Ketamine therapy is a legal, medically supervised treatment option available in California for certain mental health conditions, most commonly treatment-resistant depression. Interest has grown across major regions including San Diego, Los Angeles, Orange County, the Bay Area, Sacramento, and the Inland Empire as patients search for alternatives when traditional medications and therapy have not been enough.
Unlike MDMA-assisted therapy and psilocybin therapy, which remain limited to clinical trials, research settings, or future regulatory pathways, ketamine therapy is available now through licensed clinics and medical providers. Treatment may involve intravenous ketamine, intramuscular ketamine, oral or sublingual formulations, or FDA-approved esketamine nasal spray in certified healthcare settings.
Ketamine is often discussed alongside psychedelic-assisted therapy because it can create altered states of consciousness and is frequently paired with preparation, monitoring, and integration support. However, ketamine is different from classic psychedelics such as psilocybin and MDMA, and treatment should always be guided by qualified medical and mental health professionals.
This page explains what ketamine therapy is, how it is currently used in California, who may be a good fit, how it compares to MDMA and psilocybin therapy, and what patients should know when exploring available treatment options today.
What is Ketamine Therapy?
Ketamine therapy is a medically supervised treatment approach that uses ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic, in carefully controlled doses for mental health conditions such as depression, treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, anxiety, and related mood disorders.
In mental health care, ketamine is most often used when a person has not responded adequately to traditional treatments such as antidepressant medication, talk therapy, or other standard interventions.
A typical ketamine therapy model may include:
Preparation:
A clinical evaluation, review of symptoms, medical history, medications, and treatment goals.
Ketamine treatment session:
Ketamine is administered in a monitored setting. Depending on the clinic, this may involve IV infusion, intramuscular injection, oral or sublingual dosing, or esketamine nasal spray.
Monitoring:
Patients are observed during and after treatment because ketamine can cause dissociation, sedation, changes in perception, and temporary changes in blood pressure or heart rate.
Integration support:
Some clinics include therapy or coaching before and after sessions to help patients process insights, emotions, or behavioral changes that arise during treatment.
Ketamine therapy is not the same as MDMA-assisted therapy or psilocybin therapy, but it is often considered the most accessible psychedelic-adjacent treatment currently available in California.
Is Ketamine Therapy Available in California?
Yes. Ketamine therapy is available in California through licensed medical providers and specialty mental health clinics.
This is one of the biggest differences between ketamine and other psychedelic therapies. MDMA-assisted therapy and psilocybin therapy are still largely limited to clinical trials, research programs, or future regulatory pathways. Ketamine, by contrast, is already being offered in many California markets.
Ketamine therapy is available in several forms, including:
IV ketamine infusion
Often offered by specialty clinics for treatment-resistant depression and related conditions.
Intramuscular ketamine
Used by some providers as an alternative to IV infusion.
Oral or sublingual ketamine
Sometimes used in structured treatment models, depending on provider approach and clinical appropriateness.
Esketamine nasal spray
A ketamine-derived medication approved for treatment-resistant depression and administered under medical supervision through a restricted safety program.
Ketamine remains a controlled substance, so it should only be used under the supervision of appropriately licensed medical professionals.
Explore Ketamine Therapy Availability Across California
Access to Ketamine therapy and related treatments can vary across California. Explore regional guides for more detailed information on availability, clinical options, and local resources.
Current Alternatives to Ketamine Therapy
While ketamine therapy is widely available in California, people exploring this space often look at related pathways for comparison or future options.
Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are currently the primary pathway for accessing MDMA-assisted therapy and psilocybin therapy in regulated research settings.
Integration Therapy
Integration therapy can help individuals prepare for or process psychedelic experiences within a therapeutic framework.
San Diego’s Destination for Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy
Healing for PTSD, depression, anxiety, and end-of-life distress — supported by evidence-based care and a compassionate team.
Healing in the Heart of San Diego
San Diego is home to a growing community seeking new approaches to mental health and emotional healing. Our clinic is preparing to provide safe, structured psychedelic-assisted therapy for conditions such as PTSD, treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, and end-of-life distress. While legal access is still pending, our team is committed to laying the foundation so you can begin your healing journey as soon as therapy becomes available.
Licensed & Medically Monitored Care
Your safety is our highest priority. All therapy will be provided by licensed clinicians and supported by medical monitoring to ensure a safe and effective experience. We adhere to the highest ethical standards and align our practices with current research and clinical guidelines.