PTSD Treatment
Step out of the shadow of trauma. A different pathway for PTSD and Complex PTSD.
For trauma-related conditions where standard treatment alone hasn’t been enough. Whether the trauma was a single event or sustained over years, the underlying neurology is similar — the brain’s threat system stays switched on long after the danger has passed. Our consultant-led IV ketamine programme in London helps that system stand down.
- The Science
How ketamine helps trauma — the brain finally stands down.
Trauma leaves the brain’s threat system running long after the event. Ketamine acts on the glutamate system to quiet dysregulated circuits in the amygdala and prefrontal cortex — creating a window in which the brain can encode safer, more adaptive patterns around traumatic memory.
Quiets the Overactive Threat System
Ketamine dampens dysregulated amygdala activity and hypervigilance — the brain's stuck 'threat-on' state that keeps trauma alive long after the danger has passed.
Restores Prefrontal Regulation
By strengthening prefrontal cortex function, ketamine helps restore the top-down control needed to process traumatic memories without being overwhelmed by them.
Reduces Intrusion & Hyperarousal
By modulating glutamate signalling, ketamine can reduce flashbacks, nightmares, and the constant physiological arousal that defines PTSD.
Opens a Window of Neuroplasticity
Ketamine triggers rapid synaptic growth through BDNF and mTOR — creating a window where the brain can encode safer, more adaptive patterns around traumatic memory.
Below threshold
typical NSESSS shift over the course of treatment
6–12 weeks
typical window for sustained change in trauma-related symptoms
8–12
IV sessions for most PTSD and C-PTSD responders
- The Programme
What treatment actually looks like.
Every step is consultant-led. Every session is monitored. Trauma work asks for a careful, calibrated pace — and that’s exactly how we plan it.
Consultant Assessment
A consultant psychiatrist reviews your trauma history, current symptoms, and any prior treatment (EMDR, trauma-focused CBT, medication). We screen for anything that would make treatment unsafe and take baseline measures on validated PTSD scales (PCL-5, NSESSS) so we can track your response objectively.
Preparation
You’ll fast for 4–6 hours before your session and arrange transport home. On arrival you’re settled in a private treatment room — dim lighting, quiet, comfortable — before your consultant confirms the plan with you.
IV Infusion
Ketamine is delivered intravenously over 40–60 minutes at a subanaesthetic dose, titrated to your weight and response. Heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen saturation are monitored throughout by a consultant anaesthetist.
Recovery & Debrief
You’ll rest for 30–60 minutes as the acute effects wear off. Before you leave, we debrief the session — what came up, how it felt — and confirm the plan for the days ahead. Trauma work benefits from careful integration.
The Programme & Follow-Up
PTSD can take longer to respond than depression — we plan accordingly. A full course is typically 8–12 sessions across 6–12 weeks, with daily WhatsApp check-ins between visits, and boosters timed to how long your response holds.
- Trauma-Related
PTSD & Complex PTSD.
For trauma-related conditions where standard treatment alone hasn’t been enough. Whether the trauma was a single event or sustained over years, the underlying neurology is similar — the brain’s threat system stays switched on long after the danger has passed.
Who this is for
- Diagnosed PTSD or Complex PTSD — including those whose C-PTSD involves emotional dysregulation, identity disturbance, or relational difficulties
- Persistent flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive memories
- Hypervigilance that interferes with daily life
- Emotional numbness, dissociation, or difficulty with relationships
- Veterans, emergency-services personnel, survivors of abuse, or those exposed to chronic stress
- Tried EMDR, trauma-focused CBT, or other treatments without lasting change
How we help
Ketamine quiets the dysregulated circuits in the amygdala and prefrontal cortex that drive hyperarousal and traumatic memory recall. By creating a window of neuroplasticity, it allows the brain to encode safer, more adaptive patterns. PTSD can take longer to respond than depression — we plan accordingly.
Consultant-led from day one
Your treatment is planned and delivered by a consultant psychiatrist and consultant anaesthetist — not delegated to junior clinicians.
Trauma-informed monitoring
Daily WhatsApp check-ins and validated scales let your consultant see how you're responding between sessions — and adjust the plan for a condition that responds unevenly.
A programme paced for trauma
PTSD responds more slowly than depression. A typical course is 8–12 sessions across 6–12 weeks, with boosters timed to how long your response holds.
Let the past finally become the past.
If EMDR, trauma-focused CBT or medication haven’t given you lasting change, the next step is a short eligibility check or a free, no-pressure call with our team.