Ketamine Clinic at King Faisal Hospital
The Ketamine Clinic at King Faisal Hospital offers innovative, evidence-based care for individuals suffering from severe depression, suicidality, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other treatment-resistant mood disorders. Our multidisciplinary team provides intravenous (IV) ketamine infusions in a safe, medically supervised setting, with integrated psychotherapy to support long-term healing.
Ketamine, originally developed as an anesthetic, has been shown to rapidly reduce symptoms of depression and suicidal thoughts—often within hours to days—especially in patients who have not responded to traditional treatments. It also offers significant relief for individuals living with chronic PTSD by helping to reduce intrusive thoughts, emotional numbness, and hypervigilance.
The clinic serves adults seeking a new path toward mental wellness, using cutting-edge treatments to restore hope and functioning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Ketamine Treatment
1. What is ketamine and how does it work for mental health conditions?
Ketamine is a medication originally used for anesthesia. At much lower doses, it has been found to rapidly relieve symptoms of severe depression, suicidal thoughts, PTSD, and some anxiety disorders. Ketamine works differently from traditional antidepressants by quickly increasing the activity of certain brain pathways involved in mood regulation and neuroplasticity.
2. Who is eligible for ketamine treatment?
Ketamine treatment is recommended for adults with:
· Treatment-resistant depression
· Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
· Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
· Severe anxiety that has not improved with standard treatments
Patients are carefully evaluated by our team of psychiatrists and psychologists before beginning treatment.
3. What happens during a ketamine infusion?
Patients receive a low-dose IV infusion of ketamine over 50-60 minutes in a quiet, private treatment room. The experience is closely monitored by trained medical staff. Most patients remain awake but may experience mild dissociation, floating sensations, or visual imagery. A psychologist sits with the patient during the infusion and has an integration therapy session shortly afterward.
4. How many treatments will I need?
Most patients begin with a series of six infusions over 2–3 weeks (the induction phase). After that, maintenance treatments may be offered based on individual progress and needs.
5. Is ketamine safe?
Yes, ketamine is safe when administered under medical supervision. It is FDA-approved as an anesthetic and used off-label for mental health based on strong clinical evidence. Common side effects—such as dizziness, nausea, or mild disorientation—are usually short-lived and resolve shortly after the infusion.
6. Will I receive psychotherapy with ketamine treatment?
Yes. At King Faisal Hospital’s Ketamine Clinic, all patients receive integration therapy from trained psychologists to help process and build on the emotional and psychological insights that may arise during or after treatment. This improves long-term outcomes.
7. How quickly will I feel better?
Many patients report significant improvement in mood, suicidal thoughts, and anxiety symptoms within 1–3 treatments. However, individual responses vary.
8. Can I drive after treatment?
No. Due to the temporary effects of ketamine, patients should arrange for someone to accompany them and drive them home after each infusion.
9. Is ketamine addictive?
When used in a controlled clinical setting at therapeutic doses, ketamine has a very low risk of addiction. The doses used for mental health are much lower than those associated with recreational misuse.
10. How do I get started?
Start by scheduling a psychiatric evaluation at the Ketamine Clinic. If you are already under the care of a mental health provider, they can refer you directly to us. Our team will work with you to determine if ketamine is appropriate and safe for your condition.
Eligibility Criteria for Ketamine Infusion Treatment
✅ Inclusion Criteria (Who Is Eligible)
Patients may be eligible if they meet the following:
· Diagnosis of one or more of the following:
o Treatment-resistant depression (failed at least two antidepressants)
o Suicidal ideation or recent suicidal behavior
o Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
o Severe anxiety disorders not responding to standard treatment
o Alcohol use disorder will be evaluated on a case by case basis
· Age 18 and above
· Medically stable (able to tolerate IV infusion in a monitored setting)
· Able to provide informed consent
· Willing to participate in integration psychotherapy alongside infusions
· Under the care of a psychiatrist or willing to be followed by one during treatment
❌ Exclusion Criteria (Who Is Not Eligible)
Patients are not eligible if they meet any of the following:
· Uncontrolled hypertension or serious cardiovascular disease
· History of psychotic disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder)
· Current substance use disorder, particularly involving ketamine or other dissociatives
· Pregnancy or breastfeeding
· Severe liver disease or active intracranial pressure issues
· Uncontrolled epilepsy or seizure disorder
· Active manic episode in bipolar disorder (unless stabilized on medication)
· Inability to participate in follow-up care or integration sessions
