Ketamine can alleviate psychological symptoms such as depression, Anxiety Disorders, trauma-related disorders, and chronic pain when used in a targeted way as part of psychotherapy. It works on several levels:

• Rapid antidepressant effect by influencing glutamate metabolism (NMDA receptor antagonism)
• Promotion of neuroplasticity, i.e., the brain’s ability to form new connections
• Support for emotional and biographical insights through altered states of consciousness

These combined effects create a “window” for psychotherapeutic change—rapid, profound, and often effective even where conventional therapies do not work.

Ketamine works differently from conventional antidepressants and can often have a mood-lifting effect within hours:

• Glutamate system: Ketamine influences the brain’s primary excitatory neurotransmitter and thereby promotes communication between nerve cells.
• Synaptic plasticity: It stimulates the formation of new connections between nerve cells—the brain can break up entrenched thought patterns and forge new pathways.
• Growth factors: Ketamine increases the release of BDNF, an important factor for the brain’s regeneration and adaptability.

These mechanisms explain ketamine’s rapid effect—an important advantage in severe depression when help is needed quickly.

• The Cochrane review by Dean et al. (2021) (64 studies, n=5299) shows that ketamine and esketamine significantly increase response and remission rates after 24 hours compared with placebo.
• Nikolin et al. (2023, EClinicalMedicine): This meta-analysis includes 49 studies with a total of 3,299 participants and analyzes the effectiveness of ketamine (various routes of administration and dosages) in major depression, including single and multiple dosing as well as different delivery routes (intravenous, intranasal, subcutaneous, oral, intramuscular). The analysis shows significant antidepressant effects, particularly in treatment-resistant depression, and differentiates by formulation and dosage.
• Price et al. (2022, Molecular Psychiatry): This is the largest patient-level meta-analysis with data from 17 randomized controlled trials (n=809) examining the effect of intravenous ketamine in depression. The study identifies relevant moderators of clinical effectiveness and confirms robust antidepressant effects, especially in patients with high treatment resistance.
• Seshadri et al. (2024, Journal of Affective Disorders): This meta-analysis includes 12 randomized studies and compares the effectiveness and dose escalation of intravenous ketamine and intranasal esketamine in major depression. It shows that IV ketamine is effective even at low doses (≥0.2 mg/kg) and that higher doses provide no additional benefit. For esketamine, doses of 56–84 mg are most effective.

Yes. Numerous studies demonstrate the effectiveness of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP), particularly in treatment-resistant depression, Anxiety Disorders, and PTSD:

• The randomized clinical trial by Greenway et al. (2025) examines the Montreal Model KAP in severe treatment-resistant depression. Six subanesthetic ketamine infusions combined with psychological support led to significant and sustained improvements in depression, anxiety, and suicidality. Mystical and emotional experiences during the ketamine sessions correlated with the antidepressant effect.
• Sakopoulos & Todman (2025) show in a retrospective chart analysis that combining ketamine infusions with weekly psychotherapy enhances treatment outcomes in treatment-resistant depression.
• Dore et al. (2019) analyze data from 235 patients across three large practices and report that KAP effectively reduces depression and anxiety, particularly in older and severely ill patients.
• Robison et al. (2024) document in a case series the effectiveness and safety of group KAP for COVID-19-related burnout and PTSD in medical staff. Significant improvements were achieved in PTSD, depression, and anxiety symptoms.
• Ryan & Heifets (2024) examine the long-term effect of intramuscular KAP in depression. 82% of participants showed a good response that was maintained over six months. The treatment was well tolerated, with few dropouts due to side effects.

These results suggest that ketamine not only works in the short term, but in combination with psychotherapy can enable particularly sustainable changes.

• Active psychosis (e.g., schizophrenia): Ketamine can exacerbate psychotic symptoms; therefore, its use in patients with active psychotic disorders is recommended as contraindicated by the American Academy of Pain Medicine, the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, and the American Society of Anesthesiologists.
• Uncontrolled hypertension: Ketamine can acutely raise blood pressure, so its use should be avoided in severe, uncontrolled hypertension.
• Severe liver insufficiency (e.g., cirrhosis): Ketamine is contraindicated in severe liver disease; in moderate liver insufficiency, close monitoring is required.
• Pregnancy: Ketamine is contraindicated during pregnancy because the risks to the fetus have not been sufficiently studied.
• Allergy to ketamine: A known allergy is an absolute contraindication.

Epilepsy is not an absolute contraindication, as ketamine at low doses is not considered to trigger seizures; however, caution is advised in severe, uncontrolled epilepsy.

Relative contraindications (caution and individual risk assessment):

• Substance misuse: Ketamine has addictive potential; therefore, careful consideration is required in cases of active addiction.
• Aneurysms, severe cardiovascular disease: Due to possible increases in blood pressure, ketamine should only be used in these patients under strict monitoring.
• Affective instability (e.g., Bipolar II), personality disorders: This is not an absolute contraindication, but increased vigilance and close psychiatric support are recommended.
• Lack of therapeutic alliance: A lack of trust is not a medical contraindication, but it can impair the safety and effectiveness of the treatment.

