Bridgette Mitchell’s Journey with Ketamine Treatment

When Bridgette Mitchell is facing a tough bout of depression, she has a go-to solution. She drives about 20 minutes from her home in Tenafly to the Keta Medical Center in Oradell. There, she settles into a reclining chair, puts on an eye mask, slips on headphones, and prepares for the effects of ketamine to take hold. For Mitchell, these FDA-approved treatments—covered by her insurance—are her lifeline.

“It just really changed my life,” says the 54-year-old. “I honestly don’t know where I would be right now if I hadn’t had this available.”

Interestingly, ketamine has been more closely linked to horse sedation and party scenes than to mental health care. Yet, in recent years, it has gained traction as a treatment for various psychiatric conditions, touted by figures from Elon Musk to moms featured on “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.” Many patients and health providers suggest it can be transformative, particularly for those facing treatment-resistant depression.

Currently, over 500 ketamine clinics operate across the United States, with an estimated market value set to reach $6.9 billion by 2030, according to Grand View Research. A number of these clinics are located in New Jersey.

However, the rising number of overdose deaths linked to ketamine has raised some safety alarms.

What is Ketamine?

Ketamine was first approved by the FDA in 1970 as a general anesthetic for both humans and animals. It creates feelings of disconnection from pain and surroundings. It can also trigger visual and auditory hallucinations, which is partly why it’s popular as a club drug—often referred to as “Special K” or “Vitamin K.” In such contexts, it’s frequently acquired through illegal means, especially from veterinary sources, as noted by the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Classified as a schedule III controlled substance, ketamine is illegal to possess without a prescription due to its potential for abuse and addiction. Nonetheless, healthcare providers can still prescribe ketamine for off-label uses as deemed “medically appropriate.” This practice is similar to the off-label use of GLP-1 drug Ozempic, which is FDA-approved only for type two diabetes but often used for weight loss.

Providers might suggest off-label treatments when there are no approved medications available for a patient’s condition or when a patient has not benefited from existing treatments.

Mitchell found herself in the latter situation. She had tried countless antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications since her early 20s, most of which made her feel like a “zombie.” After bouncing between different therapists and trying various alternatives—including three rounds of transcranial magnetic stimulation, which didn’t help—she was left feeling hopeless.

In October 2024, after hitting another low point, her mental health professional recommended ketamine treatment. Even though she had experience administering it in her role as a nurse practitioner, she felt hesitant to try it for herself. “I was concerned that if anyone knew, it wouldn’t look good for me,” she admitted, referencing ketamine’s reputation.

After her initial consultation, she entered Keta Medical Center for her first treatment, going through a physical exam and mental health assessment during one of her most difficult moments.

“When I began my first treatment, I couldn’t believe the relief I experienced because I was in such a dark place,” Mitchell recalls. Interestingly, the next day, she felt so different that it was almost unreal—having experienced such prolonged mental distress, it felt like she was “on another planet.”

She underwent an initial regimen of two infusions per week over three weeks, later transitioning to bi-weekly sessions.

How Does It Work?

Dr. Haviva Malina, co-founder of Keta Medical Center and a board-certified emergency medicine physician, explains that ketamine’s effectiveness lies in its unique mechanism, which helps create new neural pathways, allowing people to reframe their thoughts and emotions.

Anyone can seek ketamine treatment; a referral from a mental health professional isn’t required. Many clinics in New Jersey have licensed mental health providers available for consultations.

Under New Jersey’s Controlled Dangerous Substances Law, ketamine must be administered by licensed practitioners or supervised staff, but it can be given without a prescription.

Interestingly, ketamine clinics often don’t resemble traditional medical offices. For instance, Keta Medical Center features plants, art, and modern furnishings, aiming for a calming atmosphere.

“Everyone has their own private room with reclining chairs, eye masks, and comfy blankets. We provide a curated playlist and meditative options, focusing on the individual experience,” Malina noted.

There are two primary forms of ketamine treatment: intravenous ketamine and Spravato, which is a nasal spray approved for depression treatment. A session for Spravato lasts about two hours, while an IV session lasts around an hour and a half, including recovery.

According to Malina, patients often enter a dream-like state during treatment. Many find it relaxing. Though the immediate effects are short-lived—patients can’t drive or operate machinery the next day—most return to normal soon after.

However, some patients report significant improvements post-treatment. “Patients often say, ‘This is totally transformative for me. I can finally get out of bed,’” Malina said.

Is It Safe?

Matthew Perry, known for his role on “Friends,” once described ketamine as “a giant exhale” in his memoir from 2022, just before he tragically died from an overdose involving the drug. This has put ketamine treatment under scrutiny.

Like any drug, ketamine has risks, including potential addiction. Although still relatively rare, overdose deaths linked to ketamine have increased recently, and some studies suggest long-term use may lead to brain damage.

As ketamine is not FDA-approved for psychiatric disorders, providers decide on treatment frequency and dosage, though they assert that it can be safe and effective in a monitored environment.

“We follow strict guidelines concerning regimens and protocols,” stated T.J. Shah, co-owner of Vital IV Infusions, which provides ketamine therapy in several locations.

Shah explained that the doses used are lower than those typically administered for anesthesia, which significantly reduces the likelihood of addiction when handled properly by licensed professionals.

Patients are screened for addiction risks, and coordination of care with other providers is maintained whenever possible.

With these safety measures, Shah and co-owner Mamie Bayoh would advocate for FDA approval of ketamine for psychiatric conditions to ensure broader access for patients.

While Spravato is generally covered by insurance due to its FDA approval, IV ketamine often isn’t. That said, some patients report partial reimbursement for treatments costing around $425 per session at Vital IV Infusions.

“Some people feel disconnected on oral medications, but many have experienced improvements with IV ketamine. Others have been at their wits’ end, tried everything, and then experienced a complete turnaround with ketamine therapy,” Bayoh shared.

Approximately 30% of the 8.9 million individuals in the U.S. with depression face treatment-resistant depression, as noted in a 2021 National Institutes of Health study.

“With depression and anxiety, solutions can vary greatly; for some it’s quick meditation, for others, just pills, and then there are those for whom it’s a more complex issue. For those truly struggling, ketamine could be the answer,” Bayoh added.