Ketamine for Depression, Chronic Pain, and PTSD: What to Know

Josh Hilton • September 22, 2026

What are we doing here?

Living with depression, chronic pain, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can affect nearly every part of life. When standard treatments have not provided enough relief, exploring additional options may help. Ketamine is one option receiving attention, although the evidence differs across these conditions.

Ketamine acts on NMDA receptors within the brain’s glutamate system, which helps regulate mood, learning, and pain processing. Its effects differ from those of many traditional antidepressants.


For treatment-resistant depression, ketamine may reduce symptoms rapidly, sometimes within hours or days. However, improvement is not guaranteed, and benefits may fade without ongoing care. Treatment planning should include follow-up, symptom monitoring, and discussion of other medications or psychotherapy.


For chronic pain, ketamine may help selected patients, particularly those with certain difficult-to-treat pain conditions. Much of the research involves intravenous infusions. Evidence varies by diagnosis, dose, and treatment approach, so findings from one protocol should not automatically be applied to another. A pain specialist can help determine whether treatment is appropriate.

For PTSD, research remains mixed. Ketamine is not an established first-line treatment, and current VA/DoD guidelines suggest against using it specifically for PTSD. Trauma-focused psychotherapy remains a recommended approach. Treating accompanying depression may still be a separate consideration during an individualized evaluation.



Ketamine is FDA-approved for anesthesia; its use for depression, chronic pain, and PTSD is off-label. Esketamine, marketed as Spravato, is a related but distinct medication with FDA-approved depression indications. Potential ketamine risks include elevated blood pressure, sedation, dissociation, breathing problems, and misuse. Appropriate screening and medical monitoring are essential.

At Baseline Psychiatry in Phoenix, we welcome conversations about treatment options and what fits your needs. An evaluation can help clarify your symptoms, review previous treatments, and determine appropriate next steps. Our goal is thoughtful, personalized care that supports your functioning, wellbeing, and long-term mental health.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) - Real or Not?

By Josh Hilton • July 14, 2026
TMS Therapy for Depression in Phoenix, AZ

Sleep - The Missing Link in Athletic Performance?

By Josh Hilton • May 20, 2026
Why Sleep May Be the Missing Link in Mental Health and Athletic Performance Athletes often focus on training harder, eating cleaner, and pushing through adversity. But one of the most overlooked factors in both mental health and athletic performance is sleep. Recent research in sports psychiatry and performance medicine continues to show that sleep quality directly impacts mood, anxiety, focus, recovery, and resilience. Poor sleep doesn’t just cause fatigue. It can worsen symptoms of anxiety, depression, irritability, burnout, ADHD, and emotional regulation. For student athletes and high performers, chronic sleep disruption may also increase injury risk, impair reaction time, and reduce motivation. At Baseline Psychiatry , we increasingly view sleep as a foundational part of mental health treatment — not an afterthought. Improving sleep habits, circadian rhythm consistency, stress management, and recovery patterns can significantly improve both psychiatric symptoms and daily performance. New trends in mental health care are also moving toward more personalized treatment approaches, including wearable technology, sleep tracking, and integrative psychiatry strategies that focus on the whole person rather than symptoms alone. Mental health care is evolving. Sometimes the first step toward feeling better isn’t doing more — it’s finally getting restorative sleep.

Depression Treatment Near Me?

By Josh Hilton • April 23, 2026
Depression Treatment in Phoenix:  Simple, Effective Options Depression can affect your energy, focus, sleep, and overall quality of life. If you’ve been searching for “depression treatment in Phoenix” or “psychiatrist near me,” you’re not alone—and effective help is available. Depression isn’t just feeling sad. Many people experience low motivation, irritability, brain fog, or loss of interest in daily activities. When these symptoms last more than a couple weeks, it may be time to consider professional mental health treatment. The most common approach includes medication management and therapy. Antidepressants can help stabilize mood and improve energy, while therapy helps address thought patterns and stress. For individuals who haven’t responded to traditional care, options like TMS therapy in Phoenix or ketamine therapy for depression may provide relief, especially in cases of treatment-resistant depression. Getting help early can prevent symptoms from worsening and improve your ability to function at work, in relationships, and day-to-day life. Many patients find that the right treatment plan makes a noticeable difference within weeks. If you’re looking for depression treatment near you or telehealth psychiatry in Arizona, working with a provider who offers personalized care and multiple treatment options can make all the difference.