schedule a consultation
The innermost peach circle of the Better Health Whole Wellness Center logo mark, representing the starting point of a patient's personal healing journey through IV ketamine therapy and Spravato® treatment in Philadelphia, PA.

The Clinical Evidence Behind
IV Ketamine Therapy & Spravato®

Peer-Reviewed Research Supporting Ketamine-Based Treatment for Depression, PTSD, Anxiety & Treatment-Resistant Mood Conditions

Key Research Findings on IV Ketamine & Spravato® for Depression

The body of clinical evidence supporting ketamine-based treatment for depression is extensive, rapidly growing, and consistently strong — here is what the research shows:

90%

Of ketamine mental health studies focus on depressive disorders

>400

Registered clinical trials studying ketamine for depression

>2,700

Peer-reviewed publications on ketamine for depression indexed on PubMed

70%

Spravato® response rate reported in clinical trials

44%

Sustained remission rate achieved with Spravato® treatment

Hours to Days

Time to noticeable effect with Spravato® vs. 4–6 weeks for traditional antidepressants

A Deep Foundation of Evidence: Ketamine as the Most Researched Depression Treatment

In 2024, a comprehensive review of global research highlighted ketamine as the most intensively investigated treatment for depression. The analysis covered all clinical trials registered between 1990 and 2020 and identified 137 focused on ketamine for major depressive disorder — significantly more than any other medication. Early research into ketamine’s antidepressant effects began around 2000, with dedicated clinical trials launching in the early-to-mid 2010s — building a robust foundation of evidence over more than two decades. Spravato® (esketamine), the FDA-approved nasal spray form of ketamine, represents the culmination of that research: approved by the FDA in 2019 for treatment-resistant depression, and later for major depressive disorder with suicidal ideation, it became the first ketamine-based treatment to receive full regulatory approval — backed by roughly a decade of its own focused clinical trial data and the broader body of ketamine research that preceded it. This depth of research, paired with thousands of peer-reviewed publications, shapes the clinical approach at Better Health Whole Wellness Center in Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia.


SOURCES:

Namiot et al. Depression clinical trials worldwide: a systematic analysis of the ICTRP and comparison with ClinicalTrials.gov
PubMed: “Ketamine for Depression”

Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Spravato® (esketamine): Clinical Evidence and FDA Approval Data. Johnson & Johnson.

Our Evidence-Guided Commitment to Gold Standard Ketamine Care in Philadelphia

Our evidence-guided approach to IV ketamine therapy and Spravato® (esketamine) shapes every aspect of what we do at Better Health Whole Wellness Center:

♦ We focus our clinical expertise on treating depression, PTSD, anxiety, and treatment-resistant mood conditions
♦ We administer IV ketamine within a carefully defined therapeutic range of 0.5–1.0 mg/kg and offer Spravato® following FDA-approved protocols

♦ We tailor follow-up recommendations to each patient’s individual response — whether IV ketamine or Spravato®
♦ We maintain rigorous safety standards including anesthesiologist oversight and critical care nurse practitioner monitoring

♦ We provide one-on-one clinical and psychological support at every appointment
♦ We operate as a coordinated team to ensure continuity, clarity, and high‑quality care.

Key Clinical Facts & Sources:
What the Research Shows About Ketamine Effectiveness


Effectiveness in Depression:
Response Rates by Ketamine Delivery Method

IV ketamine has demonstrated response rates of approximately 50–70% in patients with depression, with some studies reporting higher outcomes in certain populations. Spravato® (esketamine) shows response rates ranging from 40–70%, depending on the study and patient group. Both treatments are supported by clinical research, with outcomes varying based on individual factors such as diagnosis, treatment history, and overall health.

