Veterans and Ketamine Therapy: A New Path Forward Beyond Traditional Treatments
More Canadian veterans are now seeking ketamine-based treatments to address severe depression and PTSD, especially when conventional therapies haven’t brought relief.
Ketamine therapy is gaining traction as a rapid-acting, clinically supervised option for individuals who’ve tried multiple medications or therapies without success.
A recent report highlighted rising demand among veterans for ketamine therapies in Canada, with Veterans Affairs Canada reimbursing over $10,000 per person in the 2024–25 fiscal year in coverage for ketamine treatment. This highlights both growing awareness and increasing investment in ketamine’s promise, and the urgent need for accessible options.
Why Veterans Are Turning to Ketamine Therapy
A long-term study from the University of Michigan and VA Ann Arbor looked at 215 veterans receiving IV ketamine infusions for treatment-resistant depression. Nearly half of participants experienced at least a 50% drop in depression symptoms, and around 15% achieved full remission after about six weeks of treatments, despite having co-occurring PTSD, anxiety, or substance use histories. For many veterans, ketamine represents hope after years of medication and therapy that didn’t work.
The therapy itself involves administering low-dose ketamine under medical supervision, typically intravenously, often paired with psychotherapy, a combination often called ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. Many patients describe a deep internal clarity afterward, a kind of cognitive shift that makes longer-term therapeutic work more accessible
How Ketamine Works, and Who It May Help
Ketamine acts in a distinctly different way compared to standard antidepressants. By blocking NMDA receptors and boosting glutamate signaling, it enhances neuroplasticity, allowing the brain to form new neural connections and breaking entrenched cycles of depression or trauma response. This makes it particularly useful when traditional approaches fail or when rapid relief is needed.
Although the antidepressant effects often begin within hours and may last for a week or more, maintaining response usually involves follow-up sessions, sometimes spaced weekly or biweekly, especially in cases of ongoing symptoms or relapse. Safety protocols include medical evaluation, monitoring of vital signs, and controlled dosing in a clinical setting to minimize risk.
Ketamine Therapy at Wellbeings
Wellbeings offers ketamine therapy within a broader, trauma-informed model of care that respects the complex history behind a veteran’s struggle. All services combine medical oversight with supportive psychotherapy and individualized planning. Many veterans describe ketamine sessions as a turning point, opening new possibilities for hope and healing.
At Wellbeings, ketamine therapy is provided in a safe, supportive setting where your comfort and care come first. Every session includes one-on-one guidance from our experienced team, followed by thoughtful integration to help you make the most of your treatment. Our approach follows emerging best practices, with the goal of creating meaningful, lasting relief—not just short-term results.
If you’re ready to explore whether ketamine therapy could be right for you, book a confidential consultation today. Let’s take the next step toward your recovery, together.
We’re proud to share that Ketamine Therapy is fully covered for Veterans through eligible health benefit programs.
Take the First Step Today
Don’t let pain define your life. The path to healing starts with the right care—and the right team.