Recent research suggests that at-home ketamine therapy may serve as a safe and effective treatment option for people dealing with moderate to severe anxiety or depression. In the largest-ever study of its kind, patients used ketamine tablets that dissolve under the tongue or nasal spray— rather than the more traditional intravenous (IV) or intramuscular (IM) routes — paired with telehealth support.

What the Study Found

More than 1,200 adults participated in the study, all diagnosed with either moderate to severe depression, anxiety, or both. Over a protocol of four weekly at-home sessions, almost 89 % of participants reported improvements in symptoms. Nearly 63 % achieved at least a 50 % reduction in their anxiety or depression scores. Suicidal thoughts among participants also decreased. Side effects were rare (under 5 %) and only a handful of people discontinued due to adverse effects.

How At-Home Ketamine Therapy Works

Participants first had a video consultation with a psychiatrist to confirm eligibility and ensure that at-home treatment was appropriate. The treatment consisted of sublingual ketamine tablets or nasal spray administered at home, followed by an hour of listening to music with an eye-mask on — and then journaling to help reflect and integrate the experience. A blood-pressure cuff was provided to monitor vital signs post-treatment. Importantly, all sessions were supported via telehealth by behavioral coaches who helped with preparation, post-session check-ins, and integration coaching.

Why This Matters

Traditionally, ketamine therapy — whether for depression, anxiety, or other mental-health conditions — has required in-clinic infusions, which can be costly, time-consuming, and harder to access. The at-home model offers a potentially more accessible alternative, especially in areas with fewer speciality clinics or for patients who find frequent clinic visits difficult.

Important Caveats

While the results are promising, experts emphasis that this study is not a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. That means we still don’t fully understand how the at-home model compares to standard treatments (such as SSRIs or in-clinic ketamine infusion). Long-term outcomes (six months, 12 months) remain unclear. Also, though the side-effect rate was low in this study, broader real-world conditions may present additional risks.

What To Ask If You’re Considering Ketamine Treatment

If you or someone you know is exploring telehealth ketamine treatment at home, here are key questions to ask:

    •    Is the ketamine being used FDA-approved for your specific condition? (Note: Generic ketamine is only FDA-approved as an anesthetic; many mental-health uses are off-label.)

    •    What type of ketamine is being used (sublingual tablets, nasal spray, lozenges, IV, etc.)?

    •    What preparation and integration support is provided (before and after each session)?

    •    How will your vital signs and safety be monitored?

    •    Are the cost, number of sessions, expected outcomes and risks clearly explained?

    •    What happens if symptoms return? Is there a maintenance plan or follow-up?

Takeaway

At-home ketamine therapy signals a potential shift in how we treat difficult-to-manage anxiety and depression. It offers convenience and improved access compared to traditional in-clinic models. That said, it remains relatively new for this specific format (home use + telehealth), and more rigorous research is needed to firmly establish its long-term effectiveness and safety. If you explore this route, treat it with the same careful vetting you would any serious medical treatment.

Looking for information on at home Ketamine treatments? BlissMistRx.Com offers free 20 minute consultations with a licensed provider