CLINICAL COMPARISON

Treatment Response Rates

≥ 50% reduction in depression scores

Arch chart comparing IV Ketamine and Spravato treatment response rates for depression — IV Ketamine 50–70%, Spravato 40–70%

The response rate data presented above is drawn from the following peer-reviewed publications:

How IV Ketamine Compares to Other Depression Treatments

Other modalities for treating depression vary significantly in effectiveness, often take weeks or months to show results, and may carry unwanted side effects. Compared to SSRIs (35%), TMS (40%), psilocybin (37%), and even ECT (75%) — IV ketamine achieves response rates of up to 75% with a significantly faster onset, often producing meaningful relief within hours to days rather than weeks. For patients who have not responded to one or more of these alternatives, IV ketamine therapy or Spravato® (esketamine) may offer a new and evidence-supported path forward.

The comparative efficacy data presented above is drawn from the following peer-reviewed publications:

The Safety Profile of IV Ketamine Therapy & Spravato® at Better Health Whole Wellness Center

Both IV ketamine therapy and Spravato® (esketamine) have well-established safety profiles when administered in a certified, medically supervised clinical setting. Here is what the research shows:

1 IN 1000

IV ketamine infusions result in serious adverse reactions

1 IN 10

patients describe their session as uncomfortable — highlighting the value of strong psychological support

Adverse reactions such as temporary increases in heart rate or blood pressure occur in roughly one out of every thousand IV ketamine infusions — underscoring the importance of direct, one-on-one clinical oversight at every session. For Spravato® patients, blood pressure monitoring is an FDA-required component of every session, conducted at specific intervals during the mandatory two-hour post-treatment monitoring period. About one in ten patients across both treatments describe their session experience as uncomfortable — which is precisely why Better Health Whole Wellness Center provides dedicated psychological support, sensory comfort tools, and immediate clinician availability throughout every appointment.

SOURCES:

The Role of Psychotherapy in IV Ketamine & Spravato® Treatment

Research consistently shows that engaging in therapy shortly after an IV ketamine infusion or Spravato® session can help deepen and sustain positive outcomes — taking advantage of the window of enhanced neuroplasticity that both treatments create. Importantly, there is no clinical evidence that psychotherapy performed during the altered state itself enhances results. At Better Health Whole Wellness Center, we encourage structured therapy sessions before and after treatment, coordinating directly with each patient’s existing therapist or psychologist to maximize long-term benefit.

SOURCES:

Clinical Evidence for Ketamine Treatment in Specific Patient Populations

IV Ketamine Therapy for Adolescents (Ages 14 and Up)

Clinical research supports the use of IV ketamine therapy for adolescents aged 14 and older experiencing treatment-resistant depression and mood disorders. At Better Health Whole Wellness Center, patients between ages 14–18 are required to be working with an adolescent psychiatrist, and we coordinate closely with parents or caregivers throughout treatment to ensure safe, age-appropriate care.

IV Ketamine & Spravato® for Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression can be isolating, debilitating, and slow to respond to traditional antidepressants — particularly when new mothers need relief quickly. Clinical research supports ketamine as a fast-acting option for postpartum depression, and Better Health Whole Wellness Center offers both IV ketamine therapy and Spravato® (esketamine) for new mothers seeking evidence-based relief.

Safe Ketamine Therapy for Older Adults Ages 60 and Beyond

Ketamine therapy is safe and effective for older adults. Research supports its use in elderly populations experiencing depression, and Better Health Whole Wellness Center has experience providing carefully monitored, individualized IV ketamine therapy and Spravato® treatment for older adults.

IV Ketamine Therapy for PTSD & Trauma Survivors

Clinical research supports IV ketamine as an effective treatment for PTSD and trauma-related conditions, with studies showing meaningful reductions in intrusive symptoms, hyperarousal, and emotional avoidance. At Better Health Whole Wellness Center, we take a coordinated approach to trauma care — working collaboratively with each patient’s existing providers or helping connect those without a current care team to the right support, ensuring every patient can move through treatment in a safe, clinically guided environment.

Ketamine & Spravato® for Adults Experiencing Suicidal Ideation

Both IV ketamine and Spravato® (esketamine) have demonstrated rapid reductions in suicidal ideation in clinical research — with Spravato® carrying specific FDA approval for adults with major depressive disorder experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviors. At Better Health Whole Wellness Center we are able to expedite care for patients in crisis, sometimes within 24 hours of initial contact once intake requirements are met.

