually affects brain chemistry, triggering dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked to pleasure and motivation.

With nearly 5 billion users worldwide and daily usage averaging over two hours, social media has become part of the fabric of our daily lives. While it can sometimes be a means of connection, the psychological toll of constant online engagement is clear.

The Threat Of Constant Comparison

Scrolling through curated content—vacations, career wins, “perfect” bodies—can distort reality. Social media is often called a “highlight reel,” where users showcase only their best moments. Daily exposure to filtered images and idealized lifestyles can spark self-doubt and lower self-esteem.

Adolescents are particularly vulnerable. With social media, teens get a front-row seat to their own exclusion. A seventh grader who gets left out of plans can actually watch the activities he or she isn’t a part of unfold in real time on someone’s story.

Less Social Media Time, Better Mental Health

A study from Iowa State University offered compelling evidence for the benefits of simply reducing social media use. College students who limited their screen time to 30 minutes per day for two weeks reported significantly lower levels of anxiety, depression, and loneliness than a control group. Several participants reported better sleep, improved focus, and stronger in-person connections after reducing their online time.

They also showed increased positive emotions, such as excitement and pride. Interestingly, even students who occasionally exceeded the 30-minute cap still experienced these benefits, suggesting that effort and user awareness may be more important than strict screen time limits.

How You Use Social Media Matters

Most Americans believe social media does more harm than good, yet many still report positive feelings while using it. A 2022 poll found that 72% of users felt connected and happy, while 63% believed social media was ultimately harmful.

This contradiction highlights a key finding from researchers: the effects of social media aren’t universally good or bad. They depend on how people use it. While some types of use can support mental wellbeing, many others can cause real harm.

Passive scrolling, especially when used to avoid social interaction, tends to worsen mood. In fact, studies strongly link it to increased depressive symptoms. On the other hand, using social media to enhance existing relationships or share meaningful content may have positive effects, particularly among older adults.

There’s also evidence that more time spent on social media increases the risk of anxiety and depression in a clear dose-response pattern: the more time adolescents spent on the platforms, the more likely they were to experience symptoms.

Practical Tips For A Healthier Digital Life

Mental health professionals recommend several strategies to build healthier social media habits, including:

Limiting daily screen time using app settings or timers.
Curating your feed to avoid triggering or negative content.
Prioritizing real-world connections through hobbies, exercise, and in-person time.
Being mindful of how different platforms make you feel.

Longer periods of “digital detox” have also been found to be effective in improving mental health. Families are encouraged to establish phone-free zones and times, especially at night, and to respectfully monitor teen use. As in any other type of behavior, parents are the role model: Kids are more likely to adopt healthy habits when parents do the same.

Supporting Mental Health In The Digital Age

Social media platforms evolve fast, and it’s crucial for both individuals and providers to stay aware of the dynamic, often harmful ways they influence our mental health.

If you or someone you know is feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, or digital burnout, help is available. At Keta Medical Center, we understand that today’s mental health landscape includes digital life.

We support patients in navigating these modern stressors with evidence-based care. Schedule your free consultation today.

The post Scrolling Your Way to Anxiety? How Social Media Impacts Mental Health appeared first on Keta Medical Center.

Can Ketamine Help With Chronic Fatigue?

Haviva Malina MD — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 12:41:33 +0000

Chronic fatigue affects millions of people living with serious medical conditions. For many of them, unfortunately, effective treatments remain frustratingly out of reach. But a dissociative anesthetic, already used in clinical settings to treat depression, is now showing early promise as a fast-acting intervention for chronic fatigue.

This article explains the current evidence, how ketamine may reduce chronic fatigue, and what patients should know before speaking with their doctors.

What is chronic fatigue?

Chronic fatigue is not the same as feeling tired. It’s a persistent, overwhelming exhaustion that isn’t relieved by rest and significantly disrupts daily life, affecting one’s ability to work, exercise, complete basic tasks, and even maintain relationships.

It’s most commonly associated with conditions such as cancer survivorship, fibromyalgia, lupus, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS/ME), and post-viral illness. The scale of the problem is significant: In the U.S., alone, the CDC estimates that 3.3 million adults live with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Despite how debilitating chronic fatigue can be, treatment options are limited. While structured exercise is the most consistently evidence-based recommendation, starting and maintaining such a program is a challenge for people with chronic fatigue. Effective pharmacological options for chronic fatigue have historically been scarce, which is why emerging research into new treatment pathways is generating interest.

What is ketamine?

Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that has been used safely in medical settings for decades, first as a surgical anesthetic, and later for a wider range of applications in emergency and critical care medicine. Recently, ketamine has gained clinical attention as a rapid-acting treatment for treatment-resistant depression and acute suicidal ideation, both conditions that have historically been difficult to treat quickly with conventional medications.

Ketamine works differently from traditional antidepressants. Rather than targeting serotonin, it affects glutamate, one of the brain’s key chemical messengers. By acting on specific glutamate receptors, ketamine sets off a chain reaction that encourages brain cells to build and strengthen connections with each other. This may help the brain adapt more quickly and could explain ketamine’s rapid antidepressant effects.

Spravato®, an esketamine-based nasal spray, has been FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression and is available here at Keta Medical Center. Ketamine infusions (administered intravenously) remain an off-label treatment for depression and are not yet approved for chronic fatigue.

What does the research say about ketamine for chronic fatigue?

Research into ketamine as a chronic fatigue treatment is still in its early stages, but the preliminary findings are meaningful enough to warrant attention.

The first significant signal came from a 2016 clinical study led by researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). 36 patients with treatment-resistant bipolar depression were enrolled in the trial and given either a single low-dose ketamine infusion (0.5 mg/kg IV over 40 minutes) or a placebo saline solution.

Ketamine significantly reduced fatigue scores compared to the placebo, with effects beginning within 40 minutes of the infusion and peaking around day two. Notably, 65% of patients on ketamine experienced a greater-than-50% reduction in fatigue at some point during the trial, compared to just 10% on the placebo. The anti-fatigue effect persisted even after statistically controlling for ketamine’s antidepressant action, suggesting that fatigue and depression, while often co-occurring, may involve distinct biological pathways.

A decade later, a 2026 clinical trial led by researchers at the NIH and Rutgers University extended this investigation to people living with chronic fatigue tied to a range of conditions, including cancer survivorship, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and lupus. In this randomized, double-blind crossover trial, 10 participants received either a single low-dose ketamine infusion or midazolam, a sedative used as an active comparison treatment.

Three days after infusion, fatigue scores in the ketamine arm fell by 21%, crossing the 20% threshold the trial had set in advance as its primary measure of efficacy. The largest drop came at 24 hours, when fatigue scores fell by nearly 39%. Midazolam also reduced fatigue, but it was the ketamine arm alone that met the predefined 20% threshold. The difference between the two drugs was not statistically significant, which limits how strongly the results can be interpreted. The trial was also substantially underpowered. It was designed to enroll 59 participants but reached only 10 because of disruptions, and a larger follow-up trial involving breast cancer survivors is planned.

Despite the small sample sizes, there is a compelling biological rationale underlying both studies. Earlier research from the same NIH team connected fatigue to a glutamate receptor called mGluR5, finding that its signaling in immune cells helped predict which patients would develop fatigue after cancer treatment. Because ketamine acts directly on glutamate receptors, it offers a biologically plausible mechanism for addressing fatigue, one that is fundamentally different from the serotonin and norepinephrine-targeting pathways of most existing treatments.

This evidence is preliminary. No large-scale trials in a fatigue-specific population have been completed yet. While early evidence suggests ketamine may be an option for some patients, it’s not an established or approved fatigue treatment.

How might ketamine help with fatigue?

To understand why ketamine might reduce fatigue, it helps to understand what it does in the brain.

Ketamine primarily works by blocking NMDA receptors, a subtype of glutamate receptor involved in regulating neural signaling, inflammation, and synaptic plasticity. By temporarily blocking these receptors, ketamine may reduce neuroinflammation and interrupt the dysfunctional signaling patterns that researchers believe contribute to chronic fatigue.

