Who Should NOT Do Ketamine Therapy

Ketamine-assisted therapy can be a powerful option for many people, but it’s not the right fit for everyone. Part of providing safe care is knowing when ketamine may not be appropriate—or when extra caution is needed. If you’re considering ketamine therapy, here are some situations where it might not be the best choice.

Certain Medical Conditions

Because ketamine can affect blood pressure and heart rate, people with uncontrolled hypertension, serious heart conditions, or certain neurological issues may be advised against it. A thorough medical evaluation is an important part of the screening process.

History of Substance Misuse

While ketamine has a low risk of dependence in therapeutic settings, people with a history of substance misuse may need to avoid it or proceed with strong safeguards. The goal is healing, not replacing one struggle with another.

Untreated Psychosis

For people living with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or other psychotic conditions, ketamine may worsen symptoms or create destabilizing experiences. In these cases, it’s generally not recommended.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Research on ketamine use during pregnancy or breastfeeding is limited. Until more is known, it’s considered unsafe to use ketamine in these situations.

When You’re Not Ready for the Process

Ketamine therapy isn’t about taking a medicine and walking away—it’s about preparation, intention, and integration. If you’re not ready or able to engage in the therapeutic process that surrounds the session, it may not be the right time.

Being cautious about who should not do ketamine therapy isn’t about closing doors—it’s about making sure the treatment is safe and effective. A thoughtful screening process with a qualified professional helps ensure that ketamine therapy is used where it can truly support healing.