Suicidal Ideation Treatment
Find hope. Rapid intervention for severe suicidal ideation.
For people experiencing active suicidal thoughts despite medication. This is the area where ketamine works fastest — and where we see the most striking changes. Our consultant-led programme runs alongside, not instead of, your existing psychiatric care.
- The Science
Where ketamine truly differs — speed.
For severely suicidal patients, ketamine’s rapid action on the glutamate system can bring meaningful relief within days rather than weeks. Multiple studies show it reduces suicidal ideation independently of its antidepressant effect — often before mood itself has lifted.
Rapid Action on the Glutamate System
Where SSRIs take weeks, ketamine acts within hours — modulating NMDA and AMPA receptors to rapidly shift the neurochemistry underlying acute suicidal thoughts.
Reduces Hopelessness Directly
Multiple studies show ketamine reduces suicidal ideation independently of its antidepressant effect — often before mood itself has fully lifted.
Restores Cognitive Flexibility
By triggering rapid synaptic plasticity, ketamine helps break the narrow, rigid, catastrophic thinking that keeps a person locked in suicidal ideation.
Works Alongside Existing Care
Ketamine doesn't replace your psychiatric team, therapy or medication. It complements them — providing rapid relief while longer-term treatment continues to work.
~Week 4
typical window for meaningful relief from suicidal thoughts
60%+
of severely suicidal patients see significant reduction or full resolution within 6–8 sessions
Continuous
monitoring throughout — you are never alone with the experience
- The Programme
What treatment actually looks like.
Every step is consultant-led. Every session is monitored. And we liaise directly with your existing care team so nothing falls between the cracks.
Consultant Assessment
A consultant psychiatrist reviews your history, current risk, and existing care team. We liaise directly with your treating clinicians where appropriate, and take baseline measures on validated scales (C-SSRS, PHQ-9 item 9) so we can track your response objectively.
Safety Planning & Preparation
Before treatment begins we confirm your safety plan, your support network, and follow-up arrangements. You’ll fast for 4–6 hours and arrange transport home. On arrival you’re settled in a private, quiet treatment room.
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. A clinician stays with you throughout — you are never alone with the experience. Before you leave, we confirm the plan for the days ahead and check in with your support network.
The Programme & Follow-Up
A typical course is 6–8 sessions across 3–4 weeks, with daily WhatsApp check-ins between visits. Meaningful reduction in ideation is often visible by around the fourth session — sometimes sooner. Boosters are scheduled based on how long your response holds.
- Rapid Intervention
Severe Suicidal Ideation.
For people experiencing active suicidal thoughts despite medication. This is the area where ketamine works fastest — and where we see the most striking changes.
Who this is for
- Active or recent suicidal thoughts despite ongoing treatment
- Previous suicide attempts
- Recently discharged from psychiatric admission
- Family members or clinical teams concerned about safety
- Need for rapid intervention while longer-term treatment is established
How we help
Where ketamine truly differs from standard antidepressants is in how rapidly it reduces suicidal ideation. For severely suicidal patients, meaningful relief is often visible by around the fourth session — sometimes sooner. It works alongside, not instead of, ongoing psychiatric care.
Consultant-led from day one
Your treatment is planned and delivered by a consultant psychiatrist and consultant anaesthetist — with direct liaison to your existing psychiatric team.
Continuous safety monitoring
Daily WhatsApp check-ins and validated risk scales give your consultant real-time visibility of how you're doing — you are never left alone with the experience.
Rapid, then sustained
Meaningful relief is often visible by around the fourth session. A full course is typically 6–8 sessions across 3–4 weeks, with boosters timed to your individual response.
There is a way through.
If you or someone you love is in immediate crisis, please call 999 or Samaritans on 116 123 first. Then, when the moment allows, speak to us about what comes next.