This blockade also triggers downstream effects. It releases BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), a protein that supports neural health. It also activates AMPA receptors in a process that promotes synaptogenesis, the formation of new synaptic connections. These effects are thought to underpin ketamine’s rapid antidepressant action and may similarly explain its impact on fatigue-related neural pathways.

Dr. Leorey Saligan, the lead researcher on both the 2016 and 2026 studies and a faculty member at Rutgers School of Nursing, has proposed a bridge hypothesis: Ketamine may not be a long-term, standalone solution for chronic fatigue but rather a short-term, biological reset. The idea is that a single ketamine infusion could provide enough of an energy window for patients to engage with exercise, physical therapy, or other fatigue-reduction strategies proven to produce lasting benefit but difficult to initiate when fatigue is severe. If proven in larger trials, this could position ketamine as a catalyst for broader rehabilitation efforts rather than as an isolated treatment.

Who might be a candidate for ketamine therapy for fatigue?

Ketamine has not been specifically approved by the FDA for the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome. However, physicians often use approved medications in areas where promising research and clinical experience suggest potential benefit. Early studies of ketamine in patients with chronic fatigue offer clues about who may respond best to treatment.

The 2026 Rutgers/NIH trial selected people living with persistent fatigue linked to cancer survivorship, fibromyalgia, CFS/ME, and lupus, particularly those who had not found meaningful relief from standard treatments. People also suffering from treatment-resistant depression may also be relevant candidates for ketamine therapy, given the overlap in the biological mechanisms that ketamine targets. Researchers hypothesize that people whose fatigue has a neuroinflammatory or glutamatergic component may be the most likely to respond to ketamine therapy.

Ketamine is not appropriate for everyone. It is generally not recommended for people with: certain cardiovascular conditions, a history of psychosis, active substance abuse disorder, or other contraindications that a physician would assess individually. A thorough clinical evaluation is necessary before any treatment decision.

If you are living with chronic fatigue and have not found relief from conventional approaches, speaking with a Keta Medical Center clinician can help you understand whether ketamine may be appropriate as part of your care plan.

What does a ketamine infusion look like at Keta Medical Center?

At Keta Medical Center, ketamine is administered in a private, spa-like room, supervised by experienced emergency medical physicians. A typical infusion session lasts approximately 45 minutes, during which patients are monitored for safety and comfort and typically stay in the room for about 90 minutes. With the Spravato (esketamine) nasal spray, available to patients also diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression, the dissociative effects last about 45 minutes and patients are required by the FDA to stay in the clinic for two hours.

During the treatment, ketamine produces a temporary dissociative state — a sense of altered perception or detachment from one’s surroundings. This is a known and expected effect of the medication at therapeutic doses, and our clinical team prepares patients in advance and provides support throughout the session. It’s a transient experience that resolves as the infusion ends. Side effects are generally mild and short-lived and may include temporary dizziness, or nausea.

Apart from offering physician-led ketamine treatment and other therapies, Keta Medical Center actively monitors the evolving research on ketamine and chronic fatigue. Our clinicians evaluate each patient individually and can discuss whether ketamine therapy may be an appropriate component of a broader, individual treatment plan for you.

If you are living with chronic fatigue and want to explore options, we encourage you to speak with our clinical team to learn more about ketamine therapy for chronic fatigue, how much it costs, and if you’re covered by insurance.

Book a free consultation.

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Who Is a Good Candidate for Ketamine Therapy? A Guide for Patients and Providers

Haviva Malina MD — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 13:14:34 +0000

Ketamine therapy has emerged as an important treatment option for individuals with treatment-resistant depression and other mental health conditions that have not responded adequately to conventional care. However, not every patient is an appropriate candidate, making careful screening an essential part of the treatment process.

Whether you’re a healthcare provider considering a referral or a patient exploring your options, this guide explains the factors clinicians look at when determining if ketamine therapy is likely to be safe, appropriate, and beneficial.

Who is a good candidate for ketamine therapy?

Ketamine therapy is most often considered for individuals who continue to struggle despite conventional treatment. Ketamine treatment can help people living with severe depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, OCD, bipolar depression, or alcohol use disorder who have not achieved adequate relief through psychotherapy, antidepressant medications, or other standard interventions.

If you or your patient has experienced significant side effects from traditional psychiatric medications or have reached a plateau in your progress despite ongoing treatment, ketamine may be a highly effective treatment option for you.

Medical suitability is also an important consideration. Candidates should be adults who are healthy enough to safely undergo treatment, and willing and able to participate in the recommended treatment protocol. This includes attending scheduled appointments and arranging transportation home following treatment sessions.

Ultimately, ketamine, when administered in a supervised clinical setting, has become an established second-line treatment option for a range of mental health conditions. Supported by a substantial body of clinical research and over two decades of medical use in mental health, it offers a valuable alternative for candidates who have not achieved adequate relief through conventional approaches.

Who isn’t a good candidate for ketamine therapy?

While ketamine therapy can be highly effective for many patients, there are certain contraindications that make treatment inappropriate. Ketamine treatment is generally not recommended if you or your patient:

Have schizophrenia, a history of psychosis, or are currently experiencing psychotic symptoms
Are experiencing active mania
Have uncontrolled high blood pressure, a history of aneurysm, or a history of brain bleed
Engage in active substance misuse that would interfere with safe treatment
Are pregnant or trying to conceive

Before beginning treatment, every patient undergoes a comprehensive medical evaluation to ensure ketamine therapy is a safe and appropriate option.

Why determining suitable candidates for ketamine therapy matters

Finding out whether you or your patient is a good candidate for ketamine therapy is about much more than checking boxes on a list. A careful evaluation helps ensure that treatment is not just safe, but also that it’s likely to provide meaningful benefits. It also gives referring providers greater confidence that ketamine is an appropriate next step in a patient’s care.

At Keta Medical Center, our medical director takes the time to understand you or your patient’s symptoms, treatment history, medical conditions, and current medications. A comprehensive medical evaluation helps determine whether ketamine is the right treatment for each individual situation or whether another approach should be considered first. Throughout the evaluation process, we collaborate closely with referring providers to ensure treatment decisions are informed by a holistic understanding of the patient’s history and goals.

The evaluation also helps our team determine the most appropriate treatment pathway, including whether a patient meets diagnostic criteria for the insurance-covered nasal spray Spravato®.

Proper candidate selection is the prerequisite for optimal outcomes. Patients who are appropriately matched with ketamine treatment are more likely to experience meaningful improvements in their symptoms and quality of life. At the same time, identifying contraindications early helps minimize unnecessary risks.

Talk to our doctors to determine if you or your patient is a fit

If you or your patient is living with depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, or alcohol use disorder and feel like you’ve exhausted traditional options, a consultation can help you understand whether ketamine therapy may be appropriate for you.

At Keta Medical Center, our clinical team will make a thorough assessment before recommending treatment. We can also help you understand whether insurance may cover treatment and explain what to expect throughout the treatment process, from your first appointment through ongoing care.

If you’re a provider, we value close collaboration — after all, you’re the one who knows your patient best. Our approach is that ketamine treatment is always one component of a broader care plan, not a replacement for the therapeutic relationships and ongoing support that are already in place.

We proudly serve patients throughout New York and New Jersey, making advanced, physician-supervised ketamine treatment accessible to individuals seeking relief and a better life. Whether you’re exploring treatment for yourself or referring a patient who has not responded to conventional therapies, our team is here to help guide the next steps.

Ready to learn whether ketamine therapy may be right for you or your patient? Schedule a free consultation today.

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Trump’s Psychedelic Executive Order: What It Means for Mental Health Treatment

Haviva Malina MD — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 15:06:14 +0000

On April 18, 2026, President Donald Trump signed an executive order that marked one of the most significant federal policy shifts in mental health treatment in decades. For patients, clinicians, and providers working in the field of innovative psychiatry, this development is worth paying close attention to, not because it changes what is available today, but because it signals a meaningful acceleration in what may become available in the years ahead.

What is Trump’s new executive order on psychedelics?

