PTSD Treatment in Littleton, CO
Explore physician-led IV ketamine therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder when intrusive memories, avoidance, hypervigilance, sleep disruption, or other PTSD symptoms continue despite previous treatment.
Physician-Led PTSD Care Serving Littleton and South Denver
At Vitalitas, we understand that PTSD can affect much more than memories of a traumatic experience. Symptoms can influence sleep, concentration, relationships, work, emotional responses, and how safe you feel in everyday situations. At our Littleton clinic at 26 West Dry Creek Circle, Suite 200, Littleton, CO 80120, we review your symptoms, mental health history, medications, previous treatment, safety factors, and goals before determining whether IV ketamine therapy may be appropriate for your care.
When PTSD Continues to Affect Daily Life
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. PTSD involves persistent symptoms that continue beyond the immediate stress response and interfere with daily functioning.
PTSD symptoms may include:
Intrusive memories, thoughts, or nightmares related to trauma
Avoiding people, places, thoughts, or situations connected with the experience
Feeling tense, on guard, or easily startled
Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
Irritability or heightened emotional reactions
Persistent negative thoughts, guilt, fear, or loss of interest in activities
PTSD can look different from one person to another. Some people experience prominent intrusive memories or nightmares, while others struggle more with avoidance, emotional numbness, hypervigilance, sleep problems, or difficulty feeling safe.
Established PTSD treatment commonly includes psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of approaches. When symptoms remain difficult to manage despite previous care, some patients may consider additional treatment options.
IV Ketamine Therapy for PTSD
At Vitalitas, we provide physician-led IV ketamine therapy for selected patients with PTSD.
Ketamine is FDA-approved as a general anesthetic. Its use for PTSD and other psychiatric conditions is off-label, meaning ketamine has not been FDA-approved specifically to treat post-traumatic stress disorder. The FDA provides additional context on the current use of ketamine in emerging areas of therapeutic interest.
Ketamine is an NMDA receptor antagonist that affects glutamate signaling in the brain. Researchers are studying whether ketamine's effects on glutamate signaling and neuroplasticity may be relevant to PTSD, although its therapeutic mechanisms specifically for PTSD are not fully understood.
The evidence remains developing. A 2026 systematic review of intravenous ketamine for PTSD evaluated seven randomized controlled trials involving 323 participants. Significant improvements in PTSD symptoms compared with control or placebo were reported in two of the included trials. The authors concluded that IV ketamine may have therapeutic potential for PTSD and called for further research into its mechanisms and the potential added role of psychotherapy.
We approach ketamine accordingly. IV ketamine is not a cure for PTSD, and it does not replace established trauma-focused mental health care when psychotherapy, psychiatric treatment, or medication management remains appropriate. Instead, ketamine may be considered as an additional off-label option for some patients after careful evaluation.
Learn more about our broader approach to ketamine therapy for PTSD.
Careful Screening and Physician-Led Ketamine Treatment
Having a PTSD diagnosis does not automatically mean ketamine therapy is appropriate. Safety, clinical stability, treatment history, and your broader mental health care all matter when considering treatment.
Before recommending IV ketamine therapy, we consider your:
PTSD symptoms and how they affect daily life
Mental health and medical history
Current medications
Previous psychotherapy and medication treatment
Clinical stability and safety factors
Treatment goals and expectations
If IV ketamine treatment moves forward, our care model includes:
Individualized planning based on your symptoms, history, previous care, and clinical needs
Physician oversight throughout treatment
Clinical monitoring of heart rate, heart rhythm, blood pressure, oxygen level, and how you are feeling during the infusion
Follow-up to review your response and guide future treatment decisions
Care coordination with the clinician managing your mental health treatment when appropriate
Not everyone with PTSD will be a candidate for ketamine therapy. We believe careful screening, clear recommendations, and realistic expectations are essential parts of responsible care.
What to Expect From Ketamine Treatment for PTSD
Ketamine therapy at Vitalitas begins with a clinical consultation. We review what you have been experiencing, your health history, medications, previous treatment, goals, and whether outpatient ketamine treatment can be provided safely and appropriately.
If treatment is recommended, IV ketamine is administered in a private room with physician oversight and clinical monitoring. Mental health infusions at Vitalitas are typically about 40 minutes, with treatment decisions individualized according to your response, tolerance, safety, and clinical needs.
You will need transportation home after an infusion. For the remainder of the treatment day, you should avoid driving, operating heavy machinery, alcohol, intense work, and major decisions.
Follow-up is part of the treatment process. We review your response and overall progress before making decisions about continued care. When appropriate, we also coordinate with the therapist, psychiatrist, or other clinician already involved in your mental health treatment.
PTSD Treatment at Our Littleton Clinic
Our Littleton clinic provides physician-led IV ketamine therapy for selected patients with PTSD and serves patients from Littleton and the south Denver Metro area, including Highlands Ranch, Centennial, Englewood, and South Denver.
Vitalitas Littleton
26 West Dry Creek Circle, Suite 200, Littleton, CO 80120
Learn more about our Littleton clinic.
If intrusive memories, avoidance, hypervigilance, sleep disruption, or other PTSD symptoms remain difficult to manage despite previous treatment, we can help you understand whether an evaluation for off-label IV ketamine therapy may be an appropriate next step.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ketamine for PTSD
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No. Ketamine is FDA-approved as a general anesthetic, but its use for PTSD and other psychiatric conditions is off-label. We discuss that distinction as part of the evaluation process so you can consider treatment with clear expectations.
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Ketamine may be considered for selected patients whose PTSD symptoms remain difficult to manage despite previous treatment. Candidacy depends on your symptoms, treatment history, medications, medical and mental health history, clinical stability, safety profile, and whether outpatient ketamine treatment is appropriate.
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No. Ketamine is not a cure for post-traumatic stress disorder, and response varies from person to person. Research into IV ketamine for PTSD is still developing. We review your response and overall progress before making decisions about continued treatment.
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Ketamine should not be considered a replacement for psychotherapy, psychiatric care, or medication management when those treatments are appropriate. When appropriate, we can coordinate with your existing mental health clinician as part of your broader care.
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Mental health infusions at Vitalitas are typically about 40 minutes. Your overall treatment plan is individualized according to your clinical needs, response, tolerance, and safety.
Request a PTSD Treatment Consultation in Littleton
If PTSD continues to affect your sleep, relationships, concentration, work, sense of safety, or everyday routines despite previous care, we can help you understand what physician-led IV ketamine therapy involves and whether this off-label treatment may fit your care needs.
Our process begins with careful evaluation, clear information, and an individualized clinical recommendation.
Medical Disclaimer
This page is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or individualized treatment. Ketamine use for PTSD and other psychiatric conditions is off-label. Treatment decisions should be made with a qualified healthcare professional after an appropriate evaluation.
Scientific Resources
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder — National Institute of Mental Health.
Understanding Current Use of Ketamine for Emerging Areas of Therapeutic Interest — U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2024.
Effects of Intravenous Ketamine on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): A Systematic Review — Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, 2026.