Ketamine for PTSD
Healing Trauma: How Ketamine Therapy Supports PTSD Recovery
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can feel like a life sentence—but it doesn’t have to be. While many people struggle for years trying to find the right combination of therapy and medication, new treatments are emerging that offer fast, effective relief. One of the most promising is ketamine for PTSD.
At Sea to Summit Psychiatry, we specialize in using ketamine for trauma, including complex PTSD (CPTSD). If you're feeling stuck in survival mode, ketamine-assisted therapy might help you finally move forward.
What Is PTSD—and When Was It First Discovered?
PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. Symptoms can include flashbacks, nightmares, emotional numbness, irritability, and hypervigilance.
When was PTSD first discovered? While humans have always experienced psychological trauma, PTSD was formally recognized in 1980 by the American Psychiatric Association with the publication of the DSM-III. Historical accounts of "shell shock" or "combat fatigue" date back to World War I (APA).
What Is Complex PTSD—and Is CPTSD a Disability?
Complex PTSD (CPTSD) arises from repeated or long-term trauma, such as childhood abuse, domestic violence, or chronic neglect. Unlike standard PTSD, CPTSD includes symptoms like emotional dysregulation, low self-worth, and difficulty in relationships.
Is CPTSD a disability? Yes, CPTSD can qualify as a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) if it significantly impairs major life activities. This designation can be critical when seeking workplace accommodations or benefits.
Ketamine for Complex PTSD
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How Ketamine Helps with PTSD and Trauma
Ketamine works differently than traditional antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications. It targets the NMDA receptors in the brain and increases glutamate, which helps the brain rewire and create new, healthier pathways.
Using ketamine for PTSD can:
Reduce hyperarousal and reactivity
Decrease the emotional charge of traumatic memories
Improve mood and cognitive flexibility
Enhance engagement in therapy
Clinical research supports the use of ketamine for trauma and PTSD. One study found that 67% of participants saw a reduction in symptoms after a single dose (Feder et al., 2021).
How Many Ketamine Treatments for PTSD Are Needed?
So, how many ketamine treatments for PTSD does it take? While each individual is different, a typical course includes:
Induction phase: 6 treatments over 2–3 weeks
Stabilization phase: 1–2 treatments per month
Maintenance phase: As needed, depending on response and support systems
Therapy alongside ketamine improves results. At Sea to Summit Psychiatry, we offer integration support to help you process experiences and rebuild safety.
Sample Treatment Plan for PTSD with Ketamine
A PTSD treatment plan should be customized, but here’s a PTSD treatment plan example that incorporates ketamine:
Sample Treatment Plan for PTSD:
Goal: Reduce flashbacks and dissociation related to childhood trauma
Objectives:
Complete 6 ketamine treatments over 3 weeks
Attend weekly trauma-informed therapy
Use journaling to track mood and triggers
Develop 3 personalized coping strategies
Interventions:
Ketamine-assisted therapy (KAT)
EMDR or somatic experiencing
Psychoeducation on trauma and nervous system regulation
For more, check out our full PTSD treatment plan goals and objectives during a free consultation.
Will PTSD Ever Go Away?
One of the most common questions we hear is: Will PTSD go away? or Will PTSD ever go away? The short answer is: it can, but healing is nonlinear. Some people fully recover, while others learn to manage symptoms over time.
How long does it take to recover from PTSD? Recovery timelines vary widely. With evidence-based treatment—including ketamine therapy for complex PTSD—many people notice improvement in weeks to months instead of years.
How to Deal with Trauma Triggers
How to deal with trauma triggers is a key part of any PTSD treatment plan. Here are a few tips:
Learn your common triggers and track them in a journal
Use grounding techniques like deep breathing or movement
Work with a therapist to reprocess trauma safely
Consider ketamine-assisted therapy to decrease emotional intensity
With support, you can gain distance from your triggers and reclaim control.
Ready to Start Healing?
Whether you’ve recently experienced trauma or have been battling symptoms for years, Sea to Summit Psychiatry is here to help. We provide holistic, evidence-based PTSD treatment plans tailored to your history and goals—including the latest research-backed option: ketamine for trauma and complex PTSD.
You are not broken. You are healing.
Schedule your consultation today and let’s design a treatment plan that works for you.