The executive order, formally titled Accelerating Medical Treatments for Serious Mental Illness, directs multiple federal agencies to reduce barriers to the research, clinical review, and (where appropriate) the approval of psychedelic compounds as treatments for serious mental illness.

The scale of the problem it’s designed to address is significant. According to the order itself, more than 14 million American adults currently live with a serious mental illness, defined as a diagnosable condition that substantially interferes with a person’s ability to function in daily life.

Approximately 8 million of those individuals are on prescription medication for their conditions. Among U.S. military veterans, the crisis is particularly severe: an estimated 6,000 veterans die by suicide each year, a figure that has driven bipartisan urgency around exploring new treatment approaches.

The order contains five core directives: fast-tracking psychedelic therapies through priority FDA review vouchers, expanding patient access under Right to Try, allocating $50 million in matching research funding, requiring cross-agency data sharing, and accelerating rescheduling after Phase 3 trials.

It’s important to note that the order itself doesn’t approve any psychedelic compound for medical use. It does not create enforceable rights for patients or providers.

What it does is meaningfully reshape the regulatory environment and signal a substantial directional shift in federal policy.

What does the executive order mean for the future of psychedelic medicine?

For anyone following psychedelic medicine closely, the implications of the April 2026 executive order are significant, though they will take time to materialize in clinical practice. Here is how we see the key takeaways:

Shorter path to FDA approval for compounds like psilocybin. The combination of Breakthrough Therapy designation, the Commissioner’s National Priority Vouchers, and the executive order’s rescheduling directive creates a much more compressed timeline than previously existed. Psilocybin compounds from Compass Pathways and the Usona Institute are now among the first psychedelics to receive expedited review consideration, an unprecedented step.
Clinical access through formal channels. The Right to Try expansion means that eligible patients (specifically those with serious, treatment-resistant conditions) may be able to access certain investigational psychedelic compounds sooner, under physician supervision and through established clinical frameworks, rather than through unregulated or international settings.
Accelerated research and higher-quality evidence. The $50 million federal matching fund and the mandated data-sharing agreements between HHS, the FDA, and the VA are expected to significantly increase both the volume and quality of clinical evidence supporting psychedelic therapies. This evidence base is what ultimately drives FDA approval decisions.
Ibogaine vs. psilocybin: a meaningful distinction. Ibogaine is the more prominently named compound in the executive order, particularly in the context of veteran PTSD and depression treatment. It carries known safety considerations, including cardiac risks, that make its clinical pathway more complex. Psilocybin, by contrast, has a broader and more advanced clinical trial pipeline for general mental health indications, including treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder, but it remains a Schedule I substance and is not yet FDA-approved. The two compounds are at different stages, with different risk profiles, and should not be conflated.

How Keta Medical Center is thinking about the executive order

We’ve been following developments in psychedelic medicine closely for quite some time, and the April 2026 executive order represents a meaningful step forward in expanding access to innovative mental health treatments. At Keta Medical Center, we view this policy shift with both cautious optimism and a grounded sense of what it does (and doesn’t as of yet) mean for patients.

We’re veterans in this space. As a leading ketamine center in New York and New Jersey, for years, we have provided evidence-based treatments for depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and chronic pain using ketamine infusions and Spravato® (esketamine nasal spray): treatments that were once considered unconventional and are now recognized as breakthrough therapies by the FDA.

We understand what it means to work with powerful, fast-acting compounds under rigorous medical supervision, and we have built our clinical model around exactly that kind of care.

Keta Medical Center is actively preparing to offer psilocybin-assisted therapy in the future. We have been monitoring the clinical literature, studying the treatment models being developed by leading research institutions, and evaluating how this therapy could be integrated into the kind of physician-led, evidence-based care we already provide.

That said, we will only offer psilocybin-assisted therapy once psilocybin has received full FDA approval and is clearly proven to be both safe and effective. This is not a bureaucratic position: it reflects our core commitment to patient safety and regulatory compliance. The executive order accelerates a process — it does not conclude one. And we will not move ahead of the science or the regulatory framework, no matter how promising the early evidence may be.

We are not speculating on a specific timeline for when psilocybin will receive FDA approval or when we will begin offering this service. What we can say is that when the moment comes, we will be ready and our patients will hear about it directly from us.

What psilocybin therapy at Keta Medical Center could look like

If and when psilocybin receives full FDA approval, we envision integrating psilocybin-assisted therapy into Keta Medical Center’s existing model of care in a way that reflects the same clinical rigor we apply to all of our treatments today.

Based on what the current clinical research suggests, psilocybin-assisted therapy would likely involve a structured, multi-phase process:

Initial screening and suitability assessment to determine whether a patient is an appropriate candidate.
Preparatory sessions to establish therapeutic goals and clinical context;
One or more physician-supervised dosing sessions conducted in a safe, controlled clinical environment.
Integration support to help patients process and apply their experience following treatment.

When approved, this therapy would initially be most appropriate for patients with treatment-resistant depression. It is also being studied in patients with PTSD who have not responded adequately to standard treatments. These are the same populations the executive order itself identifies as the primary intended beneficiaries.

For many of these patients, Keta Medical Center is already a point of care. Our vision of psilocybin-assisted therapy is that it would serve as a natural extension of what we already do: offer evidence-based treatment options for people who have seen limited to no success with conventional treatments.

How Keta Medical Center is helping patients today

While the regulatory landscape for psychedelic medicine continues to evolve, Keta Medical Center already provides proven, FDA-approved treatments for serious mental health conditions right now, across our five locations in the New York metropolitan area.

Side-by-side comparison of Spravato (esketamine) nasal spray and IV ketamine infusion therapy offered at Keta Medical Center.
	Spravato	IV Ketamine Infusion
FDA approval	FDA approved	Off-label for mental health
Administration	Nasal spray, administered in clinic	Intravenous infusion, administered in clinic
Session length	Approximately 2 hours	Approximately 1–2 hours
Supervision	Full medical supervision required	Full medical supervision required
Best for	Patients with treatment-resistant depression; those who prefer a non-IV option	Patients with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain who need rapid symptom relief
Insurance	Covered by most major insurance plans when criteria are met	Typically out-of-pocket

Both treatments are administered by our board-certified clinical team in a private, supervised setting. We provide comprehensive intake assessments, personalized treatment planning, and ongoing support throughout your care.

Schedule a free phone consultation to learn whether ketamine therapy or Spravato may be right for you.

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Is Psilocybin Legal? What Patients Should Know in 2026

Haviva Malina MD — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 14:29:32 +0000

Psilocybin, the active compound in ‘magic mushrooms’, is generating significant attention in mental health and medical communities, and many people want to understand its legal status before speaking with their doctor about it.

A 2026 executive order has accelerated federal research and FDA review of psychedelic therapies, but psilocybin remains a Schedule I controlled substance at the federal level. That distinction matters, and this article will clarify it in detail.

Below, we explain the current legal landscape, what the new policy changes actually mean, what psilocybin therapy looks like in clinical practice, and how Keta Medical Center would offer it if and when regulatory pathways allow.

The 2026 executive order on psychedelics: A quick overview

On April 18, 2026, President Trump signed an executive order titled Accelerating Medical Treatments for Serious Mental Illness. The order speeds up FDA review of promising psychedelic drugs, puts $50 million toward research, and makes it easier for eligible patients to try these treatments before they are fully approved.

It’s important to clarify what the executive order does not do. It does not legalize psilocybin, approve it for medical use, or change its Schedule I status.

It does, however, accelerate the federal research and review process. Final approval still requires completion of Phase 3 clinical trials and standard FDA evaluation.

Following the executive order, there has been significant discussion regarding the potential for Commissioner’s National Priority Vouchers to accelerate review timelines. While companies have applied for these vouchers—which could compress review timelines to one or two months—the granting of such vouchers remains subject to ongoing regulatory and political review, and their status is not yet confirmed.

So, is psilocybin legal?

At the federal level: no. Psilocybin is currently classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under the federal Controlled Substances Act, the most restrictive category, reserved for substances deemed to have no accepted medical use and high potential for abuse.

