Am I a Candidate for Ketamine Therapy?
Candidacy isn't a yes/no \u2014 it's a clinical conversation about diagnosis, prior treatments, medical history, and goals.
Common candidate profiles
- Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) — inadequate response to two or more antidepressant trials at adequate dose and duration.
- Severe anxiety, PTSD, or OCD where standard therapies have not produced sufficient relief.
- Chronic pain syndromes such as complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), in pain-focused programs.
- Acute suicidal ideation in specific clinical contexts, often as a bridge to longer-term care.
Common reasons not to proceed
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure or unstable cardiovascular disease.
- Active psychosis or untreated bipolar disorder with manic features.
- Recent stroke, severe liver disease, increased intracranial pressure.
- Active substance use disorder, especially involving ketamine or dissociatives.
- Pregnancy — usually treated as a relative contraindication.
What screening looks like
A reputable clinic will collect a full psychiatric history, medication list, medical history, and vitals before any session. Many will request labs and cardiology clearance for patients with risk factors.
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to have failed antidepressants first?+
For treatment-resistant depression criteria and for esketamine (Spravato) coverage, yes — typically two prior medication trials. Off-label racemic ketamine programs sometimes have more flexible criteria depending on diagnosis and clinical judgment.
Can I be on antidepressants and still do ketamine?+
Most patients continue their existing antidepressants. Specific medications (notably benzodiazepines and lamotrigine) can blunt response. Your prescriber will review your medication list.
Is there an age limit?+
Most clinics treat adults 18 and older. Some accept adolescents through structured pediatric programs. Older adults are commonly treated with careful cardiac and cognitive screening.
Educational content only. Not medical advice. Discuss any treatment decisions with a qualified clinician.
Independent publisher and editor of Ketalux, based in Chicago, Illinois. Ira commissions, edits, and reviews every article on the site and believes ketamine therapy — used responsibly — offers real hope for people living with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain. Contact: ira@idigits.com.
Educational use only. The content on this page is provided for general educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Ketamine and related therapies carry risks and are appropriate only under qualified medical supervision. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional about your individual situation. Information may change as research evolves.