Ketamine for Depression

Ketamine for Depression
in Salt Lake City

Personalized Ketamine Therapy for Depression and Lasting Mental Wellness

Schedule a Free Consult

Treatments

IV, IM, KAP, or concierge treatments available

Session Time

2-Hour Appointment Window

Ketamine Cost

IM Treatments $299, IV Treatments $400, Special package pricing, and first responder discounts

Consultations

Free 15-Minute phone consultation & free in-person medical evaluation

Ketamine for Depression in Salt Lake City | Fast Relief When Other Treatments Fail

Ketamine for depression in Salt Lake City is helping people find relief when traditional treatments have not provided enough results. Depression can affect sleep, mood, focus, energy, and overall quality of life. Some people struggle to get out of bed, while others lose interest in activities they once enjoyed. As a result, work, school, and relationships can suffer.

 

Many people try antidepressants, counseling, or both. While these treatments help some people, they do not work for everyone. Some continue to experience symptoms despite treatment, a condition known as treatment-resistant depression. Ketamine therapy offers a different approach. Unlike many traditional antidepressants, ketamine works on the brain’s glutamate system rather than serotonin pathways. Some patients report improvements sooner than with standard medications.* At Ketamine Therapy at Therapeutic Alternatives in West Jordan, Utah, we provide personalized ketamine treatment in a safe and supportive setting. To schedule a free consultation, call (385) 685-1410 or fill out our online form.

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What Is Depression?

Depression is more than feeling sad for a few days. It is a mental health condition that affects the way a person thinks, feels, and experiences daily life. According to the World Health Organization, more than 332 million people worldwide live with depression.

 

Depression looks different from person to person. Some people feel sad or hopeless most of the time. Others may feel tired, numb, irritable, or disconnected from the people around them. Many lose interest in activities they once enjoyed or struggle to find motivation throughout the day. Depression can be linked to family history, stress, trauma, hormone changes, or major life events. Without treatment, symptoms may continue or become more severe over time. While therapy and antidepressants help many people, others continue to struggle despite treatment.

Common Symptoms of Depression

  • Ongoing sadness or feelings of hopelessness
  • Loss of interest in hobbies or daily activities
  • Low energy or feeling tired most days
  • Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
  • Changes in appetite or weight
  • Trouble focusing or making decisions
  • Feelings of guilt, shame, or low self-worth
  • Feeling numb or disconnected from others
  • Thoughts of self-harm or suicide in severe cases

What Is Treatment-Resistant Depression?

Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) occurs when depression symptoms continue despite treatment. In most cases, people with TRD have tried two or more antidepressants without experiencing enough improvement. This can be frustrating and discouraging. However, other treatment options may still be available.

 

According to research published in JAMA Psychiatry, roughly one-third of people with depression do not respond to first-line treatments. For these individuals, ketamine for depression in Salt Lake City may be another option. Unlike many traditional antidepressants, ketamine acts on the brain’s glutamate system rather than serotonin pathways. This different approach is one reason ketamine continues to be studied for treatment-resistant depression.*

How Ketamine for Depression in Salt Lake City Works

According to research published in Nature Mental Health, ketamine may help support neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to form new connections and adapt to change. Because depression can affect how the brain processes thoughts, emotions, and experiences, these changes may help support healthier brain function.* The four steps below explain how ketamine may help with depression.

Ketamine Interacts With NMDA Receptors

Ketamine affects NMDA receptors in the brain. These receptors play a role in mood, learning, and memory.

Glutamate Activity
Increases
As NMDA receptors are affected, glutamate activity increases. Glutamate is a chemical messenger that helps brain cells communicate and form connections.
Neuroplasticity
Begins
Higher glutamate activity may help the brain form new pathways and connections. This process, known as neuroplasticity, helps the brain adapt and change over time.
Depression Symptoms May Improve
As these changes occur, some people report improvements in mood, thinking, and emotional well-being. Others find it easier to engage in therapy and develop healthier thought patterns.*

Who Is a Good Candidate for Ketamine for Depression Utah?

Ketamine therapy may be a good option for people living with depression that has not improved with traditional treatments. Good candidates may:
  • Have moderate to severe depression
  • Have treatment-resistant depression (TRD)
  • Continue to experience symptoms despite antidepressants or therapy
  • Experience depression alongside anxiety, PTSD, OCD, or chronic pain
  • Be looking for an alternative treatment option when standard approaches have not provided enough relief
Many people who have not found enough relief through antidepressants, therapy, or other treatments may be good candidates for ketamine therapy. While treatment is not right for everyone, a consultation can help determine whether ketamine therapy may be a helpful next step.

Ketamine for Depression in Salt Lake City: What to Expect

01

Step
Schedule a Free Phone Consult

Call (385) 685-1410 or fill out the online form to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation. During this call, the team reviews symptoms, answers questions, and discusses whether ketamine therapy may be a good fit.

02

Step
Complete a Free In-Person Evaluation
Austin Francom, APRN, FNP, completes a detailed in-person mental health evaluation. Symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals are reviewed to create a customized treatment plan. In many cases, treatment can begin the same day.

03

Step
Relax During Ketamine Treatment
Treatment may include IV ketamine infusions or IM ketamine injections. Patients relax in a private treatment room with a curated playlist and optional eye covers while a licensed provider helps create a safe and comfortable treatment experience.
Schedule a Free Consult
Prepare for Ketamine Treatment

Why Choose Ketamine Therapy at Therapeutic Alternatives?