At the state level, the picture is more nuanced. Oregon and Colorado have legalized regulated psilocybin therapy programs for adults. In 2025, New Mexico also legalized a regulated market. Several other states have decriminalized personal possession or are actively advancing legislation. State laws vary significantly and continue to evolve.

There is one additional pathway: clinical trials. Psilocybin can be administered legally in the U.S. under FDA-supervised clinical trials. Patients enrolled in approved trials can access therapeutic psilocybin in a monitored medical setting, even in states where it’s otherwise prohibited.

When is psilocybin going to be legal?

There is no confirmed federal legalization date for psilocybin. However, the regulatory environment is evolving faster than at any point in recent history, and several developments are worth following closely.

For federal approval to occur, psilocybin must:

Complete Phase 3 clinical trials demonstrating safety and efficacy
Receive a positive FDA review
Potentially be rescheduled by the DEA from Schedule I to a lower schedule

The 2026 executive order accelerates FDA review timelines but does not eliminate these requirements.

As of May 2026, two psilocybin programs, Compass Pathways’ COMP360 and the Usona Institute’s formulation, have received FDA priority vouchers, placing them at the front of the review queue. If Phase 3 data support approval, expedited review could significantly accelerate the timeline to market.

Patients in Oregon, Colorado, and New Mexico can access regulated psilocybin therapy now. Additional states are advancing legislation. Patients interested in current access may explore whether a licensed program exists in their state.

At Keta Medical Center, we are actively monitoring the regulatory landscape and preparing to offer psilocybin therapy as soon as approved pathways are available in New York and New Jersey.

What is psilocybin therapy, and who is it for?

Psilocybin therapy is a clinician-supervised, structured treatment that pairs a carefully dosed psilocybin experience with preparation sessions before and integration support afterward. It’s not a recreational experience: it takes place in a monitored medical setting, guided by trained clinicians who help patients process what arises during the session.

Current clinical research has examined psilocybin therapy as a potential treatment for a range of conditions, including:

Treatment-resistant depression
Major depressive disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Generalized anxiety disorder
End-of-life anxiety in patients with life-threatening illness
Alcohol use disorder and other substance use disorders

A typical psilocybin therapy protocol involves one to three preparatory sessions with a therapist, a single supervised dosing session lasting four to six hours in a calm, carefully controlled environment, and one or more integration sessions afterward to help the patient make meaning of the experience.

Potential benefits observed in clinical settings include sustained reductions in depressive symptoms, improvements in emotional openness and psychological flexibility, and a reported sense of connectedness or perspective shift that outlasts the session itself.

Does Keta Medical Center offer psilocybin therapy?

Not yet. Psilocybin currently remains a Schedule I controlled substance federally, which means it cannot be administered outside of approved clinical trials in most states. Keta Medical Center operates within that regulatory framework and does not currently offer psilocybin therapy.

That said, we are closely following the evolving regulatory landscape and are preparing to integrate psilocybin-assisted therapy into our care model when approved pathways become available, and if the scientific evidence clearly shows that it is both safe and effective.

Our background in ketamine-assisted psychotherapy has given us direct experience with psychedelic-adjacent treatments in clinical settings: physician oversight, carefully managed therapeutic environments, patient preparation, and post-session support. These are the same pillars that define effective psilocybin therapy in research settings.

Ketamine therapy, which we offer today, works in many of the same ways as psilocybin in the brain and has strong clinical evidence for treatment-resistant depression and other mental health conditions. It may be an appropriate option while broader regulatory approvals are pending.

Interested in learning more about ketamine therapy, how much it costs, and if it’s right for you?

Schedule a free phone consultation with our team to discuss your treatment options.

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Listening with Pride: We Honor the Voices of Our LGBTQ+ Patients

Paul Rosales — Fri, 29 May 2026 20:57:19 +0000

Throughout my years of experience in healthcare working with diverse populations, I’ve come to deeply understand the importance of embracing inclusivity. My mission is to advocate for patients who often face barriers navigating our complex healthcare systems. As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ and Latino communities, I bring my lived experiences to the forefront of my work. My goal is to provide inclusive, affirming, and accessible care for everyone who walks through our doors.

I’ve personally been inspired by the embracing and inclusive culture that Keta Medical Center has created. A space where patients feel safe to show up as their full selves and begin their healing journey with support and dignity by a staff who honors their patients’ individuality. Inclusive healthcare settings are deeply important to me because I’ve seen firsthand how being truly seen, respected, and affirmed can make all the difference in someone’s mental health and healing.

As someone who understands the direct needs of the community, not just as a healthcare professional, I’m proud to be part of a space that actively works to break down the bias and stigma that LGBTQ+ individuals too often face in healthcare, like being misgendered, dismissed, or not taken seriously when sharing their mental health concerns. At Keta Medical Center, we honor each person’s lived experience and lead with compassion from the first interaction to ongoing care.

LGBTQ+ Mental Health: What the Data Shows

- LGBTQ+ adults are twice as likely to experience depression and anxiety compared to the general population. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
- Nearly 1 in 3 report having experienced discrimination from a healthcare provider.
  Center for American Progress, 2020
- 75% of LGBTQ+ youth report experiencing symptoms of anxiety; 58% report symptoms of depression The Trevor Project, 2023 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health
- LGBTQ+ people of color face compounded challenges, with higher rates of discrimination, economic instability, and barriers to care. Williams Institute, UCLA School of Law

Our Allyship and Commitment to Creating a Safe Space for LGBTQ+ Healing

This Pride Month, and every day of the year, myself and the entire Keta Medical team proudly stand in allyship with the LGBTQ+ community and remain dedicated to celebrating and supporting each person’s unique journey. We believe that true healing begins with feeling safe, seen, respected and supported. That’s why we’re committed to fostering an inclusive, affirming space for everyone. Pride is a time to embrace the beauty in our diversity while also speaking truth to the ongoing challenges the LGBTQ+ community continues to face.

We’re dedicated and remain committed to offering care that’s inclusive and affirming of all identities. Our goal is to create a space where LGBTQ+ individuals feel genuinely seen, safe, and supported, free from fear or judgment. This means:

Using inclusive and affirming language

Every patient deserves to be addressed by their correct name and pronouns. We honor your identity and do our best to ensure our entire team reflects that respect in both language and action.

Reflecting Our Values in Who We Are

We intentionally build a compassionate, culturally aware team that reflects the diverse communities we serve and is deeply mindful and supportive of the mental health needs of LGBTQ+ individuals.

Offering personalized care

We recognize that every healing journey is unique. Our treatments, including ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP), are tailored to the individual, taking into account personal history, lived experiences, and goals.

We collaborate with LGBTQ+ organizations and refer patients to affirming providers when needed.

The Role of Ketamine Treatments in Supporting LGBTQ+ Mental Health

LGBTQ+ individuals continue to face disproportionately high rates of depression, anxiety, and PTSD, often due to chronic stress, discrimination, and lack of affirming care. Ketamine therapy, whether in the form of intravenous (IV) infusions or Spravato nasal spray, is a unique and effective way to address a variety of mental health conditions, especially when other therapies have failed.

At Keta Medical Center, we’ve seen how our care can support emotional healing, bring relief from symptoms, and help patients feel more connected to themselves in a safe, welcoming environment.

Our team has seen firsthand how impactful this care can be. One patient shared,

“The medical and nursing professionals provide excellent care and understanding. Their nonjudgmental interactions and conversations have been a pleasure. They have demonstrated concern, care, and compassion in almost every one of my visits.”

When patients are given the space to heal on their terms, the results are transformational.

The Power of Support: How Families and Friends Can Uplift LGBTQ+ Mental Health

Many family and friends may not be familiar with how ketamine is used for mental health treatment, but their support can be deeply impactful, especially for LGBTQ+ individuals.

Ketamine sessions often stir up emotional material, and having someone offer gentle and affirming support can help patients feel safe and grounded. Even simple words like “You are loved” or “I’m proud of you” can make a meaningful difference.

