A Comprehensive Guide to the Different Types of Ketamine Therapy

In recent years, ketamine therapy has emerged as one of the most promising breakthroughs in mental health care, offering rapid relief for people struggling with depression, anxiety, and PTSD when traditional treatments fall short.

Originally developed as an anesthetic in the 1960s, ketamine has since found a new purpose i.e. helping patients regain emotional balance and hope through carefully guided, low-dose treatments. But with so many different types of ketamine therapies available today, how do you know which option is right for you?

At Mind Connections, we understand that every patient’s journey is unique. This comprehensive guide breaks down the main forms of ketamine therapy, how they work, and what to expect, encouraging you or your loved ones to make informed decisions with confidence.

What Is Ketamine?

Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that works differently from traditional antidepressants. Instead of targeting serotonin or dopamine, it acts on the glutamate system, one of the brain’s key chemical messengers responsible for learning, memory, and emotional regulation.

By blocking NMDA receptors and enhancing glutamate signaling, ketamine can rapidly improve mood and promote neuroplasticity, which is essentially the brain’s ability to form new, healthy connections.

This unique mechanism is why ketamine is effective for conditions like:

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Bipolar depression
Chronic pain disorders

Research published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) found that a single low-dose infusion can produce antidepressant effects lasting up to a week, even for patients unresponsive to SSRIs.

Types of Ketamine Therapy to Treat Mental Health Disorders

Ketamine therapies can be categorized in two main ways:

By Setting: whether it’s at-home or in-clinic
By Method of Administration: IV, IM, oral, or nasal

I. At-Home vs. In-Clinic Ketamine Treatments:

A. At-Home Ketamine Therapy

In the region of Australia, at-home ketamine therapy has become a popular choice for individuals seeking convenience and privacy. These programs typically use oral or sublingual lozenges, taken under virtual supervision by licensed clinicians.

How It Works:

You undergo an online assessment to determine suitability.
The prescribed ketamine is delivered to your home.
Sessions are guided remotely through video calls, ensuring safety and support.
Integration therapy may follow to discuss insights and progress.

Benefits:

Comfortable, private home environment
Flexible scheduling
Lower overall cost
Supportive telehealth oversight

Drawbacks:

Not ideal for severe depression or suicidal thoughts
Limited medical monitoring
Requires a safe, distraction-free space

A 2024 Bespoke Treatment review noted that at-home ketamine therapy can be transformative for those with mild to moderate depression, provided that safety and structure are maintained.

B. In-Clinic Ketamine Therapy

In-clinic ketamine treatment takes place under professional medical supervision in a controlled setting, such as Mind Connections’ specialized therapy suite. These sessions provide both safety and precision, ensuring proper dosage, monitoring, and emotional support.

How It Works:

The patient is seated or reclined comfortably.
Ketamine is administered through IV, IM, or nasal spray.
A clinician monitors vital signs throughout the session.
Post-treatment observation ensures safety before discharge.

Benefits:

Real-time medical monitoring
Highly controlled dosing and consistency
Immediate clinical support if side effects occur
Ideal for complex or treatment-resistant conditions

Drawbacks:

Higher cost than home-based therapy
Requires travel and scheduling
May feel clinical for some patients

II. Types of Ketamine by Method of Administration:

A. Intravenous (IV) Ketamine Therapy

A diluted ketamine solution is slowly infused into the bloodstream over 40–60 minutes under continuous supervision.

Benefits:

Most researched and clinically proven form
Rapid onset of effects, often within hours
Full medical supervision ensures precision and safety
Suitable for treatment-resistant depression and suicidal ideation

Drawbacks:

Higher cost per session
May require multiple infusions for sustained benefit
Temporary mild side effects like nausea or dizziness

According to a 2014 study published in Science Direct, IV ketamine produced significant mood improvements even in patients unresponsive to antidepressants.

B. Intramuscular (IM) Ketamine Therapy

Ketamine is injected into a muscle (typically the thigh or arm), where it’s absorbed more gradually than IV infusions.

Benefits:

Easier and faster to administer than IV
Strong, sustained antidepressant effects
Lower medical complexity

Drawbacks:

Slightly less control over dosage
Temporary soreness at injection site

IM therapy provides a middle ground between convenience and medical precision, ideal for those seeking shorter sessions without IV lines.

C. Oral and Sublingual Ketamine

Tablets or lozenges are taken orally or dissolved under the tongue, either at home or in a clinical maintenance program.

Benefits:

Gentle, non-invasive, and easy to use
Ideal for ongoing maintenance after IV therapy
Can be integrated with psychotherapy

Drawbacks:

Variable absorption (around 20–25%)
Slower onset and milder effects
Not suited for severe or urgent cases

A 2013 NCBI study found that daily oral ketamine resulted in strong antidepressant responses with minimal side effects, especially when used consistently under supervision.

D. Nasal (Intranasal) Ketamine

Delivered as a nasal spray, most commonly the FDA-approved esketamine (Spravato), in a clinical setting.

Benefits:

Fast and easy administration
Rapid symptom relief
FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression
May be covered by insurance

Drawbacks:

Must be taken in-clinic with observation
Temporary side effects (dizziness, nausea, elevated blood pressure)

Ketamine Therapy at Mind Connections

At Mind Connections, we provide safe, esketamine (Spravato) treatments for individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. Treatment is carefully supervised by psychiatrists, starting with a 4-week induction phase, followed by ongoing maintenance tailored to individual needs. Patients experience improved mood, function, and quality of life, with most side effects being mild and temporary.

Patients are monitored during and after each session and advised to avoid driving on treatment days. The therapy is available under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme for eligible patients, with clear financial consent provided.

If depression has been unrelenting despite multiple treatments, esketamine nasal spray could be a life-changing option worth discussing with your psychiatrist. Mind Connections is committed to compassionate, expert care designed to restore hope and vitality.

Book Your Consultation Today

FAQs

1. What are the main types of ketamine therapy?

The main types include IV infusions, IM injections, oral/sublingual lozenges, and nasal sprays, available either in-clinic or at home.

2. How quickly does ketamine therapy work?

Many patients experience improvements within hours of the first session, though several treatments may be needed for lasting results.

3. Is ketamine therapy safe?

Yes, when administered under professional supervision. Mild side effects like dizziness or nausea are temporary.

4. Can I do ketamine therapy at home?

Yes, with proper clinical guidance and telehealth support. It’s best for mild to moderate cases.

5. Which is the best form of ketamine therapy?

IV therapy remains the most effective and controlled option for severe depression and PTSD.

6. How long do the effects last?

Relief can last from several days to weeks. Maintenance sessions help sustain benefits over time.

7. Is ketamine therapy addictive?

At therapeutic doses and under supervision, ketamine is not addictive.

8. Is ketamine therapy available in Australia?

Yes. Mind Connections offers in-clinic esketamine treatments and supervised at-home options across Australia, following TGA safety guidelines.

9. Can ketamine be combined with other therapies?

Yes. Many programs, including Mind Connections, integrate ketamine with psychotherapy for deeper healing.

10. How can I start ketamine therapy at Mind Connections?

Simply book an assessment through our website. Our team will guide you through eligibility, preparation, and personalized treatment planning.