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Veterans in the Sacramento region and Northern California are eligible to receive IV Ketamine and Nutrient Therapy at Klearmind Clinics
How To Get The VA to Cover Ketamine Treatment
Veterans struggling with treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, and other mental health conditions can find hope through ketamine therapy. While accessing this treatment may seem challenging, the VA provides limited coverage for ketamine therapy at select VA hospitals and through the Community Care Program (VCCP).
This page provides a guide to the latest research on ketamine therapy for veterans and explains how to access VA coverage, making this innovative treatment available at little to no cost.
The Latest Research on Ketamine Therapy for Veterans
Ketamine Research on Depression in Veterans
Recent research, including a study from the University of Michigan and VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, highlights ketamine’s efficacy in treating veterans with severe depression and PTSD, even in cases where other treatments have failed.
The study found the following:
- Meaningful Improvement: Nearly half (49%) of the 215 veterans studied experienced a significant reduction in depression scores after six weeks of IV ketamine infusions.
- High Response Rate: Approximately 25% of participants saw their depression scores drop by half, indicating a strong response to the treatment.
- Full Remission: 15% of veterans achieved full remission of their depression symptoms after six weeks.
- Ongoing Benefits: Most patients continued with infusions every few weeks, suggesting sustained benefits and continued improvement over time.
A comprehensive meta-analysis published in Frontiers in Psychiatry highlighted significant benefits of ketamine therapy for veterans, including improvements in pain, depression, and PTSD symptoms. The study reviewed 11 research papers involving 22 veteran groups.
Key findings include:
- Symptom Relief: Ketamine therapy significantly reduced symptoms of depression, PTSD, and chronic pain, with moderate-to-large effect sizes.
- Flexible Use: Positive results were seen across various administration methods, including IV, nasal, and oral, and different treatment protocols.
- Wide Applicability: Both active-duty service members and veterans experienced meaningful improvements, demonstrating ketamine’s versatility.
These findings have helped increase acceptance of ketamine therapy within the VA, the medical community, and among policymakers.
The VA's Position on Ketamine Therapy
A Promising Option for Veterans
The VA has recognized the therapeutic potential of ketamine for veterans and is increasing access.
The VA began a limited rollout of a ketamine-based medication, Spravato in 2019. This nasal method of delivery has been shown to be effective in cases of treatment-resistant depression. At the same time, the VA’s Medical Advisory Panel restricted its use to pre-approved, case-by-case treatment. In other words, doctors were required to have prior approval before prescribing it. In addition, only veterans who were not responsive to other treatments for major depression were eligible.
In February 2022, the VA issued updated Spravato guidelines to allow greater flexibility in its prescription for treatment. Again, VA doctors are still required to submit a drug request and receive prior approval before the VA will dispense it.
The VA also released national protocols for intravenous (IV) ketamine infusions in the same year. The guidelines included criteria for selecting patients, procedures for screening and referral, and protocols for monitoring and managing patients during and after treatment.
Despite these efforts, widespread VA ketamine therapy access remains a challenge. Not all VA facilities offer ketamine therapy, and eligibility criteria applies. The good news is that the Community Care Program (VCCP) offers an alternative pathway for veterans to receive ketamine treatment when it’s not readily available within the VA system. Additionally, the VA’s 2025 budget proposal offers more signs of hope.
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, or PTSD?
Find out if ketamine treatment for veterans at Klearmind can help you.
2025 VA Budget Expansion Proposal
What Could This Mean for Veterans
The VA’s 2025 budget proposal includes a major funding boost to improve veterans’ healthcare.
Key highlights:
- $4.9 billion for the Veterans Benefits Administration to speed up processing of compensation and benefit claims.
- $75 billion for Medical Services to expand and maintain the VA’s healthcare offerings.
- Increased investment in the Veterans Community Care Program (VCCP), allowing more veterans to access private care, including treatments like ketamine.
Klearmind Ketamine & IV Hydration Clinics, a VCCP partner, has been offering ketamine therapy to veterans. If approved, this budget expansion could greatly improve access to innovative mental health treatments for veterans.
How Veterans Can Get the VA to Cover Ketamine Therapy Today
Ways To Get the Treatment You Need
Veterans interested in ketamine therapy should speak with their VA physicians. To qualify, they must typically have a diagnosis of major depressive disorder or PTSD and have not responded to at least two other antidepressant treatments.
