Patient and psychiatrist optimism grows for the transformative impact of ketamine therapy on trauma responses.

A Colorado clinic in Englewood is offering ketamine therapy for EMTs in response to the growing trend of using the drug for mental health disorders such as depression and PTSD. While ketamine has been used off-label for over a decade to treat depression, esketamine was approved by the FDA in 2019 for adults with treatment-resistant depression. Dr. Beth Ballen, a pioneer in ketamine treatment for depression and mood in the Denver area, emphasizes the importance of individualized treatment and a holistic approach at her practice. One of her patients, Miranda Spencer, sought ketamine therapy after experiencing PTSD symptoms following the death of her father and a sexual assault. Spencer found relief and hope through ketamine infusions combined with traditional therapy at Ballen’s clinic. The therapy has helped her cope with trauma and regain a sense of self. Research on ketamine therapy in Colorado is limited, with concerns about addiction and safety, particularly for individuals with substance use disorders. Overall, the combination of ketamine infusions and therapy at clinics like Dr. Ballen’s is showing promise in helping individuals with mental health challenges find relief and recovery.