Ketamine Therapy
When therapy and medication aren't enough, it can feel like the options are running out. Ketamine offers a new possibility, one that can act rapidly, especially when urgent relief is needed.What is ketamine therapy?
Ketamine is a dissociative anaesthetic that has shown strong evidence in reducing depressive symptoms and suicidal thoughts, sometimes within hours of the first session. It is considered for people experiencing acute suicidal thoughts or long standing treatment resistance.
Benefits of ketamine therapy
Ketamine works differently from traditional antidepressants. When used in a clinical setting, its effects are short-term, carefully monitored, and often bring rapid relief from mental health symptoms.An improvement in mood and reduction in symptoms within hours to days, compared to the weeks traditional medications may take.
Effective for people who have not responded to conventional antidepressants or therapy.
Ketamine may significantly reduce suicidal ideation, offering critical support in crisis situations.
May help the brain form new connections, improving the ability to process emotions and engage in therapy.
Is ketamine therapy right for you?
If you're living with treatment-resistant depression and wondering whether ketamine therapy could be the answer, we're here to help you.
Ketamine therapy may be right for you if:
- You've tried multiple medications or dosage adjustments without significant relief.
- You haven't experienced full improvement with group or individual CBT or other forms of therapy.
- You do not have any medical conditions that would make ketamine therapy unsafe.
Conditions under which ketamine therapy is not recommended:
- You are pregnant.
- You have uncontrolled high blood pressure.
- You have acute heart or cardiovascular disease.
- You have previously had a negative reaction to ketamine therapy.
- You have a history of psychosis , substance abuse, or increased pressure in the brain (intracranial pressure).
What to expect during a ketamine therapy session?
- Ketamine is delivered via IV infusion in a calm clinical setting.
- You'll be awake throughout and may experience temporary dissociation or altered awareness, this is expected.
- An anaesthetist continuously monitors your vital signs and emotional response.
Duration and number of sessions
Each session lasts 40 to 60 minutes.
The course may involve 4-8 sessions over 2-4 weeks.
Ketamine therapy can be accessed without hospital admission at Amaha.
Step-by-step patient experience:
1
Evaluation
2
Consent and Preparation
3
Treatment
4
Recovery & Follow-up
Want to get ketamine therapy?
Start with an evaluation.
Book your evaluation with our psychiatrists to know if ketamine therapy is suitable for your needs.
Effects of ketamine therapy
Unlike most antidepressants, ketamine doesn't act on serotonin. It targets the brain's glutamate system, helping to rewire circuits involved in mood, cognition, and behavioural flexibility.
Experience a sense of lightness, disorientation and confusion.
Increased blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, or body temperature.
Changes in sensory perceptions with an altered awareness, or mild dissociation.
Amaha Mental Health HospitalA super-speciality psychiatric care facility in Thanisandra for complex mental health needs, offering 24/7 supported admissions, psychiatric ICU, and emergency care.
Why choose ketamine therapy at Amaha?
Delivered by trained clinicians within a controlled medical setting, under the supervision of an anaesthetist
Part of a broader treatment plan, not an isolated intervention
Designed to support both acute stabilisation and long-term recovery
Backed by global standards, local compliance, and personalised care
Safety and regulations for ketamine at Amaha
Ketamine is an approved anaesthetic in India and classified under Schedule X. Its psychiatric use is considered off-label, which means it must follow strict clinical and legal safeguards. How does Amaha ensure safety and regulatory compliance for Ketamine treatment?Ketamine is prescribed by a psychiatrist and administered safely under the supervision of an anaesthetist.
MHCA 2017 guidelines are followed at every stage.
Clinicians at Amaha closely monitor every session and administer the treatment only within a structured, medically supervised care plan, as ketamine carries a risk of misuse, dependency, and side effects.
Need help or have questions about ketamine?
If you're unsure and need more information about ketamine therapy, we're here to answer your queries.Ketamine therapy is available at Amaha's select centres
Thanisandra, Bengaluru
at Amaha Mental Health Hospital
Amaha Mental Health Hospital
463, 14th Cross, M.C.E.C.H.S. Layout, Main road, Dr Shivarama Karanth Nagar, RK Hegde Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560077
+91 88288 03935
Koramangala, Bengaluru
at Amaha Mental Health Centre
Amaha Mental Health Centre
Docube Clinic Koramangala, 365 1st floor, Sulochana Building, 1st Cross Road, 3rd Block, Santhosapuram, Koramangala 3 Block, Koramangala, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560034
+912071171501
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You don’t need to have it all figured out; that’s what we’re here for. Fill out the form to connect with our team. We'll help you explore if this is the right option for you or your loved one, answer your questions, and help you access the care you need.Your Name*
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Your questions about ketamine therapy, answered
How do I get Ketamine therapy at Amaha?
- Evaluation: Book a session with an Amaha psychiatrist to confirm if ketamine therapy is suitable for you. Medical history, current medications, and basic tests may be done.
- Consent and preparation: Your psychiatrist will explain the benefits, risks, and treatment plan. You'll receive pre-treatment instructions (e.g., fasting, avoiding alcohol, arranging someone to take you home).
- Treatment: Ketamine is given via IV infusion over ~40 minutes in a calm clinic setting. You'll be monitored closely before, during, and after the session.
- Recovery and follow-up: Rest in the clinic until fully alert, then head home. Multiple sessions may be scheduled over 2–4 weeks for best results.
Ketamine therapy can be accessed without hospital admission at Amaha.
What is the cost for ketamine therapy?
The cost for ketamine therapy depends on the number of sessions prescribed. Please contact us at +91 88288 03935 for detailed pricing and payment options.
How does ketamine therapy work?
Ketamine targets glutamate receptors in the brain, helping to form new connections between brain cells. This can improve mood, reduce symptoms of depression, and benefit people who haven't responded to other treatments.
Is it safe? What are the side effects?
Yes, ketamine therapy is safe when administered properly. Side effects may include mild dissociation, nausea, dizziness, or light headedness. These usually fade quickly and are managed with care.
Who can benefit from ketamine therapy?
Ketamine therapy is often used for treatment-resistant depression or acute suicidal behaviour.
How many sessions does it typically take?
A standard course may involve several sessions over a few weeks, depending on your response and clinical recommendations.
Explore other treatment approaches at Amaha
Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (Deep TMS)
A non-invasive brain stimulation technique used to support individuals with depression, OCD, and certain types of addiction.
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
Used in carefully screened cases of severe depression or suicidality, this treatment is administered under psychiatric and anaesthesiology supervision.
Still have questions, or just need to talk it through?
Reach out anytime at [email protected] or call us at +91 20 7117 1501, we're here to help no matter what you're looking for, or where you're starting from.
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Amaha is equipped to provide care and support for individuals experiencing severe psychological distress, including complex psychiatric disorders and other complex conditions. For those in need of more intensive care and daily support, we are launching an in-patient care facility in Bengaluru soon.
If you or someone you know is experiencing at-risk behaviors or safety concerns, or any other life-threatening crisis or critical mental health situation, contact a helpline or go to the nearest hospital or emergency room. Having a close family member or friend with you for support can be invaluable during this time.
For emergency mental health support, please call the national Tele MANAS helpline at 1-800 891 4416.