Ketamine for Depression
For the depression that hasn’t responded to anything else.
96% of our patients report noticeable improvement, and 86% report symptoms cut in half within 1–3 weeks of starting IV ketamine, including treatment-resistant depression, postpartum depression, and bipolar depression.
When the next medication isn’t the answer.
Treatment-resistant depression, depression that has failed two or more antidepressants, affects roughly one in three patients with major depressive disorder. The standard playbook, more SSRIs, augmentation, switching classes, often produces the same disappointing result months later.
IV ketamine works on a different system entirely. Most patients at Northwest Ketamine Clinics feel a meaningful lift within hours to days of their first infusion. After a complete series, the goal is to keep you in remission with periodic maintenance, not a daily pill schedule.
How IV ketamine and Spravato work for depression.
IV ketamine is nearly 100% bioavailable to the brain, the gold-standard route, with the lowest effective dose and the most consistent therapeutic response. Spravato (esketamine) is the FDA-approved nasal form, available through our Northwest Healing & Wellness partnership at $99 per visit out-of-network.
Rapid neuroplasticity
Ketamine triggers BDNF release and forms new synaptic connections in the prefrontal cortex within 24 hours, the structural change SSRIs aim for over weeks.
Anti-suicidality effect
A landmark Yale study and subsequent trials show ketamine can reduce active suicidal ideation within hours, faster than any other approved treatment.
IV is the gold standard
Nearly 100% bioavailable to the brain. Lower doses, fewer side effects, consistent therapeutic levels, versus ~20% for oral and ~45% for intranasal.
Spravato (esketamine)
FDA-approved nasal esketamine for treatment-resistant depression. Available at $99 per visit out-of-network through our Northwest Healing & Wellness partnership.
The published research on ketamine for depression.
A Randomized Trial of an N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Antagonist in Treatment-Resistant Major Depression
The Zarate/NIMH trial that established ketamine’s rapid antidepressant effect in treatment-resistant depression.
View studyKetamine for Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Pooled evidence across dozens of trials confirming significant antidepressant efficacy of IV ketamine over placebo.
View studyKetamine for Rapid Reduction of Suicidal Thoughts in Major Depression
Single IV ketamine infusion produced clinically significant reductions in suicidal ideation within 24 hours.
View studyThe Pacific Northwest’s most experienced ketamine clinic.
Over 50,000 infusions delivered
Family-run since 2017, more IV ketamine experience than any other clinic in Washington State.
Three Washington locations
Seattle (First Hill), Bellevue (Eastside flagship), and Tacoma (South Sound). Patients can switch between clinics between sessions.
Whole-body continuum of care
Through our partnership with Northwest Healing & Wellness, Spravato, KAP, IV vitamin therapy, medication management, and supplements under one care plan.
ASKP3 & LegitScript certified
Recognized as a Seattle Met Top Doctors practice. Vetted by the national ketamine clinical standards body.
Trauma-informed, integration-ready
Our staff is trained in trauma-informed care, and KAP integration is available throughout your series.
Most patients start within a week
No referral required for adults. 30-minute intake call, $25 medical consult, then your first infusion.
Four pathways. The one we recommend for depression.
For depression, we typically recommend the Mind & Mood Pathway. Six IV ketamine sessions paired with mood-supportive nutrient infusions, a medication management consult to optimize what you’re already taking, and three provider check-ins through the series.
See all Healing Pathways →
Mind & Mood Pathway
Six IV ketamine sessions paired with mood-supportive nutrient infusions, medication management consult, and three progress calls.
Nervous System Calm Pathway
Six IV ketamine sessions paired with KAP integration, B12 + hydration support, and the Emotion Balance supplement protocol.
Performance & Focus Pathway
Six IV ketamine sessions paired with a Myers’ Cocktail and IV hydration infusions to support energy, clarity, and recovery between sessions.
Reset + Recovery Pathway
Six IV ketamine sessions paired with glutathione, magnesium bisglycinate, signature blend, and hydration infusions.
Talk to one of our nurse practitioners about depression.
A 30-minute intake call, no pressure, no waitlist. We will reach out right away to confirm candidacy and walk through pathway options.
Common questions about depression treatment.
How is IV ketamine different from Spravato (esketamine)?
Both work on the same NMDA receptor system. IV ketamine is nearly 100% bioavailable to the brain, allowing lower total doses, real-time titration, and consistent results. It is our primary treatment. Spravato (esketamine) is the FDA-approved nasal form, available at $99 per visit out-of-network through our Northwest Healing & Wellness partnership. Many patients use both, depending on insurance and response.
How many infusions before I feel better?
Most patients at Northwest Ketamine Clinics notice a shift within the first one to three sessions. The full initial series is six infusions over two to three weeks. This gives the brain enough repeated stimulus to consolidate change. 96% of our patients report meaningful improvement by the end of the series.
Will I need to stop my antidepressant?
Almost never. Most patients continue SSRIs, SNRIs, or other antidepressants through ketamine treatment. Our medical team reviews everything during intake. Some patients later choose to deprescribe, that work happens through our medication management partnership with Northwest Healing & Wellness, not abruptly.
How long does the antidepressant effect last?
After a complete initial series, most patients maintain results with a single infusion every six to twelve weeks. Some patients go longer between maintenance sessions; the schedule is built around your specific response, not a fixed protocol.
Talk to a nurse practitioner, no pressure, no waitlist.
A 30-minute intake call confirms whether IV ketamine, Spravato, or another pathway is the right fit for your depression. Most patients begin treatment within a week.
(206) 309-2299