Ketamine-assisted therapy
Supervised, medically administered ketamine at sub-anaesthetic doses for treatment-resistant depression, delivered in a monitored clinical setting alongside structured psychotherapy.
What it is & how it works
Ketamine-assisted therapy uses medically administered ketamine at sub-anaesthetic doses for treatment-resistant depression, combined with structured psychotherapy to support integration of the experience. Ketamine acts mainly on the brain's glutamate system (as an NMDA-receptor antagonist), which is thought to promote rapid changes in synaptic connectivity — a different mechanism from conventional antidepressants, and one reason its effect on mood can appear within hours to days rather than weeks.
How it's done
Typically administered as a short course of medically supervised sessions in a controlled clinical setting, after a psychiatric assessment confirms suitability. Blood pressure, heart rate, and level of alertness are monitored during dosing and for a recovery period afterward, and each course is paired with psychotherapy sessions for preparation and integration. Patients should not drive or operate machinery for the rest of the treatment day and need someone to accompany them home.
Conditions it treats
Why Brain Bridge
Brain Bridge offers ketamine-assisted therapy within the same evidence-bounded, psychiatrist-led model as its other treatments — considered only after structured assessment, for people whose depression has not responded to standard treatment, and always delivered alongside psychotherapy rather than as a stand-alone drug treatment. Outcomes vary between individuals, and no specific result is promised.
Evidence & safety
Considered for treatment-resistant depression, not as a first-line treatment. Common short-lived effects during and shortly after dosing include dissociation, dizziness, nausea, and a temporary rise in blood pressure. It is generally not suitable for people with uncontrolled high blood pressure, certain heart or vascular conditions, a history of psychosis, current substance misuse, or during pregnancy; these are screened for before treatment begins.
Related questions
Yes. Brain Bridge offers medically supervised ketamine-assisted therapy for treatment-resistant depression, following a psychiatric assessment to confirm it is clinically appropriate.
It is generally considered for adults with depression that has not improved after adequate trials of standard treatments such as antidepressant medication and psychotherapy. Suitability is decided after a full psychiatric and medical assessment.
Ketamine is given at a sub-anaesthetic dose in a controlled clinical setting, with blood pressure, heart rate, and alertness monitored throughout and during a recovery period afterward. Sessions are paired with psychotherapy for preparation and integration, and you will need someone to take you home.