One of our Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapists, Stacey Blume Frankel, LMSW, shares more on how loved ones can be a source of strength. Read her latest blog article here.

At Keta, We Support Your Journey Toward Healing

We see you. We empower those left behind by traditional treatments to finally find relief and reconnect with the joy of living fully. We know the strength it takes to reach out, especially when you’re navigating depression, anxiety, trauma, or just feeling stuck. With compassionate care, affirming support, and transformative treatments like ketamine therapy, we walk with you at your pace, without judgment. This community has faced so much and continues to rise with incredible strength. We’re proud to be here with you.

The post Listening with Pride: We Honor the Voices of Our LGBTQ+ Patients appeared first on Keta Medical Center.

Mental Health Awareness Month: How Ketamine Supports Therapeutic Growth

Stacey Blume Frankel, LCSW — Thu, 28 May 2026 13:07:55 +0000

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, this article is shared in appreciation of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and all of the professional providers who serve on the front lines of care. The following piece was originally published in NASW’s Currents Newsletter; it highlights innovative and evolving approaches in clinical practice that reflect this community’s core values —empowerment, healing, and hope.

Innovative Treatments in Clinical Practice

How Ketamine Supports Therapeutic Growth

Innovative modalities like ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) remind us that healing begins with flexibility. When combined with empowerment-focused tools and gratitude-based self-care, these approaches help clients and clinicians alike move from helplessness to hope, turning insight into lasting personal growth.

As a Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapist, I am continually inspired by the efficacy of this evidence based treatment in addressing depression, anxiety, and trauma.

I specialize in preparation, intention setting, and integration therapy sessions that help clients access their own inner healers, the intuitive strong resilient part of themselves. Through this process, I have witnessed profound progress—symptoms of depression and anxiety often quickly subside, and people gain cognitive flexibility that inspires positive change.

Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that induces a dream-like state. Most people find the medicine to be a pleasurable 45 minute experience that is immersive and meaningful. Beyond the altered state, ketamine works biologically by increasing glutamate activity, which promotes neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to form new neural connections. This process allows for new emotional insight and adaptive thinking, paving the way for true transformation.

The medicine temporarily softens ego defenses and allows people to more easily address sensitive issues without becoming overwhelmed. Importantly, even when challenging material arises during a ketamine journey, these experiences often illuminate key themes or areas of focus for talk therapy sessions rather than constituting a “bad trip.”

Clients frequently achieve heightened self-awareness, the flexibility to reframe old narratives, and the clarity to release negative thought patterns. These breakthroughs lead to a renewed sense of confidence to embrace a healthier mindset.

At Keta Medical Center, we encourage clients to continue working with their primary therapists during treatment. Our shared goal is to ensure both clients and clinicians understand how to leverage ketamine’s efficacy, maximizing neuroplastic and insight oriented benefits.

The healing potential revealed through ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) mirrors a broader truth within social work practices: growth often arises through challenges. Regardless of the settings, the therapeutic process is a partnership in which clients are guided to reflect and transform—from rigidity to flexibility and from helplessness to hope.

Finding Growth Through Challenge

As social workers, our role with individuals and communities is often connected to periods of significant adversity,but we know that these stressors can also serve as catalysts for growth. Recognizing and facilitating healing requires intentional, empowerment-focused interventions and a conscious shift in perspective.

Traumatic experiences, relational conflict, economic hardship, discrimination, and lack of opportunity can all contribute to intense feelings of anger, sadness, and frustration. Clients may understandably get stuck in negative thought patterns and feel helpless when faced with obstacles that seem beyond their control.

In the therapeutic process, we validate difficult experiences and acknowledge painful emotions with compassionate support. But we don’t want to stay exclusively focused on outside factors that keep people trapped in a victim mentality. An essential part of healing is cultivating hope—hope that change is possible and goals are attainable.

In Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP), neuroplasticity benefits give clients a heightened ability to identify self limiting beliefs and internalize healthier patterns, making the transformation from the inner critic to the inner coach more easily achieved.

Reclaiming the Circle of Influence

Encouraging clients to recognize areas where they have influence helps shift the focus from external limitations to internal agency and strength. Integration sessions after ketamine journeys help reinforce this shift, guiding clients to apply new insights into daily life.

As practitioners, we can help restore people’s sense of personal power by redirecting them to focus on ways they can have meaningful impact across various settings:

Political environments: One may not control policy, but can vote, organize, and educate.
Work environments: One may not end corruption, but can act with integrity and accountability.
Relationships: One may not change others, but can set boundaries and communicate needs assertively.
Personal growth: One may still be triggered, but can build awareness and respond with intention rather than reactivity.

These shifts align with the concept of an internal locus of control—the belief that one’s actions can make a difference. Optimism and a growth mindset are not fixed traits; they can be nurtured through reflection, connection, and taking tangible steps towards achievable goals.

An Attitude of Gratitude

Finding Inner Calm in Chaotic Times

In our technology-driven world, the constant influx of information heightens stress and amplifies anxiety for both social workers and the clients we serve. Intentional pauses—through mindfulness or digital boundaries—create space for calm and renewal.

Gratitude complements strengths-based and resilience-oriented practice. Like an internal locus of control, it fosters self-regulation and grounding. Gratitude does not ignore pain—it broadens awareness to include what nurtures and sustains us.

Gratitude also plays a powerful role in KAP. Clients often describe moments of profound love, awe, or connection during ketamine journeys—emotions that, when integrated, deepen appreciation for self and others.

Practicing gratitude reconnects us to purpose. Naming even one small thing that went right can reset perspective and strengthen the healing pathway created through neuroplasticity.

Social workers often experience gratitude in subtle but profound ways:

Witnessing a client’s courage and progress
Collaborating with colleagues who share a commitment to service ● Seeing advocacy efforts improve community well-being
Feeling a sense of purpose and alignment with social work values

By intentionally noticing moments of appreciation, we cultivate the same hope and resilience we strive to instill in others.

Simple grounding gratitude practices can include:

Feeling the warmth of the sun
Spending time in nature
Walking or exercising
Taking intentional, deep breaths
Meditating or practicing mindfulness
Listening to music or creating art
Playing with a pet
Laughing with a supportive friend

Whether through innovative treatments like ketamine, empowerment-based therapy, or daily gratitude practices, the goal remains the same: to nurture resilience, expand awareness, and help clients reconnect with their capacity to heal.

Together, as a community of dedicated social workers, we continue the mission driven and rewarding work of transforming pain into purpose—one client, one relationship, and one system at a time.

The post Mental Health Awareness Month: How Ketamine Supports Therapeutic Growth appeared first on Keta Medical Center.

What Does Ketamine Therapy Feel Like?

Stacey Blume Frankel, LCSW — Wed, 27 May 2026 14:11:57 +0000

Ketamine, whether administered through IV or the Spravato nasal spray, induces a dream-like state that typically lasts about 45 minutes, but can vary in length. The effects vary from person to person, but are often described as surprisingly pleasant and a welcome break from mental noise. One patient recently shared that “it felt like a relaxing massage for my brain.”

Because ketamine creates a temporary dissociative state, patients often report significant emotional relief and an increased ability to let go of negative thinking patterns. This shift can help people get “unstuck”, feel more energized and create space for healthier perspectives.

Every session is unique, and each person’s healing journey unfolds in its own meaningful way. Some individuals describe feeling peaceful, expansive, or even euphoric, while others may encounter emotionally intense, unfamiliar, or disorienting sensations. These temporary shifts can all become valuable parts of the therapeutic process.

What patients commonly experience during a ketamine treatment

There is no single way to describe ketamine therapy. Every person’s treatment session is distinct and can feel different from the last.

While there is no “right” way to receive the medicine, we suggest utilizing the provided eyemask, headset, and music playlist for an immersive experience.

Many patients describe this inward journey as a floaty, calming feeling that may or may not include dissociation. Some patients report refreshing insight, emotional clarity, or a spiritual transcendence, while others may simply drift into a restful sleep.