The VA requires a thorough clinical evaluation to ensure the veteran meets the criteria for ketamine therapy. Once approved, veterans can receive treatments at VA hospitals or private partner clinics.
Steps to get the VA to cover ketamine therapy:
Step 1. Consult the VA Provider
- Discuss your mental health concerns with your VA provider.
- Ask about ketamine therapy’s suitability for specific mental health needs.
Step 2. Determine Local VA Offerings
- Ask if the local VA hospital offers ketamine therapy.
- If the service is available, follow the hospital’s protocols.
Step 3. Explore Community Care Options
- If the local VA does not offer ketamine therapy, ask about community care options.
- Request a referral from the VA provider to a participating private ketamine clinic in the area.
Ketamine treatments may be covered with a pre-approved referral through your VA benefit
Klearmind Ketamine & IV Hydration Clinics is led by a top rated anesthesiologist in Sacramento, supported by a team experienced with trauma-informed care and understands the stress and strict responsibilities that come with life for our military service members. We are here to support you with a custom treatment for your needs.
FAQ
What Is Ketamine?
Ketamine is a FDA approved anesthetic agent originally developed in 1962. It has been used primarily as an induction agent for general anesthesia in surgery for children, adults, and animals. Ketamine has a remarkable safety track record, hence its use in the pediatric population. Recently, it has been discovered that ketamine can be highly effective in treating depression, PTSD, Fibromyalgia, and other conditions. Learn More
What is the KlearMind approach to Ketamine Therapy Treatment?
Ketamine for depression may be administered any number of ways – orally, sublingually, intranasally & intramuscularly. Because of the unpredictability of response in these other routes of administration, however, intravenous ketamine infusions have emerged as the preferred route of administration.
Also, the overwhelming majority of research and scientific studies about ketamine for depression and other psychiatric disorders have been performed using intravenous ketamine.
How long does the Ketamine infusion take?
The infusion itself takes about 1 hour, but there are activities that occur before and after the infusion. The infusion is administered under the direction and supervision of an anesthesiologist. Patients receiving a Ketamine infusion should plan on being at the clinic for about 90 minutes per infusion.
Is ketamine safe for me?
The low doses of ketamine used in therapy, especially administered in a medically supervised setting, eliminate virtually all potential for addiction or abuse. For the duration of a ketamine infusion, blood pressure and heart rate may increase – therefore patients with uncontrolled blood pressure, unstable heart disease, untreated thyroid disease should not use ketamine. People with active substance abuse, active psychosis, or patients who are currently experiencing the manic phase of bipolar disease also should not use ketamine treatments. Ketamine is contraindicated during pregnancy. Patients undergoing treatments are monitored closely to ensure safety during the acute course.
Do I need a referral for a psychiatrist?
A direct referral from a psychiatrist is not required. While a referral from any mental health care provider is encouraged, an initial phone or office consultation with one of our doctors can determine if you are a good candidate for ketamine therapy. We provide this initial consultation free of charge.
Does Ketamine Work for Veterans?
Studies show ketamine therapy can significantly help veterans struggling with anxiety, depression and PTSD. In addition, it has shown to and reduce suicidal ideation among veterans.
Does the VA Cover Ketamine Treatment?
Yes, the VA covers ketamine treatment for eligible veterans with treatment-resistant depression. Veterans should contact their local VA Medical Center (VAMC) Primary Mental Health Provider, Community Care Office, or Klearmind Ketamine and IV Hydration Clinics for more information.
What Are the Potential Risks?
Ketamine infusions for depression treatment are relatively safe when used in controlled clinical settings. Reputable ketamine clinics like Klearmind Clinics prepare patients for the dissociative experience and constant monitoring. Physiological side effects include fluctuations in blood pressure and heart rate, which our clinicians closely monitor. Veterans can request to discontinue IV ketamine at any time during sessions if the mental or physical effects become uncomfortable.
What Does Ketamine Feel Like?
At the beginning of the session, we will seat you in a comfortable chair with blankets if needed. Once you’re settled in your chair, your team at KlearMind will let you know when the IV has begun. Patients report a calm and relaxing feeling. As the treatment progresses, you might feel increasingly light or faint. Some patients report feeling like they are floating. Learn more here.
How can I find a clinic that offers free ketamine for veterans?
Veterans can start by contacting their VA provider and asking for an authorized referral to an in-network ketamine clinic. They can also request ketamine coverage through the VA’s community care network.
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