Ketamine Treatment for Postpartum Depression

Ketamine infusion therapy is safe for most patients, but it is not appropriate for everyone.

Ketamine is not recommended for individuals with a history of epilepsy or seizures, schizophrenia, or other psychotic disorders. Uncontrolled high blood pressure, cardiac issues, or pulmonary conditions may also require clearance from your primary care physician before proceeding. Certain medications — particularly benzodiazepines (such as Xanax, Ativan, or Klonopin) and amphetamine-based stimulants — can interfere with treatment effectiveness or safety.

Our team conducts a thorough review of your health history before treatment begins.

Traditional antidepressants target serotonin pathways and typically take four to eight weeks to produce noticeable effects. Ketamine, on the other hand, works on the glutamate system, repairing damaged communication pathways in the brain within hours. You’ll know within one or two infusions whether it’s working. The quick relief from ketamine saves significant time and emotional energy compared to trialing multiple medications.

This is an important consideration for many new mothers, and one we take seriously. We strongly encourage you to discuss this with your OB-GYN or a lactation consultant prior to beginning treatment. Our team will work with your care providers to help you make an informed decision that’s right for you and your baby.

Depression and postpartum mood disorders can disrupt communication between areas of the brain responsible for memory, learning, and emotional regulation. Ketamine works on the brain’s glutamate system to repair these pathways—often within hours of the first infusion.

Ketamine is administered intravenously over 40 minutes in a calm, monitored environment. The first 20 minutes typically have no noticeable effects. Around the midpoint, you may notice blurred vision, a feeling of lightness or floating, or mild numbness. These sensations peak at the end of the infusion and resolve within 10–15 minutes afterward. Most patients describe the experience as unusual but not distressing — many use words like “dreamlike” or “peaceful.”

A single infusion can provide relief for anywhere from two days to two weeks. A full course of six infusions — our recommended protocol for new patients — can produce effects that last weeks to months. A single booster infusion, taken as effects begin to wear off, can typically restore your response. The duration varies by individual and tends to be longer for those without long-standing chronic depression.

We ask that you come with a referral from a licensed mental health professional—such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or licensed clinical social worker—before beginning treatment. However, a referral from your primary care physician is not required.

Please keep in mind that ketamine therapy is typically not a first-line treatment. It’s most appropriate for patients who have already tried two or more antidepressants or other traditional treatments without finding meaningful relief. If that’s where you are, you’re exactly who we’re here to help.

Yes — and we encourage it. Ketamine creates a unique window in which the brain is more open to forming new connections. Patients who engage in therapy, regular exercise, healthy eating, and social support during and after their infusion course tend to experience the strongest and longest-lasting results. We’re happy to refer you to therapists in our trusted network.

We’ll walk you through everything during your free consultation. Currently, health insurance does not cover ketamine infusion therapy, and each ketamine infusion is $600. We understand this is a significant consideration, and we’re happy to discuss the full cost of your recommended treatment plan.