Effective treatment for PTSD, including trauma that other treatments haven't touched.
What PTSD is, and what makes it hard to treat.
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PTSD affects approximately 13 million Americans each year.
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Only two medications (sertraline and paroxetine) are FDA-approved for PTSD, and they work for less than half of patients.
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Complex or occupational trauma often requires approaches beyond standard care.
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Ketamine disrupts the neural patterns that sustain PTSD symptoms rather than just managing them.
We have specific experience with occupational and combat trauma.
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Veterans and active military.
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First responders — police, firefighters, and EMTs.
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MTA and Metro-North transit workers.
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9/11 survivors.
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ER nurses and healthcare workers.
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Anyone who has experienced occupational, combat, or complex trauma.
How ketamine helps with PTSD.
Ketamine IV Infusion
- Strong clinical evidence for PTSD symptom reduction.
- Works on brain pathways that sustain trauma response.
- Rapid onset — many patients notice improvement within 24 to 48 hours.
- Particularly effective for PTSD with co-occurring depression.
- Paid out of pocket — no prior authorization required.
Spravato® (Esketamine)
- FDA-approved for MDD with acute suicidal ideation — often co-occurs with PTSD.
- Covered by most PPO plans, including many union plans.
- May be appropriate when PTSD presents alongside significant depression.
- Dr. Rueda discusses the right combination during your evaluation.
A breakthrough treatment for PTSD is on the horizon.
MDMA-Assisted Therapy for PTSD
What our patients experience.
Common questions.
Ketamine IV infusion is used off-label for PTSD based on a growing and well-established body of clinical evidence. Off-label use by physicians is legal and common in medicine — it means the treatment has not completed the FDA approval process for that specific indication, not that it is experimental or unsafe. Ketamine has been used safely for decades as an anesthetic. Its use for PTSD is clinically supported and supervised at every session.
Ketamine IV infusion is paid out of pocket. However, if your PTSD co-occurs with depression or suicidal ideation, Spravato may be covered by your PPO plan. We verify coverage before your first appointment. Many first responder and MTA union plans have strong out-of-network PPO benefits — call us to check yours.
Yes. Dr. Rueda's team has extensive experience with veterans, 9/11 survivors, and first responders. The clinical approach for occupational and combat trauma is personalized to your history. We do not use a one-size-fits-all protocol.
Yes — and we encourage it. Ketamine can create a window of neuroplasticity where the brain is more receptive to processing trauma. Ongoing therapy during and after treatment can strengthen and extend the results. We coordinate with your existing providers with your consent.
The standard induction protocol is 6 infusions over 2 to 3 weeks. PTSD patients often respond well within the induction phase. Maintenance sessions are then scheduled based on individual response.
