Soho House Mind & Wellness Series: Discovering Ketamine Therapy

Written By AZS .

February 4th, 2025

Exploring Ketamine Therapy: A Conversation on Mental Wellness

Today, I had the privilege of speaking at the first installation of Mind and Wellness at Soho House Downtown LA. The theme, Discovering Ketamine Therapy, provided an opportunity to discuss ketamine’s role in treating anxiety and depression. Below is a summary of that conversation, along with resources for those interested in learning more.

A Quick Disclaimer

The information shared in this talk is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered personal medical advice. Ketamine therapy is a medical treatment with potential risks and benefits, and its suitability varies for each individual. If you are considering ketamine or any other mental health treatment, please consult a qualified healthcare professional to determine what’s best for you.

Why Mental Health Matters in My Work

As a medical hair loss specialist, I’ve long recognized the connection between chronic stress, mental health disorders, and hair loss. This understanding led me to explore the broader relationship between mental well-being and overall health, incorporating various therapeutic approaches into patient care. One such approach is ketamine therapy, which I have used in the treatment of nearly a thousand patients.

In 2023, I joined a medical startup focused on telehealth-based ketamine therapy, making treatment more accessible, safe, and affordable. For the right individuals, the results have been profound, offering rapid relief from depressive and anxious symptoms.

A Brief History of Ketamine in Mental Health

1. Early Use as an Anesthetic (1960s-1980s)

Ketamine was first synthesized in the 1960s by chemist Calvin Stevens and was FDA-approved in the 1970s as a dissociative anesthetic. It was widely used during the Vietnam War due to its ability to control pain without suppressing breathing or lowering blood pressure.

Over time, an unexpected pattern emerged—patients who received ketamine in surgical settings often reported improved mood and relief from depressive symptoms.

2. The Discovery of Ketamine’s Antidepressant Effects (1990s-2000s)

By the 1990s, researchers began investigating ketamine’s effects beyond anesthesia. Studies at Yale University and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) found that low-dose ketamine infusions could provide rapid relief for treatment-resistant depression (TRD).

Key milestones:

  • 2000: A study led by Dr. Robert Berman (Yale) demonstrated ketamine’s rapid antidepressant effects in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD).

  • 2006: Dr. Carlos Zarate (NIMH) confirmed that a single IV infusion led to significant symptom relief within hours—a stark contrast to traditional antidepressants, which often take weeks to work.

3. The Rise of Ketamine Clinics (2010s-Present)

With mounting evidence, ketamine therapy expanded beyond research labs into clinical practice. Studies confirmed ketamine’s effectiveness for depression, anxiety, PTSD, and suicidality, particularly in patients who had not responded to traditional treatments.

  • 2014-2018: Multiple studies reinforced ketamine’s benefits for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), PTSD, and OCD.

  • 2019: The FDA approved esketamine (Spravato), a nasal spray derived from ketamine, for use alongside an oral antidepressant.

4. The 2025 FDA Approval of Esketamine as a Standalone Treatment

In January 2025, the FDA approved Johnson & Johnson’s esketamine (Spravato) nasal spray as a monotherapy for adults with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Previously, it had only been approved in combination with an oral antidepressant.

🔹 Why This Matters:

  • Clinical trials showed rapid improvements, with some patients experiencing relief within 24 hours and sustained benefits at 4 weeks.

  • Esketamine works by blocking NMDA receptors, enhancing glutamate signaling, and promoting neuroplasticity—a novel mechanism compared to traditional antidepressants.

  • Due to risks like sedation, dissociation, and misuse, Spravato remains under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program, requiring administration in a certified healthcare setting.

This approval represents a major step forward, expanding treatment options for individuals struggling with TRD.

Different Types of Ketamine Therapy

It’s important to note that there are various types of ketamine therapy available, and this is just a brief overview. Ketamine can be administered in different forms—including intravenous (IV) infusions, intramuscular (IM) injections, sublingual/troche (oral dissolvable tablets), and intranasal sprays (like Spravato). Each method varies in terms of absorption, duration of effects, and clinical setting requirements. Some treatments occur in medical offices or infusion clinics, while others, like telehealth-based sublingual therapy, can be done at home under supervision. The right approach depends on individual needs, medical history, and provider recommendations.

Further Reading & Resources

If you’d like to explore more about ketamine therapy, here are some resources:

📖 Book:
🔹 Ketamind: A Beginner’s Guide Into The Journey of Ketamine by Shaun Barber → Amazon Link

📑 Scientific Research:
🔹 At-home, sublingual ketamine telehealth: A safe and effective treatment for moderate to severe anxiety and depression – Read Here

🏠 At-Home & Hybrid Ketamine Therapy Options:

Final Thoughts

Ketamine therapy represents an exciting and evolving frontier in mental health treatment. As research continues, it’s crucial to ensure safe, ethical, and evidence-based practices that prioritize patient well-being. If you’re considering ketamine therapy, I encourage you to seek personalized medical advice and explore trusted resources.

Thank you to everyone who attended today’s discussion—it was an honor to be part of this important conversation on mental health, innovation, and healing.

AZS .