Some common sensations may include:

Experience	What Patients Commonly Describe
Floating / Weightlessness	A profound sense of lightness, as if gently drifting or floating in an easy, relaxed state.
Sense of Calm	Emotional distance from stressful thoughts, physical decompression, pleasant heaviness in the limbs, tingling sensations, or a welcome release of tension and pain.
Sense of Connection	Experiences of wholeness, unity with people or nature, warmth, compassion, self-acceptance, or loving kindness.
Dissociation	A gentle sense of detachment from the body, surroundings, or habitual thought patterns; shifts in perception of reality.
Altered Perception of Time & Space	Time may feel slowed down, expanded, or unusually fast; feelings of spaciousness or expansiveness.
Vivid Imagery	Enhanced colors, geometric patterns, dream-like imagery, or perceptual shifts that may feel awe-inspiring.
Euphoric Relief	Quieting the mind, letting go of racing thoughts, stopping ruminations or constant mental noise; symptoms associated with depression or PTSD may fade and be replaced with optimistic joy or energizing revelations.
Emotionally Open	Reduced ego defenses that may allow easier access to memories, reflection, and vulnerability; more connection to authentic feelings in a non-threatening way, with softened anxiety, increased self-awareness, and deeper insight.

Is it normal to experience only one — or none — of these sensations?

Absolutely. Some patients experience vivid imagery, emotional breakthroughs, or profound shifts, while others just feel a muted relaxation. Some people remain highly aware throughout the session, while others describe a subtle calm that may even result in falling asleep. All of these responses are normal.

The intensity of the experience does not predict the treatment’s efficacy. Whether the ketamine journey feels impactful, mild or difficult to describe, the medicine is still working on a biological level. Ketamine promotes neuroplasticity — the formation of new neural pathways — regardless of what happens in the altered state. There is no “right” way to experience ketamine — each person’s healing is individualized.

What if difficult emotions arise during treatment?

There is no such thing as a “bad trip” in the traditional sense. Ketamine can open a doorway into the subconscious mind, bringing forward thoughts, emotions, or memories that may feel uncomfortable — not to cause harm, but to invite deeper awareness. When approached with curiosity and compassion, even difficult moments can offer meaningful insight and often signal an opportunity for growth.

Rather than becoming overwhelmed, many patients find they are able to revisit and observe challenges with a safe emotional distance. Experiences that once felt paralyzing may begin to lose their intensity, allowing core issues to be examined with more understanding and self compassion. New insight invites a reframing of self narratives, which can make them more manageable.

One patient shared, “It felt like I was watching a movie of my trauma, but rather than experiencing the pain and fear I have been crippled by, I saw it differently. It was like a tremendous weight lifted. It was amazing, and I feel transformed.”

What kind of support is connected to treatment?

At Keta Medical Center, patients are encouraged to embrace each treatment with curiosity rather than expectation, allowing the experience to unfold naturally by trusting the process and letting go.

Our doctors and nurses are on premises throughout the entire process – overseeing the treatment, monitoring vital signs and providing ongoing support. Patients can fully relax, knowing they are in a safe therapeutic setting.

If individuals feel anxious or apprehensive, our trained staff and patient liaisons are also always available on site at all of our locations to answer any questions and provide reassuring assistance.

Compassionate guidance for a healing mindset

The clinical team at Keta Medical Center is another resource and service available to help guide and empower patients. Every new patient has a preparation call with a professional licensed therapist to go over any concerns and learn more about the medicine.

Our therapists also provide integration sessions a day or two after the treatment. For many patients, Ketamine-assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) and integration work help transform challenging material into meaningful growth and lasting change.

What happens after a ketamine session?

Immediately after treatment, patients typically spend a short period resting in their treatment room while the acute effects of the medicine wear off. During this time, many people feel peaceful and reflective. Some patients enjoy journaling, listening to calming music, or a guided meditation as they transition back into their day. Patients are encouraged to stay hydrated, have a light snack, and give themselves permission to rest for the remainder of the day. Gentle, restorative activities such as relaxing at home, spending time in nature, or practicing other forms of self-care can be especially beneficial. Embracing feelings of self-acceptance and self-love are key.

Are there any side effects?

It is normal to experience temporary side effects such as fatigue, grogginess, dizziness, nausea, or brain fog. If any of these symptoms do occur, they are generally short-lived and typically resolve within a few hours. But because coordination and reaction time may be temporarily impaired, patients should arrange for someone to drive them home following treatment.

What is “integration”?

Many patients find that the most impactful effects of ketamine therapy are not limited to the treatment session itself, because significant improvements can emerge in the hours and days afterward. This process, known as integration, involves bringing insights from the experience into daily life in a conscious and intentional way.

Integration can happen naturally through reflection and supportive daily practices, but is often strengthened through therapy, journaling, and mindfulness. The goal is not only symptom relief, but identifying action steps towards goals. This is an essential part of translating ketamine therapy into lasting and sustainable healing.

Healing beyond the treatment sessions

Patients generally describe an overall improvement in mood, feeling lighter, and recognizing negative patterns that once kept them stuck. Many people notice they are less reactive — finding the ability to pause, respond more intentionally, and choose healthier thoughts and behaviors. This leads to greater self-awareness, emotional resilience, and renewed confidence. Others experience gradual changes over time, such as improved sleep, reduced anxiety, and a deeper sense of connection.

One patient summed it up quite beautifully:

“I still can’t believe how effective the medication and therapy have been for me. It already feels like this first month of ketamine treatment may end up being a real turning point- something I might look back on as a clear “before and after”. I feel so grateful for this support, getting me to a place where I could really take charge of my mental health. I know there is still work to do, but the path ahead feels so much brighter.”

We’re here when you’re ready to take the next step

At Keta Medical Center, you can feel confident knowing that the entire process is medically supervised, allowing you to fully trust the experience and embrace the potential for positive change. We have locations throughout New York and New Jersey with flexible hours, including weekends, to make your access to treatment as convenient as possible.

Take the next step towards healing and schedule a free consultation with one of our physicians today

Ready to begin your healing journey?

You don’t have to navigate this path alone. Our clinical team at Keta Medical Center offers expert, personalized care across New York and New Jersey, with flexible scheduling to fit your life.

Schedule your free consultation with Keta Medical Center today and take the next step toward lasting change.

The post What Does Ketamine Therapy Feel Like? appeared first on Keta Medical Center.

Ketamine Psychedelic Therapy Explained: From Onset to Outcome

Haviva Malina MD — Thu, 14 May 2026 19:30:40 +0000

Get answers to the most common questions about psychedelics.

The body of research about psychedelic treatments for mental health is expanding rapidly, and public interest and curiosity are growing by the day. Many people are exploring what these emerging treatments actually are, and which options are available now.

While substances like psilocybin and MDMA are still largely in research or regulatory review, ketamine and Spravato (a ketamine derivative) are already being used in clinical settings today as safe, evidence-based treatments for several mental health conditions. Sometimes described as “psychedelic-adjacent,” ketamine can produce altered states of consciousness that may include perceptual, emotional, or introspective experiences associated with psychedelic therapies. At the same time, it works through a distinct neurological mechanism.

Is ketamine a psychedelic?

Ketamine is classified as a dissociative anesthetic, rather than a classic psychedelic. While it falls under the broader category of hallucinogenic substances, it works differently in the brain.

Classic psychedelics, such as LSD or psilocybin, primarily act on serotonin receptors and are known for producing intense sensory changes and altered perception. Ketamine, by contrast, acts on NMDA receptors and a brain chemical called glutamate. Ketamine leads to a dissociative state, often described as a sense of detachment from the body or environment.

This more dream-like, gentler experience may be better suited for patients who struggle with anxiety or have difficulty letting go of control. Classic psychedelics, by contrast, can produce more intense and emotionally challenging experiences, which may be more appropriate in other therapeutic contexts.

Although ketamine is pharmacologically distinct, it is sometimes grouped alongside psychedelics. Both can alter perception, mood, and consciousness and in therapeutic settings, both are used to support treatment for similar mental health conditions, including depression, PTSD, and anxiety.

