Why Veterans Are Turning to Ketamine
Veterans face disproportionately high rates of PTSD, depression, and suicide. Despite the VA's efforts, wait times for mental health care can stretch weeks to months, and many veterans find that traditional treatments—SSRIs, talk therapy—don't adequately address the severity of their symptoms. Ketamine offers a different approach with a faster timeline.
- An estimated 22 veterans die by suicide every day in the United States
- Up to 30% of combat veterans develop PTSD
- Many veterans have treatment-resistant depression that hasn't responded to multiple SSRIs
- VA mental health wait times can be significant, delaying critical care
- Ketamine's rapid onset is particularly important for veterans in crisis
- The at-home model eliminates barriers like travel and scheduling challenges
PTSD and Treatment-Resistant Depression in Veterans
Military trauma creates unique neurobiological changes in the brain. Combat exposure, moral injury, military sexual trauma, and the cumulative stress of service can lead to deeply entrenched PTSD and depression that standard treatments struggle to reach. Ketamine targets different brain pathways than conventional medications.
- Combat-related PTSD often involves deeply encoded fear memories resistant to standard treatment
- Ketamine promotes neuroplasticity to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories
- Reduces hypervigilance, flashbacks, and nightmares through glutamate modulation
- Can address co-occurring depression and PTSD simultaneously
- Research specifically in veteran populations shows significant symptom reduction
- May make concurrent therapy (EMDR, CPT) more effective through enhanced neuroplasticity
Privacy and the At-Home Advantage
Many veterans hesitate to seek mental health treatment due to stigma, privacy concerns, or past negative experiences with institutional care. Our at-home telehealth model addresses these barriers directly.
- Treatment in the privacy of your own home—no waiting rooms, no institutional settings
- Telehealth consultations from anywhere in Florida or New Jersey
- No impact on security clearances or employment—HIPAA-protected private care
- Discreet medication delivery in unmarked packaging
- No need to explain absences for clinic appointments
- Your treatment records are completely separate from VA medical records
- Veteran-friendly care team that understands military culture
The Treatment Process for Veterans
Our treatment process is straightforward and designed to get you relief as quickly as safely possible. No bureaucratic hurdles, no lengthy intake processes.
- Free online eligibility assessment—takes under 5 minutes
- Video consultation with Dr. Ben Soffer, DO—a board-certified physician
- Thorough evaluation of your military service history, trauma, and treatment background
- Personalized treatment protocol designed for your specific symptoms
- Medication delivered discreetly to your home
- AI-guided sessions with KetAI, with your trusted companion present
- Regular follow-ups to track improvement and adjust your protocol
Research in Veteran Populations
Ketamine has been specifically studied in veteran and military populations with PTSD and treatment-resistant depression, with encouraging results that have drawn attention from the broader military medical community.
- Multiple studies have demonstrated significant PTSD symptom reduction in combat veterans
- Rapid reduction in suicidal ideation—critical given veteran suicide rates
- The VA and Department of Defense are actively researching ketamine-based treatments
- Repeated ketamine treatments show cumulative benefits in veteran populations
- Research supports the combination of ketamine with trauma-focused therapy for veterans