Using Ketamine To Treat Depression

Available with English captions and subtitles in Spanish.

Explore what clinicians, patients, and families need to know about ketamine’s role in treating depression—its science, safety, and real-world outcomes.

Why This Training Matters

Ketamine is one of the most talked-about treatments in psychiatry today—and one of the most misunderstood.

This session breaks down what the research says about ketamine’s mechanism of action, its rapid antidepressant effects, and the practical realities of treatment.

Dr. Meisner addresses common questions about dosing, safety, access, and the future of psychedelic-assisted care—all while emphasizing patient-centered, ethical practice.

What You’ll Learn

  • The evidence base and clinical rationale for ketamine in depression treatment
  • How ketamine affects the brain and why it acts more rapidly than traditional antidepressants
  • Key differences between IV ketamine infusion and esketamine nasal administration
  • Safety guidelines and what to expect during treatment sessions
  • The truth about psychedelics and common misconceptions
  • What responsible, evidence-based ketamine care looks like in practice
  • The importance of patient screening, monitoring, and follow-up care

Who Should Watch

  • Mental health professionals (psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, nurses, counselors, and therapists)
  • Pediatricians and primary-care providers
  • K-12 and university educators and school staff
  • Public health professionals
  • Parents and caregivers
  • Community and faith leaders
  • Executives, managers, and HR professionals

Event Details

  • Date Recorded: June 5, 2025
  • Length: 60 minutes
  • Presenter: Robert C. Meisner, MD

Watch this free, on-demand session and learn how ketamine is reshaping the field of depression treatment through science, safety, and compassion.

Topics Covered During This Training

  • Why should we care about ketamine in the psychiatric treatment world?
  • How has ketamine use in health care changed over time?
  • How does ketamine work? What do we know about the mechanisms behind it?
  • Is there a significant difference in the effectiveness of ketamine infusion versus an esketamine nasal spray when it comes to treating depression?
  • What are some potential benefits and challenges of ketamine treatment versus traditional antidepressants in treating treatment-resistant depression?
  • How can patients and loved ones find reputable sources of information and care involving ketamine treatment?
  • Can you describe the process of administering ketamine in treatment and what the protocols are?
  • What is a psychedelic? What is some of the misinformation out there about them?
  • What are some key takeaways about ketamine treatment for depression?

The information discussed is intended to be educational and should not be used as a substitute for guidance provided by your health care provider. Please consult with your treatment team before making any changes to your care plan.

Resources

You may also find this information useful:

About Dr. Meisner

Robert C. Meisner, MD, is the medical director of the Ketamine Service in the Psychiatric Neurotherapeutics Program at McLean Hospital and an attending psychiatrist in the Acute Psychiatric Service at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Dr. Meisner has written and lectured on a wide range of topics, including the safe translation of ketamine and esketamine research into evidence-based clinical practice.

Originally aired June 5, 2025

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