This is why ketamine is referred to as “psychedelic-adjacent.” The term describes substances that share certain mind-altering and therapeutic properties with classic psychedelics but differ in their underlying biology and subjective effects. Other psychedelic-adjacent drugs include ibogaine, dextromethorphan (DXM), nitrous oxide, and salvinorin A.

Ketamine is one of the most prominent examples in this category. To date, its well-established medical use and legal status have made it more accessible in clinical settings compared to many classic psychedelics.

What is ketamine psychedelic therapy?

Ketamine psychedelic therapy is the clinical use of ketamine within a structured, medically supervised treatment plan. Backed by an extensive body of scientific evidence, it’s designed to provide relief and healing for mental health disorders.

In a clinical setting like Keta Medical Center, ketamine treatment follows a clear, structured process. Ketamine therapy is guided by medical professionals at every step. First, doctors carefully screen patients to determine if they are appropriate candidates. From there, ketamine is administered in precise, controlled doses under medical supervision, with continuous monitoring throughout each session to ensure safety and comfort.

A key part of this approach is integration — the therapeutic work that ideally takes place between ketamine treatments, with the goal of lasting emotional recovery. Ketamine creates a neuroplastic window during which the brain is more adaptable; this is where therapy becomes particularly powerful.

In ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP), patients work with their therapist to process material that arises. This may include identifying negative patterns, reframing perspectives, embracing a healthier mindset and making meaningful behavioral changes. Integration sessions typically take place within 24–48 hours, helping patients make sense of the experience and incorporate new insights into their daily lives.

The combination of medical treatment, psychological support, and structured follow-up care define ketamine psychedelic therapy as a coordinated clinical process designed to produce real, sustained outcomes.

What does ketamine therapy feel like?

Ketamine works differently for everyone and during every session. Most people find the experience pleasant, sometimes describing a floaty, deeply relaxed sensation, almost like being in a dream. Others may have a more intense or transcendent journey. Many experience dissociation, a temporary mental state in which a person feels detached from their surroundings or disconnected from their body. Visual experiences are also common and may include vivid colors, geometric patterns, dreamlike imagery, or surreal, shifting landscapes.

For most patients, this altered state creates a space to process difficult emotions, memories, or thought patterns from a new and more manageable perspective. As the effects wear off, most patients gradually return to full awareness feeling calm, reflective, or mentally lighter.

Whether the altered state is subtle or vivid, ketamine’s effectiveness does not depend solely on the nature of the experience itself. The medicine is still working biologically, triggering a surge of glutamate and promoting the formation of new neural pathways that support healing and improved mental flexibility.

How ketamine works in the brain

Ketamine works differently from traditional antidepressants. Most medications target serotonin or norepinephrine and can take weeks to produce noticeable effects. Ketamine, by contrast, acts on a separate system in the brain.

Ketamine targets glutamate, the brain’s most abundant neurotransmitter. The drug triggers a surge of glutamate, which helps restore communication between brain cells. This increased signaling is associated with rapid improvements in mood and cognitive function.

At the same time, this process promotes neuroplasticity — the brain’s ability to “learn” by forming new neural connections. The temporary window of the brain’s increased ability to “rewire” helps to shift patterns of thought and emotional response. When paired with therapy, it is especially effective.

Because of this mechanism, ketamine has been shown to produce rapid antidepressant effects, offering relief on a much faster timeline than many conventional treatments. Ketamine’s safety and effectiveness for treating depression and other mental health conditions are supported by an extensive and growing body of research. Thousands of scientific papers and hundreds of clinical trials have examined its impact.

What does the new federal focus on psychedelics mean for patients?

In April 2026, a federal Executive Order directed health agencies to accelerate research and approval of new mental health treatments, including psychedelic therapies like psilocybin. Psilocybin-based treatments for depression are already in late-stage research, with FDA review potentially beginning in late 2026 and possible approval expected as early as 2027.

However, these treatments are not yet approved or widely available nationwide. The Executive Order supports faster research and review. It does not make substances like psilocybin or ibogaine legal for general medical use today.

What is available now are established, legal options like ketamine therapy, which is already used in clinical settings under medical supervision. As research progresses, more treatments may become available. For now, ketamine remains one of the few accessible, evidence-based options.

Ketamine vs other psychedelic therapies

Recent federal efforts are speeding up research into psychedelic substances such as psilocybin, MDMA, and ibogaine. Psilocybin is a naturally occurring compound found in certain mushrooms. It is currently being studied as a treatment for depression and other mental health conditions. MDMA is a synthetic compound that primarily affects mood and emotional processing, with ongoing research in PTSD treatment. Ibogaine is a plant-derived psychoactive substance that is being explored for substance use disorders, though research remains in early stages. While these are still in development, ketamine has been used clinically for treating mental health conditions for more than twenty years now.

Keta Medical Center — Clinical Reference

Psychedelic & Dissociative Treatments

A comparative overview of substances currently explored in mental health care

Spravato® (Esketamine)

FDA-approved ✓

ClassificationDissociative anesthetic

How it worksActs on glutamate (NMDA receptors)

Typical experienceDissociative, dream-like, sense of detachment

Primary clinical useEsketamine is FDA approved for treatment resistant depression. It is used off-label for PTSD, anxiety, OCD.

Legal statusKetamine is FDA-approved as an anesthetic. Esketamine (Spravato®) is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder with acute suicidal ideation or behavior.

Psilocybin

Late-stage trials

ClassificationClassic psychedelic

How it worksActs on serotonin receptors

Typical experienceIntense sensory and emotional changes, altered perception

Primary clinical useDepression, PTSD, addiction (research)

Legal statusSchedule I controlled substance under U.S. federal law. Available in approved clinical trials and in limited state-regulated programs in some jurisdictions. In late-stage clinical development for major depressive disorder and other conditions.

MDMA

In clinical trials

ClassificationEntactogen / psychedelic-adjacent

How it worksAffects serotonin and emotional processing

Typical experienceIncreased empathy, emotional openness

Primary clinical usePTSD (clinical trials)

Legal statusNot FDA-approved. Additional clinical studies are underway following FDA requests for further evidence.

Ibogaine

Early research

ClassificationPsychoactive plant compound

How it worksAffects multiple brain systems

Typical experienceIntense, long-lasting introspective experience

Primary clinical useSubstance use disorders (early research)

Legal statusNot FDA-approved. Federally illegal. Early-stage research only.

FDA-approved / legal by Rx

Late-stage trials / FDA review

Active clinical trials

Early-stage research

For informational purposes only. Legal status may vary by state. Consult a qualified provider before pursuing any treatment.

Who is ketamine psychedelic therapy for?

Ketamine psychedelic therapy may be appropriate for individuals struggling with a range of mental health conditions. It can be particularly effective in cases when traditional treatments have not provided sufficient relief. This includes depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar depression, postpartum depression (PPD), alcohol use disorder (AUD), and palliative care cases.

Many patients who opt for ketamine treatment have been diagnosed with treatment-resistant conditions. This means they’ve tried multiple standard medications or therapies without meaningful improvement. Research and clinical experience show that ketamine can offer meaningful relief for treatment-resistant patients.

There is also growing national attention on PTSD, particularly among veterans. The recent executive order highlights the need to accelerate research into new mental health treatments for this population. Ketamine therapy is increasingly part of this conversation due to its potential for helping patients with PTSD find lasting relief.

Ketamine therapy is not a one-size-fits-all treatment. A thorough clinical assessment is essentialIt should include a detailed intake, evaluation, and close collaboration with each patient’s psychiatrist and therapist to ensure safe, personalized care.

Is ketamine therapy safe?

Evidence shows that ketamine therapy is safe when delivered in a controlled, clinical setting. At Keta Medical Center, treatments follow well-established medical protocols. Experienced emergency medicine physicians oversee treatment programs and monitor each treatment session together with a trained medical care team.

The process is designed to prioritize safety at every stage, from initial screening and clinical assessment to precise dosing and real-time monitoring during treatment.

It’s important to separate ketamine’s clinical use from recreational contexts. Ketamine has been used safely as an anesthesia in human medical care for decades. In therapeutic settings, it is generally well tolerated. Temporary side effects such as dissociation, dizziness, or nausea can occur. These are typically short-lived and manageable with medical support.

