KETAMINE THERAPY FOR VETERANS IS HELPING TREAT DEPRESSION


By sfelty
Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Christopher Maidman prepares ketamine therapy in a syringe during a tactical combat casualty care assessment aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor.

According to the University of Michigan, nearly 15% of Veterans went into full remission only six weeks after ketamine therapy treatment. This new treatment has shown that ketamine is effective in treating Veterans with depression. Not only is it working for severe depression cases but also for cases where the patient is treatment resistant. While ketamine was first introduced in the 1970s, it is still being used today for the treatment of depression and for pain management. Now, ketamine therapy is helping Veterans with their mental health and overall wellness.Suggested read: Chuck Mawhinney: The Secret Sharpshooting GOAT in the USMC

What Is Ketamine Therapy?

Ketamine therapy is a dissociative anesthetic medication that helps with multiple mental health conditions. Including conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Ketamine is also used in operating rooms at high dosages as an anesthetic. It is not yet FDA approved for injection; however, low dose ketamine injections are used to treat mental health conditions and even pain. Ketamine therapy for PTSD is also a new arrival and form of relief for Veterans.

Side Effects One Might Experience

According to the Mayo Clinic, there are a few side effects of the ketamine infusion therapy. Some of the side effects will need medical attention and other side effects do not require medical attention. The side effects that need medical attention may include: chest pain, confusion, difficulty breathing, and cough. Other side effects like being in a dream-like state and flushing of skin may not need medical attention. To read the full list of potential effects, visit the Mayo Clinic website. You may be wondering, does ketamine therapy get you high? As ketamine enters the body it can make you feel in a euphoric state. Some people report as though they are floating outside of their bodies. It allows the patient to feel hallucinogenic, hear loud voices from the background, and experience colors more bright and vividly. After the session is over, 70% of patients feel instant relief within a few hours and up to a few days.

What Does Ketamine Therapy Cost?

Like any other treatment or service, the cost of ketamine therapy varies. A big factor is your insurance and state guidelines. Some insurance plans will cover therapy fully, while others will help cover a large amount. Another factor is the amount and frequency of treatment needed.The initial visit is $125 for a pretreatment screening. After that, mental health infusions are $449 per infusion and pain infusions are $899 per infusion. Mental health typically requires 4-6 infusions and pain requires 3-5 infusions.The Ketamine Wellness Center also offers a hero discount for military personnel and first responders at all of their treatment centers nationwide.Related read: Ketamine in Colorado Springs Can Help Military Veterans Live Fuller Lives

Finding Ketamine Therapy Near Me

If you want to try this treatment out, be sure to search for local clinics that offer these services/treatments near you. Multiple websites and clinics are sure to be available. In fact, some will even provide information regarding health insurance and what coverages are available for the treatment. Some providers may even allow you to begin scheduling treatment immediately. Lastly, make sure to find out which insurance providers your local clinics accept before scheduling your treatment.Read next: Navy Vet Hailed Hero for Kansas City Chiefs Parade Shooting Response


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