Ketamine therapy has emerged as a promising option for individuals with PTSD who have not found sufficient relief through traditional treatments such as antidepressants or standard psychotherapy.
Emerging research shows that ketamine can rapidly reduce PTSD symptoms, including intrusive memories, hyperarousal, and negative mood states, by acting on glutamate pathways involved in fear processing and neural flexibility. Unlike conventional therapies that may take weeks or months to show effects, ketamine often produces noticeable symptom improvement within hours to days.
Beyond short-term symptom relief, ketamine may help support long-term recovery when integrated into a comprehensive, trauma-informed treatment plan. By promoting neuroplasticity, ketamine can enhance the brain’s ability to form new, healthier patterns of response, potentially making patients more receptive to trauma therapies such as EMDR or Accelerated Resolution Therapy.
When administered in a controlled clinical setting with careful monitoring and follow-up, ketamine therapy offers a valuable, evidence-based option for treatment-resistant PTSD, prioritizing both effectiveness and patient safety.
Ketamine works by targeting neural pathways that are often dysregulated in PTSD, particularly those involved in fear conditioning, stress response, and emotional regulation. PTSD is associated with altered glutamate signaling regions such as the prefrontal cortex and amygdala.
Ketamine acts on the NMDA receptor to modulate glutamate activity, helping to interrupt rigid trauma-related patterns and reduce symptoms like hypervigilance, intrusive thoughts, and emotional numbness.
In addition to its immediate neurochemical effects, ketamine supports increased neuroplasticity, allowing the brain to form new connections and adaptive responses more easily. This temporary window of increased flexibility can make therapeutic work more effective, helping patients process trauma with greater emotional resilience and reduced reactivity.
When delivered in a clinical, trauma-informed setting with appropriate dosing and monitoring, ketamine therapy offers a structured and evidence-based approach to addressing the underlying mechanisms of PTSD rather than only managing surface-level symptoms.
At Harper Clinic Utah, your care team works closely with you to monitor progress, adjust treatment as needed, and support long-term healing and recovery.
Before your session, you complete a comprehensive medical and mental health evaluation to determine if ketamine therapy is appropriate for you. This includes a review of your psychiatric history, current medications, physical health, and treatment goals.
During your session, you will be placed in a comfortable, calm setting designed to promote relaxation. As the ketamine takes effect, you may experience changes in perception, heightened introspection, or a sense of emotional release.
These effects are temporary and closely monitored throughout the session. You are encouraged to rest, listen to music, or relax during the experience. Sessions typically last 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the method and individual response.
You may bring a support person to sit in the room with you. Our nurse will be there to help guide the session, using Native American medicines such as Sage, Palo Santo, and Behr Root. You will also receive a guided journal with prompted questions to reflect on and set intentions.
Ketamine is delivered in a controlled, medically supervised environment. During sessions, patients are closely monitored for safety and comfort, ensuring a safe and comfortable treatment process. Our protocols are designed to maximize benefits while minimizing risks, making ketamine therapy a safe option.
Our experienced clinical team understands the complexity of treatment-resistant PTSD, including cases complicated by chronic trauma, comorbid depression or anxiety, and limited response to traditional therapies. We tailor ketamine treatment protocols to each individual’s trauma history, symptom profile, and recovery goals, prioritizing safety, personalization, and meaningful long-term outcomes.
Ketamine therapy integrates well with other advanced treatments at Harper Clinic, such as trauma-processing therapies and holistic wellness practices, including massage and yoga. This approach helps patients deepen their healing and maintain longer-term symptom relief. Patients are required to meet with a therapist within 24 to 48 hours of ketamine treatment, either through Harper Clinic or another provider.
Insurance coverage for ketamine therapy as a treatment for PTSD varies widely and depends on your individual insurance plan and the specific type of treatment being provided.
Ketamine treatment costs in Utah vary by clinic and how the treatment is delivered. Insurance may cover or typically at least partially reimburse for Major Depressive Disorder, a common co-occurring disorder that occurs alongside trauma.
Our cash pay price with no insurance starts at $300 per appointment. Financing with Care Credit is available.
Common side effects include mild dissociation, dizziness, nausea, increased blood pressure, and perceptual changes during the treatment session. These effects are generally short-lived and are closely monitored by medical staff to ensure safety and comfort, and they cease shortly after the appointment.
Ketamine is not recommended for individuals with a history of psychosis, uncontrolled hypertension, certain cardiac conditions, or active substance abuse without prior stabilization. A thorough medical and psychiatric evaluation is necessary to determine safety.
The number of ketamine treatments needed for PTSD varies by individual. Most patients begin with a series of 6 to 8 sessions over several weeks. Some people notice improvement after the first few treatments, while others require additional sessions to experience sustained relief.
Discover the healing power of ketamine therapy in the serene Wasatch Mountains, an ideal setting to overcome a long battle with PTSD and chronic depression. Connect with our team today and find out if you’re eligible for treatment.
Google Reviews
Jacob Fulton
What a great experience. Our household has been super sick and most of us haven’t been able to keep fluids down. This is exactly what we needed to get strength and energy back. Annie was so good at the poke that we barely felt it.
KariLyn Cox
What a great experience. Our household has been super sick and most of us haven’t been able to keep fluids down. This is exactly what we needed to get strength and energy back. Annie was so good at the poke that we barely felt it.
Justin Seegmiller
Saw Dr Johnson and she was very kind and the clinic was very helpful. She asked questions and listened to my issues. So far I would recommend this clinic. Harper C is fairly new. Hope people hea4 more about this place.
Marc Pinnegar
Jean Ann is great to work with. She has helped me tremendously with my gi and low T issues. I recommend her to everyone I know.
B Huntsman
Harper Clinic is incredible! The staff is absolutely beautiful, classy, and so personable—they make you feel right at home. The injection process was quick and easy, and I immediately felt healthier and more energized afterward. This clinic is a gem, and I can’t recommend it enough! Thank you, Harper Clinic, for keeping me feeling my best!
Olivia Hymas
Emily is my girlllll. They all slay so hard, and my mom and I both noticed a difference in my OCD. They also remap you if you don’t notice a difference after a few weeks, which is super nice.
Shalyn Bills
Love this place! The staff is incredible definitely give it a try. 10/10 recommend
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