At Ketamine Therapy at Therapeutic Alternatives, patients receive personalized care from a medical and mental health team. Every treatment plan starts with a detailed evaluation to determine whether ketamine therapy is a good fit based on symptoms, health history, and treatment goals.

 

Austin Francom, APRN, FNP, conducts evaluations and creates personalized treatment plans. Candace Curzon, LCSW, provides counseling and support throughout the treatment process. Together, they work closely with patients to provide safe, compassionate care.

 

We offer several treatment options, including IM ketamine injections, IV ketamine infusions, and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP). Concierge ketamine services are also available for eligible patients throughout Utah. Treatments take place in a calm, comfortable setting with private treatment rooms, music, and optional eye covers to help patients relax during their sessions.

Ketamine vs. Traditional Antidepressants

Antidepressants such as SSRIs and SNRIs are commonly used to treat depression. They can be effective for many people, but they may take several weeks to reach their full effect. The discussion of ketamine vs. SSRIs has grown in recent years as researchers continue to study ketamine’s potential benefits for treatment-resistant depression. According to research published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, ketamine may provide symptom relief more quickly for some individuals.* The table below highlights some key differences between ketamine therapy and traditional antidepressants.

Ketamine Therapy Traditional Antidepressants
Affects glutamate pathways Primarily affects serotonin pathways
Some patients report improvements within hours or days Often takes 4–6 weeks to reach full effect
Administered in a clinical setting Usually taken daily at home
May help some people who have not responded to SSRIs Often used as a first-line treatment
Typically given as a series of treatments Often taken daily for months or years

Is Ketamine for Depression Safe?

Yes. When administered by trained medical providers, ketamine therapy is generally considered safe for many patients. Before treatment begins, every patient completes a medical evaluation to determine whether ketamine therapy is an appropriate option. During each session, a licensed provider monitors vital signs, including blood pressure and heart rate, and patients remain in the clinic until they are ready to leave.

 

Some patients experience short-term side effects such as dizziness, nausea, or dissociation, which is a temporary feeling of being disconnected from their surroundings. In most cases, these effects improve within an hour after treatment ends.

 

Ketamine therapy may not be recommended for everyone. People who are pregnant, have uncontrolled high blood pressure, or have a history of psychosis may not qualify for treatment. A thorough medical screening helps ensure ketamine therapy is both safe and appropriate for each patient.

Conditions Treated Alongside Depression

Depression often occurs alongside other mental health and medical conditions. Ketamine therapy may also be used as part of a treatment plan for:

Many patients experience more than one condition at the same time. Addressing these related symptoms may help improve overall well-being and quality of life. To learn more, visit our pages on ketamine for anxiety and ketamine for PTSD.

  • FAQs

Ketamine for Depression in Salt Lake City

Ketamine often works much faster than standard antidepressants. Many patients notice mood improvement within hours or days of their first session. However, results vary by person. Most providers recommend a series of six sessions to achieve the best and most lasting outcome.*

At Ketamine Therapy at Therapeutic Alternatives, a single IM injection costs $299, and a single IV infusion costs $400. Package discounts are available for a series of six treatments. Discounts are also offered for first responders and referrals. We are committed to keeping the cost of ketamine therapy in Utah affordable.

Most treatment plans start with six sessions over 3-6 weeks. After the initial series, some patients return for monthly maintenance sessions. The exact number depends on symptom severity, response to treatment, and personal goals.

Esketamine (Spravato), a nasal spray form of ketamine, is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression. IV and IM ketamine are used off-label. Both are widely accepted by mental health professionals and supported by strong clinical research.

In many cases, yes. Most patients can continue taking their antidepressants while receiving ketamine therapy. However, every situation is different. Before treatment begins, Austin Francom, APRN, FNP, reviews your current medications, medical history, and treatment goals to help determine whether ketamine therapy is a good fit for you. Patients should never stop taking antidepressants unless instructed to do so by their healthcare provider.

Yes. Ketamine Therapy at Therapeutic Alternatives offers concierge at-home services for patients in Salt Lake County, Utah County, and Davis County. A licensed provider administers treatment in a safe, controlled setting outside the clinic. Unsupervised at-home use is never recommended.

Before ketamine treatment, patients are usually asked to avoid eating for 4 hours before the session to help reduce nausea. Comfortable clothing is recommended, and many patients bring a pillow, blanket, headphones, and a personal playlist to help create a relaxing experience. It is also important to arrange a ride home after treatment, as driving is not allowed on the same day.

Ketamine treatment feels different for everyone. Many patients describe feeling deeply relaxed, calm, or emotionally disconnected from everyday stress during the session. Some experience changes in perception, dream-like thoughts, or a floating sensation. Others simply feel quiet and mentally still. These effects are temporary and usually fade shortly after treatment ends. Throughout the session, patients remain in a safe, monitored setting with support available if needed.

Ketamine for Depression Near Me | West Jordan, Utah

Ketamine Therapy at Therapeutic Alternatives serves patients throughout the Salt Lake Valley, including Salt Lake City, South Jordan, Sandy, Draper, Cottonwood Heights, Herriman, and Murray. We provide ketamine therapy for depression, treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other related conditions in a safe and supportive environment.

 

Treatment is led by Austin Francom, APRN, FNP, who develops personalized treatment plans and oversees patient care. Candace Curzon, LCSW, provides counseling and therapeutic support throughout the treatment process. Every patient receives a care plan based on their symptoms, health history, and treatment goals.

 

If depression continues to affect your daily life despite therapy, antidepressants, or other treatments, ketamine therapy may be worth exploring. To schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation, call (385) 685-1410 or fill out our online form today.

  • GET STARTED

SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULT

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Name*
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