In a supervised setting, where dosing and administration are carefully controlled, research shows that the risk of addiction is very low. Ketamine has a significantly lower potential for dependency compared to substances like alcohol, nicotine, or opioids.

What happens during a session?

A ketamine therapy session at Keta Medical Center is designed to be comfortable and structured. Before treatment begins, patients arrive at the clinic, meet the doctor, nurse, and care team, have their vitals checked, and receive a detailed explanation of the session.

Patients then settle into a private treatment room with comfortable seating. Headphones, a blanket, an eye mask, and curated music help create a calm, supportive experience. Ketamine is administered under medical supervision. The care team continuously monitors each session, making sure patients feel supported throughout.

After the session, patients remain under observation as the immediate effects wear off. They can treat themselves to snacks and drinks in our welcoming clinic space. Integration therapy may be recommended between treatments to help process the experience and support lasting change.

How to access ketamine therapy

Ketamine therapy is available at licensed medical clinics. At our clinics,treatment is delivered under physician supervision and following established clinical protocols.

Patients can access treatment directly through the clinic or begin care in coordination with their psychiatrist or therapist. The process typically starts with a consultation with Dr. Malina. It’s followed by a personalized treatment plan that may include IV ketamine or Spravato (esketamine), an FDA-approved nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression. While IV ketamine is used off-label, the treatment follows well-established medical guidelines.

Treatment continues with ongoing care and monitoring, ensuring that therapy remains safe, appropriate, and responsive to each individual’s personal progress.

A common question is whether newer therapies mentioned in the recent executive order, such as psilocybin or ibogaine, are available. While research is accelerating, these substances remain federally illegal and are not (yet) FDA-approved for general medical use. For now, ketamine remains one of the few legally available, medically supervised options for patients seeking psychedelic or psychedelic-adjacent treatment.

Frequently asked questions

Is ketamine therapy the same as a psychedelic trip?

No. While ketamine can create altered or dream-like states, the experience takes place in a controlled medical setting with a clear therapeutic purpose. The focus is on clinical outcomes, not recreation.

Do you hallucinate during a ketamine therapy session?

Some patients experience changes in perception or a sense of dissociation during treatment. These effects are typically temporary, vary by individual, and are monitored closely by the care team.

Is ketamine therapy addictive?

In a supervised clinical setting, the risk of addiction is very low. Dosing is carefully controlled, and research shows ketamine has a lower potential for dependency compared to substances like alcohol or opioids.

How many sessions are needed?

Treatment typically begins with an initial series of sessions over several weeks, often 6–8 treatments. Ongoing sessions may be recommended based on individual response and treatment goals.

The post Ketamine Psychedelic Therapy Explained: From Onset to Outcome appeared first on Keta Medical Center.

Part 2: When Insight Isn’t Enough: How Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Helps Patients Heal From Trauma

Yonit Malina, LCSW — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 20:01:40 +0000

How Spravato and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Work Together

This article is the second of a two-part series examining how Spravato® and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) complement each other in the treatment of depression. Read the companion article: Life After Treatment-Resistant Depression.

Many trauma survivors reach a point in therapy where they intellectually understand what happened to them. They know the event was not their fault, can articulate the experience and explain it clearly. Yet that insight doesn’t relieve the emotional weight of the trauma.

Shame, self-blame, and painful body memories can persist long after the mind understands the truth. For some patients, this is where traditional therapeutic approaches stop short of helping them move towards meaningful change.

Spravato and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy offer a different approach

At Keta Medical Center, we often combine Spravato, a ketamine-based nasal spray, with ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) to help patients move beyond intellectual insight and toward deeper emotional healing.

Spravato works differently from traditional antidepressants. It affects the neural pathways in the brain and increases its capacity for neuroplasticity – the brain’s lifelong ability to reorganize its structure, functions, and neural connections in response to learning or experience. When this biological process is paired with psychotherapy, patients can often look at difficult memories and long-standing emotional patterns from a new perspective.

Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is an integrated process. Treatment typically begins with one or more preparation sessions, where therapist and patient explore personal history, identify goals, and establish intentions for the work ahead. These conversations help build trust and prepare patients for the experiences that may arise during ketamine sessions.

A life burdened by the weight of trauma

During ketamine treatment sessions patients enter a dream-like or altered state of consciousness. Some describe deep relaxation, while others encounter vivid memories, images, or emotional insights. This state can create enough psychological distance for patients to observe painful experiences without feeling flooded by them.

In my work as a therapist, I often witness how meaningful this shift in perspective can be. Here’s an example of what this can look like for a patient. Please note that the story below is not based on the experience of any one single patient. Rather, it’s a blend of experiences I have seen across many patients. I have carefully changed details to protect the privacy and identity of all of my patients.

A middle-aged woman struggles with lifelong feelings of shame after being sexually assaulted as a teenager. She has undergone years of therapy but nothing really helps her move forward. She feels uncomfortable in her own skin, hating her body and overeating to block out the feelings of depression and shame.

Over time, she tries many different things to heal. She joins an overeaters anonymous group. She participates in various therapies where therapists tell her it wasn’t her fault. She also joins women’s support groups. She finds comradery in these groups and appreciates the support, yet the heavy depression and shame remain.

She hears therapists say that what happened was not her fault, and cognitively she is able to agree with it. But her body still feels heavy, and she continues to bury her depression with food. After episodes of binge eating, the shame and heaviness become even more intense.

A new perspective on traumatic memories

Antidepressants help numb the depression, but she still struggles with overeating and a vague sense of unease. She finds support in good friendships and trusts her therapist, but the words “it’s not your fault” never seem to penetrate deeply. Day after day, she feels as though she is simply slogging through life, carrying the same burden while gaining more and more weight. When she begins treatment with Spravato alongside ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, something changes.

During one of her early Spravato sessions, she revisits the memory of the assault in a way she has never experienced, from a distance, almost like watching a movie. She sees her younger self, thin and unprotected. She remembers the smells and the details of the attack. She recalls the physical and emotional humiliation and the pain. She remembers feeling shame, but she doesn’t relive the trauma with overwhelming emotions. It is as if she is observing her former self.

Afterwards, she writes about what she has experienced and brings those reflections into her ketamine-assisted psychotherapy sessions. This is where integration therapy becomes central to the healing process. Integration sessions typically occur within a day or two after treatment, while the brain is still more flexible and receptive to new perspectives. During these sessions, patients explore the emotions and insights that emerged during ketamine treatment and begin translating them into meaningful change.

Challenging the story that had defined her for years

Together, we began examining the details that had reinforced her self-blame for years. She remembered wearing a short skirt that day, smiling at her perpetrator, and not reporting the crime immediately.

As her therapist, I questioned the ingrained assumptions hiding behind these memories. Does smiling at someone mean she caused the assault? Does what someone wears make them responsible for violence? Does not reporting immediately mean the experience was somehow less serious? Looking at these details within ketamine-assisted psychotherapy slowly led her to challenge the narrative she has held onto for decades.

Shifting from shame to lightness

Within weeks of beginning treatment, the woman noticed a meaningful shift. She ate meals without constantly counting calories, actually enjoying the food. For the first time in years, she wore clothes that fit her body instead of hiding beneath oversized layers. She described feeling lighter overall and free from the shame that had burdened her for decades.

For many trauma survivors, that kind of shift is transformative. Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy offers a structured way to explore painful experiences, process difficult emotions, and reshape long-standing beliefs. When Spravato treatment is combined with thoughtful therapeutic work, patients may find themselves able to release patterns that have defined them for years. And that opens the door to true healing.

If you are struggling with the lasting effects of trauma and treatment-resistant depression, Spravato® treatment combined with ketamine-assisted psychotherapy may offer a new path toward healing. Schedule a free consultation with a clinician at Keta Medical Center to see whether this approach may be appropriate for you.

The post Part 2: When Insight Isn’t Enough: How Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Helps Patients Heal From Trauma appeared first on Keta Medical Center.