Ketamine Therapy for Patients Managing Addiction or Substance Use

Research supports ketamine as a clinically meaningful option for patients experiencing depression alongside substance use disorders or during recovery. At Better Health Whole Wellness Center we provide compassionate, non-judgmental care that respects both the mental health and recovery journeys of each patient — coordinating closely with addiction specialists and recovery support providers as part of a collaborative care plan.

SOURCES:

Evidence-Based Ketamine Therapy

Schedule a Consultation

Sources & References

Effectiveness in Depression

  1. Namiot et al. Depression clinical trials worldwide: a systematic analysis of the ICTRP and comparison with ClinicalTrials.gov
    PubMed: “Ketamine for Depression”
  2. Ketamine for the treatment of major depression, Nikolin S, et al. EClinicalMedicine. 2023.
  3. Maintenance ketamine treatment for depression, Smith-Apeldoorn SY, et al. Lancet Psychiatry. 2022.
  4. The Role of Ketamine in the Treatment of Bipolar Depression, Jawad MY, et al. Brain Sci. 2023.
  5. Intranasal Ketamine for Depression in Adults, An D, et al. Front Psychol. 2021. 
  6. Comparative efficacy of racemic ketamine and esketamine for depression, Bahji A, et al. J Affect Disord. 2021.

Comparative Treatments

  1. What are the treatment remission, response and extent of improvement rates after up to four trials of antidepressant therapies in real-world depressed patients?, BMJ, 2023
  2. Efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) adjunctive therapy for major depressive disorder (MDD) after two antidepressant treatment failures: meta-analysis of randomized sham-controlled trials, BMC Psychiatry, 2023
  3. Ketamine versus ECT for Nonpsychotic Treatment-Resistant Major Depression, Anand et al., New England Journal Of Medicine, 2023
  4. Single-Dose Psilocybin for a Treatment-Resistant Episode of Major Depression, Goodwin et al., New England Journal of Medicine, 2022

Safety

  1. A systematic review of the incidence of medical serious adverse events in sub-anesthetic ketamine treatment of psychiatric disorders, Journal of Affective Disorders 2023

Care Protocols

  1. Single, Repeated, and Maintenance Ketamine Infusions for Treatment-Resistant Depression: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Focus 2020
  2. Early symptomatic improvements as a predictor of response to repeated-dose intravenous ketamine: Results from the Canadian Rapid Treatment Center of Excellence, Biological Psychiatry 2020
  3. A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Dose-Frequency Study of Intravenous Ketamine in Patients With Treatment-Resistant Depression, Singh et al. American Journal of Psychiatry 2016
  4. A randomized, double-blind, active placebo-controlled study of efficacy, safety, and durability of repeated vs single subanesthetic ketamine for treatment-resistant depression, Translational Psychiatry 2020
  5. Maintenance ketamine treatment for depression: a systematic review of efficacy, safety, and tolerability, Lancet Psychiatry 2022
  6. Ketamine for the treatment of major depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis, Eclinical Medicine 2023

Specific Patient Populations

  1. Ketamine Use in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: Emerging Data in Treatment-Resistant Depression, Insights from Adults, and Future Directions, Current Psychiatry Reports 2023
  2. The effect of ketamine on preventing postpartum depression, J Med Life 2021
  3. The Impact of Ketamine for Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analyses, Annals of Pharmacotherapy 2023
  4. The evidence for ketamine treatment in older adults with psychiatric illness: a scoping review, Therapeutic Advances in Chronic Disease 2025
  5. A meta-analysis of the effects of ketamine on suicidal ideation in depression patients, Translational Psychiatry 2024
  6. Efficacy of Ketamine in the Treatment of Substance Use Disorders: A Systematic Review, Frontiers in Psychiatry 2018

Better Health Whole Wellness Center is a proud 2025 member of the American Society of Ketamine Physicians, Psychotherapists and Practitioners (ASKP³).