Is At-Home Ketamine Therapy Safe? What the Research Says

As ketamine therapy continues gaining popularity for treating depression, PTSD, anxiety, and other mental health conditions, more people are turning to the convenience of at-home options. But a common—and important—question remains: Is at-home ketamine therapy safe?

Let’s look at what the research says, what the risks are, and how Anywhere Clinic screens and follows patients. The short answer: we can't and don't claim that ketamine is safe. It has real risks, and whether it's appropriate for you is a decision a licensed clinician makes after an evaluation.

What the Research Says About Ketamine Safety

Ketamine was developed as an anesthetic in the 1960s and is FDA-approved for anesthesia. In randomized trials of a single IV ketamine infusion for treatment-resistant depression, some patients' symptoms eased within hours to days (Zarate 2006; Murrough 2013). Those trials used IV infusions. Evidence for at-home dosing is more limited, and results vary from person to person. Ketamine is prescribed off-label and is not FDA-approved for any psychiatric condition. The only FDA-approved esketamine product is Spravato, which is given in a certified clinic.

A 2021 expert review in The American Journal of Psychiatry (PubMed) summarized the evidence on ketamine and esketamine, stressed screening and monitoring for side effects, and noted that concerns remain about the safety and tolerability of both.

Ketamine is a Schedule III controlled substance with real risks. Possible effects include dissociation, dizziness, nausea, and raised blood pressure and heart rate. The FDA lists abuse and misuse, psychiatric events, slowed breathing, and bladder and urinary tract symptoms, and has warned that using compounded ketamine at home, without a clinician on site to watch for sedation, dissociation and blood pressure changes, may put patients at risk (FDA). The ketamine label also warns that repeated use can injure the liver and bile ducts (Ketalar label). Our ketamine page covers the risks and who isn't a candidate.

At-home ketamine is different from a clinic infusion. You take the medication yourself at home, with a peer support adult present; no clinician is in the room. At Anywhere Clinic, screening comes before any prescribing decision, and your clinician follows up by video.

Who May Be Evaluated for At-Home Ketamine

At Anywhere Clinic, a clinician may consider at-home ketamine, prescribed off-label, for adults with:

• Treatment-resistant depression

• PTSD and trauma-related disorders

• Anxiety and panic disorders

• OCD

Ketamine is generally not appropriate for people with active psychosis or mania, or during pregnancy, and your clinician screens for these before any prescribing decision. Each treatment plan is individual, and your clinician reviews how you're doing at follow-up visits.

How We Screen and Follow Up

At-home care still has structure. Here’s what’s built in:

• Comprehensive screening: We assess your physical and mental health history before treatment is approved.

• Virtual check-ins: You’ll meet with a licensed provider to prepare for treatment and discuss what to expect.

• Clear safety guidelines: We provide step-by-step instructions—like no driving, no alcohol, and having a peer support adult with you during your session.

• Professional follow-up: We schedule post-session check-ins to assess how you're feeling and adjust your care plan if needed.

At-home ketamine therapy isn't crisis care. If you're thinking about suicide or are in crisis, call or text 988, or call 911.

Is At-Home Ketamine Right for You?

At-home ketamine therapy isn’t for everyone. Clinicians look for patients who:

• Have already tried other treatments with limited success

• Don’t have a history of substance misuse

• Can create a calm, safe environment at home

• Are willing to follow medical guidance closely

Our team will help you determine if you’re a good fit and ensure you feel fully prepared.

Insurance and Payment Options

Visits are $150 each if you self-pay, for the first visit and for follow-ups, or billed to your plan where it's in network with the prescribing clinician in your state (check your plan). If ketamine is prescribed, you pay the compounding pharmacy directly for the medication; we don't bill insurance for it. Our ketamine page lists current costs.

How to Get Started

Curious if at-home ketamine treatment is right for you or a loved one? Our team is here to help.

Contact us to book a video evaluation and learn about our process. At-home ketamine is available only in the states listed on our ketamine page. We can't prescribe it in the states where we can't prescribe controlled substances, and it isn't offered in Texas. In the other states we serve, call (702) 848-2256 before booking a ketamine visit.