The experience differs from person to person and can range from mild to intense. The altered state of consciousness lasts for the duration of the infusion and fully subsides within one to two hours after treatment.

The most common experiences include:

• Dissociative sensations: Many patients report a feeling of detachment—from their own body, from emotions, or from their surroundings. This can feel like “being outside the body” or having a certain distance from one’s thoughts and feelings.
• Perceptual changes: Visual and auditory changes are common. Colors may appear more intense, sounds may seem different, and the sense of time may be altered.
• Emotional experiences: Some patients experience deep emotional insights, a sense of openness, or calm. Others report mystical or spiritual experiences that may involve a sense of connectedness or transcendence.
• Physical sensations: Feelings of lightness, heaviness, or altered body perception are possible.

Not always. Some patients find the experience unfamiliar or temporarily unsettling. Feelings of anxiety, loss of control, or confusion may occur. These sensations are usually mild, temporary, and subside quickly. Your therapeutic team will accompany and support you throughout the entire session.

Research findings suggest that certain aspects of the ketamine experience—especially feelings of insight, unity, or emotional breakthroughs—may be associated with better antidepressant outcomes. The experience can open a “window of flexibility” in which entrenched thought patterns are temporarily loosened and new perspectives become possible. Combined with psychotherapeutic support, this can lead to lasting positive changes.

The acute effects of the ketamine infusion usually fully subside within one to two hours. During this time, you will remain in a relaxed environment where you can feel safe and supported. You will not be left alone—our team is available at all times if you need support.
Many patients find the time immediately after the infusion particularly valuable for personal processing. In our recovery room, you have the opportunity to:

• Record your thoughts and impressions in a journal
• Paint or draw to express what you experienced creatively
• Simply sit quietly and let the experience settle
• Listen to music or relax

These activities can help you process and capture the insights and emotions gained during the session before they fade.

You may stay in the recovery room until you feel well and ready to go home. Important: You must not drive or operate machinery after the treatment. Please ensure that you are picked up by an accompanying person.

Your safety is our top priority. Before starting treatment, we conduct a thorough medical examination to ensure that ketamine therapy is suitable for you. During each session, you will be continuously cared for by a physician. We continuously monitor your vital signs—blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation—and pay close attention to your well-being so that we are there for you at all times. The most common side effects, such as mild dizziness or nausea, are usually mild and fully subside shortly after the session.

The ketamine infusion itself takes about 40 minutes, and the noticeable effects fully subside within one to two hours. Afterwards, you will have time to settle back into everyday life in a calm atmosphere in our recovery room. Many patients use this phase to process what they experienced through painting, writing, or other creative methods. Overall, you should plan about 2 to 3 hours for the entire appointment.

Our medical and therapeutic team will provide you with detailed information about possible experiences before treatment. An open, curious attitude and a willingness to engage with the experience are helpful. After the session, you will have the opportunity to discuss and process your experiences—this integration process is an important part of the treatment.

A typical treatment cycle includes 4 to 8 ketamine sessions. The exact number is determined individually and adjusted over the course of treatment—depending on the severity of your condition, your response to the first sessions, and your personal tolerability. Initial effects often appear after just 2 to 3 sessions. If no improvement occurs after 4 to 6 sessions, we will discuss the next steps with you.

As a rule, most medications can continue to be taken during ketamine therapy. Before treatment begins, we will discuss your current medication in detail with you and check for possible interactions. If an adjustment is necessary, it will be made individually and in close consultation with you and, if applicable, your treating physicians.

Please do not stop taking any medication on your own without discussing it with us beforehand.

Ketamine treatment cycle

Depending on the indication, we will create a personalized treatment plan.

The cost of the entire treatment varies depending on the therapy model and scope of treatment.

Individual sessions

We view ketamine-augmented therapy as a modular offering. Depending on therapeutic needs and personal resources, we choose between supervised ketamine infusions or a combination of ketamine infusion with therapeutic support.

• Basic medical session – from €350
  The ketamine infusion including full medical monitoring, informed consent, and a brief follow-up discussion. Ideal if you already have therapeutic support outside our practice or would like to manage integration independently.
• Augmented therapy – from €480
  The combination of ketamine infusion and therapeutic support throughout the entire process.

Group treatment – €350

Our group model enables ketamine sessions from €350—while maintaining consistently high medical safety and therapeutic quality. The shared experience in a small group can also foster a sense of connection and is perceived by many patients as enriching.

Cost coverage by health insurance

Since ketamine infusion therapy for psychiatric indications is an off-label treatment—meaning ketamine is not officially approved for this use—statutory health insurance providers cover the costs only to a limited extent.

With private health insurance, partial or full reimbursement may be possible depending on your plan and insurer. We recommend contacting your insurer before starting treatment and obtaining written confirmation of cost coverage.

Note

All services are provided as private medical services.  We will be happy to provide you with an individual cost estimate before treatment begins.