In this post:
- How to get the VA to cover ketamine therapy
- The Latest Research on Ketamine Therapy for Veterans
- The VA’s Stance on Ketamine Therapy
- 2025 Budget Expansion Proposal and What it Could Mean for Veterans
- How Veterans Can Get the VA to Cover Ketamine Therapy Today
- FAQs
How to Get the VA to Cover Ketamine Therapy
Veterans seeking relief from treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, and other mental health conditions can find hope in ketamine therapy. Access may seem daunting, but the VA does offer limited coverage for this innovative treatment directly at select VA hospitals and through its Community Care Program (VCCP).
This guide outlines the latest ketamine research for ex-servicemembers and how to get the VA to cover ketamine therapy at little to no cost today.
The Latest Research on Ketamine Therapy for Veterans
Recent research, including a study from the University of Michigan and VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, emphasizes ketamine’s efficacy in treating veterans with severe depression, even in cases where other treatments have failed.
Key findings from this study include:
- Meaningful Improvement: Nearly half (49%) of the 215 veterans studied experienced a significant reduction in depression scores after six weeks of IV ketamine infusions.
- High Response Rate: Approximately 25% of participants saw their depression scores drop by half, indicating a strong response to the treatment.
- Full Remission: 15% of veterans achieved full remission of their depression symptoms after six weeks.
- Ongoing Benefits: Most patients continued with infusions every few weeks, suggesting sustained benefits and continued improvement over time.
Additionally, a comprehensive meta-analysis published in Frontiers in Psychiatry demonstrated significant improvements in pain, depression, and PTSD symptoms among veterans receiving ketamine therapy. It examined 11 studies with 22 veterans groups.
Key points from this meta-analysis include:
Significant Reductions: Ketamine treatment led to significant reductions in symptoms of depression, PTSD, and chronic pain, with moderate-to-large effect sizes.
Diverse Administration: Benefits were observed across various routes of administration (IV, nasal, oral) and treatment protocols.
Broad Impact: Both active-duty and veteran populations experienced significant improvements, highlighting ketamine’s broad applicability.
These clinical findings have contributed to a growing acceptance of ketamine therapy within the VA, medical community and among policymakers.
The VA’s Stance on Ketamine Therapy
The VA has gradually acknowledged the therapeutic potential of ketamine for veterans and taken steps to increase access over the last five years.
In 2019, the VA began a limited rollout of a ketamine-based medication, Spravato, for treatment-resistant depression. However, the VA’s Medical Advisory Panel restricted its use to pre-approved, case-by-case treatment, meaning doctors needed prior approval before prescribing it. Additionally, only veterans who had not responded to other treatments for major depression were eligible.
In February 2022, the VA issued updated Spravato guidelines, allowing for flexibility in protocol modifications to optimize treatment. However, VA doctors must still submit a drug request and receive prior approval before the VA will dispense it.
In 2022, the VA also released national protocols for intravenous ketamine infusions (IV). The guidelines included patient selection criteria, procedures for screening and referral, and protocols for monitoring and managing patients during and after treatment.
Despite these efforts, widespread VA ketamine therapy access remains a challenge. Not all VA facilities offer ketamine therapy, and eligibility criteria applies. Thankfully, the Community Care Program (VCCP) offers an alternative pathway for veterans to receive ketamine treatment when it’s not readily available within the VA system. Additionally, the VA’s 2025 budget proposal offers more signs of hope.
2025 Budget Expansion Proposal and What it Could Mean for Veterans
The VA’s 2025 budget proposal calls for a significant increase in funding to support veterans’ health.
The expansion request includes $4,899,000,000 for the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) to improve the processing of compensation and benefit claims. Additionally, the budget includes $75,039,000,000 for Medical Services, ensuring the VHA can maintain and expand offerings.
The proposal also emphasizes investment in the Veterans Community Care Program, enabling more veterans to access treatments, like ketamine, from private partner clinics. Avesta is a VCCP partner and has been providing ex-service members free compassionate ketamine care since February.
The VA’s budget expansion, if approved, could significantly enhance veterans’ ability to receive the innovative mental health treatments they need.
How Veterans Can Get the VA to Cover Ketamine Therapy Today
Veterans interested in ketamine therapy should speak with their VA physicians. To qualify, they must typically have a diagnosis of major depressive disorder or PTSD and have not responded to at least two other antidepressant treatments.
The VA requires a thorough clinical evaluation to ensure the veteran meets the criteria for ketamine therapy. Once approved, veterans can receive treatments at VA hospitals or private partner clinics.
Steps to get the VA to cover ketamine therapy include:
01. Consult the VA Provider
- Discuss mental health condition with the VA provider.
- Ask about ketamine therapy’s suitability for specific mental health needs.
02. Determine Local VA Offerings
- Ask if the local VA hospital provides ketamine therapy.
- Follow the hospital’s protocols if the service is available.
03. Explore Community Care Options
- If the local VA does not offer ketamine therapy, inquire about community care options.
- Request a referral from the VA provider to a participating private ketamine clinic in the area.
Avesta Ketamine and Wellness offers free ketamine therapy to eligible veterans in the DC, Bethesda MD and McLean VA areas. Contact our team today to determine eligibility.
FAQs
Does the VA cover ketamine treatment?
Yes, the VA covers ketamine treatment for eligible veterans with treatment-resistant depression. Veterans should contact their local VA Medical Center (VAMC) Primary Mental Health Provider, Community Care Office, or Avesta Ketamine and Wellness for further information and evaluation.
Does ketamine work for veterans?
Studies show ketamine therapy can significantly improve depression scores and reduce suicidal thoughts among veterans.
What are the risks?
Ketamine infusions for depression treatment are relatively safe when used in controlled clinical settings. Reputable ketamine clinics like Avesta prepare patients for the dissociative experience and provide coaching to minimize discomfort. Physiological side effects include fluctuations in blood pressure and heart rate, which clinicians closely monitor. Veterans can request to discontinue IV ketamine at any time during sessions if the mental or physical effects become uncomfortable.
How can I find a clinic that offers free ketamine for veterans?
Veterans can start by contacting their VA provider and asking for an authorized referral to an in-network ketamine clinic. They can also seek ketamine coverage through the VA’s community care network.
