From 2015 to 2018, the number of ketamine clinics in the US increased drastically from 60 to 300, and today, an estimated 700 to 750 clinics are operating nationwide. Esketamine, the FDA-approved nasal spray of Ketamine, is an FDA-approved drug for Major Depressive Disorder. Off-label, ketamine is also used for conditions such as anxiety, PTSD, and bipolar disorder [1].
Ketamine is legal in Utah under the supervision of a licensed medical provider, but recreational use is illegal and can lead to fines and jail time. Recreational use of ketamine can also increase the risk of adverse effects such as dizziness, disorientation, “k-holeing” (bad trip), and in severe cases, psychosis.
If you’re struggling with depression, grief, isolation, or feeling emotionally stuck, ketamine can be a helpful support when traditional mental health medications fail. However, it’s important to connect with a licensed Ketamine clinic that can provide you with legal, medically supervised ketamine treatment and monitor any complications that could arise.
What Is Ketamine and How Does It Work on The Brain?
Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that causes a trance-like state characterized by sedation and pain relief. Medically, it was first used for surgery (and still is) but has since grown as an effective treatment for severe cases of depression. It is still abused recreationally, primarily in party settings where it’s called “K” and “Special K”, combined with drugs such as MDMA.
Ketamine functions as an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, blocking this receptor and causing the release of glutamate. Glutamate encourages neuroplasticity, helping the brain adapt and form new neural connections to strengthen brain circuits that impact mood regulation [2].
Is Ketamine Therapy Legal for Mental Health Treatment?
Ketamine therapy is a growing, evidence-based off-label therapy using the dissociative anesthetic ketamine to produce quick antidepressant effects. Studies show ketamine therapy has a success rate of over 52%, with many patients reporting symptom relief after just a few sessions [3].
It is administered via IV infusions, lozenges, and intramuscular injections. Many patients report an immediate relief of symptoms, compared to antidepressants, which can take several weeks or even months to notice improvement.
Ketamine is legal for mental health treatment when administered by a licensed medical provider, although specific rules vary by state. It has been safely used as an anesthetic in medicine for over 50 years and esketamine has been FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression since 2019.
What Are The Laws Surrounding Ketamine?
Ketamine remains illegal as a recreational drug to use without a prescription or under the care of a licensed professional. Exact laws surrounding ketamine vary by state and may differ in misdemeanor classification from the federal perspective.
Federal Stance
In 1999, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classified ketamine as a Schedule III controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act alongside drugs like Anabolic Steroids and barbiturates.
This means it has a moderate to low abuse potential (lower than Schedule I and II, such as opioids or methamphetamine) but is still illegal to purchase, consume, and distribute recreationally [4].
Utah Stance
In Utah, ketamine is legal for off-label use. Similar to other states that legalized ketamine, treatment must occur in a clinic setting or, if take-home (such as ketamine lozenges) monitored closely under the supervision of a licensed medical professional.
Practitioners and treatment centers that provide ketamine therapy must also abide by state laws, following strict protocols to monitor patients and manage any complications or adverse side effects. In Utah, the Utah Department of Health and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) regulate the use of ketamine.
Possession of recreational ketamine in Utah is classified as a Class B misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a maximum fine of $1,000.
If there is intent to sell or distribute, it is considered a second-degree felony with prison sentences ranging from 1 to 15 years and fines of up to $10,000. Punishments can vary and may depend on factors such as the amount of ketamine possessed and whether they carry prior convictions for drug offenses [5].
How Is Ketamine Administered Safely in Therapy Clinics?
Ketamine clinics follow strict safety protocols and evaluation processes to ensure candidates meet criteria for a safe and effective treatment experience.
Initial Consultation
Ketamine treatment usually starts with an initial consultation where patients can ask questions, express concerns, and build trust with their provider. Standard questionnaires and structured interviews may be used to assess symptom severity and tailor treatment protocols.
Administration
Ketamine can be administered through various routes, including IV therapy, intranasal spray (esketamine), intramuscular injections, and lozenges. The choice of administration often depends on the patient’s health needs, condition, and what the provider offers or recommends.
Treatment occurs in a controlled, comfortable environment, and dosages are adjusted based on individual responses to maximize therapeutic benefits.
Post-Treatment Follow-Up
After administration, post-treatment follow-ups are essential and allow for healthcare providers to check in on how the patient has responded to treatment. For increased treatment outcomes, ketamine therapy works best as part of a broader treatment plan (e.g., trauma therapy between ketamine sessions or practicing stress management techniques).
If You Are Considering Ketamine Therapy
Before your ketamine session, you typically need to be approved for treatment by a doctor or licensed mental health provider, and you may need pre-authorization from your insurance provider.
A few of the factors that our licensed team here at Harper Clinic takes into account when deciding if you are an ideal candidate for ketamine include:
- Mental Health Status: Ketamine is for moderate to severe mental health conditions that have not responded to two previous medication treatments, such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and suicidal ideation.
- Previous Treatment: Ketamine is not a first line of treatment, but rather used where two or more other treatments, such as antidepressants, have already been tried.
- Medical History: General medical history to rule out any disqualifying criteria such as cardiovascular problems, thyroid disorders, pregnancy, history of substance abuse, or schizophrenia.
- Age: Ketamine therapy is typically restricted for individuals under 18 years of age and older adults 65+.
Breakthrough Ketamine Therapy for Treatment-Resistant Depression
If you’ve already tried conventional methods of mental health treatment with no relief, ketamine may be an ideal option for you. At Harper Clinic Utah, we provide personalized treatment planning and licensed ketamine therapy to address deep-rooted depression, trauma, and emotional blocks.
Through a holistic, blended approach, we address each aspect of your health and recovery needs to support long-term healing. Contact our consultation team to learn if you are a good candidate for ketamine assisted therapy today.
Sources
[1] Sanacora, G. et al. (2024). The Rapidly Shifting Ketamine Landscape in the US. JAMA psychiatry, 81(3), 221–222.
[2] Mennerick, S. (2016). Ketamine: NMDA Receptors and Beyond. The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience, 36(44), 11158–11164.
[3] Gavin, K. 2024. Ketamine’s promise for severe depression grows, but major questions remain. University of Michigan Medical Center.
[4] DEA. Drug Scheduling.
[5] Harris Sliwoski. Ketamine Laws by State.