The Problem: Treatment-Resistant PTSD in Israel
Living in Israel, you may be suffering from PTSD without even realizing how deeply it has affected your life. Are any of these symptoms familiar: You wake up in the middle of the night filled with fear haunted by repetitive nightmares. The noise of a passing car, the bang of construction, someone raising their voice, or being jostled when walking down the street sends a surge of stress through your body.
Maybe you’re a soldier who has witnessed unspeakable horrors on the battlefield, a first responder who has treated victims from terror attacks, or a civilian who lived through traumatic violence. The fear, the hypervigilance, the overwhelming sense of danger— can be physically and psychologically exhausting. You may have tried therapy, medications, meditation, but without finding any true positive changes. The treatments that work for others don’t seem to work for you, and you start to wonder if healing is even possible.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating condition affecting thousands in Israel. Standard treatments like antidepressants and traditional therapy may not provide relief, leaving many struggling with chronic symptoms. For these individuals, treatment-resistant PTSD can severely impact daily life, relationships, and overall well-being.
The Solution: Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy
Ketamine therapy is emerging as a revolutionary treatment for PTSD, offering rapid symptom relief for those who have not responded to conventional approaches. Unlike traditional medications that take weeks to show effects, ketamine works within hours by targeting the brain’s glutamate system, promoting neuroplasticity, and helping patients reprocess traumatic memories.
Ketamine-assisted therapy combines low-dose ketamine infusions with guided psychotherapy, enhancing emotional breakthroughs and long-term healing. Clinics like Keter Health are leading the way in providing safe, legal, and effective ketamine treatments in Israel.
Israeli soldiers and civilians alike are benefiting from these treatments. According to The Jewish Chronicle, ketamine therapy could be life-saving for traumatized IDF veterans. Furthermore, a recent Haaretz report highlights how ketamine is offering renewed hope to survivors of the Nova music festival attack and IDF soldiers suffering from PTSD.
“Having practiced psychiatry for over 15 years, I am excited about the potential of ketamine-assisted therapy to help those suffering from treatment-resistant PTSD. Consistently, I have seen its ability to help alleviate PTSD symptoms,” said Dr. Isaac Nagel, head physician at Keter Health.
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy at Keter Health in Israel
At Keter Health, located in Israel, ketamine treatment is integrated with psychotherapy to optimize healing. The process follows a structured approach:
Step 1: Initial Assessment with Dr. Isaac Nagel, MD
Your journey begins with a comprehensive assessment by Dr. Isaac Nagel, MD, who evaluates your mental health history, treatment goals, and determines whether Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy is right for you.
Step 2: Assignment to a Certified Ketamine Facilitator (CKF)
Once approved, you are paired with a Certified Ketamine Facilitator (CKF), a trained professional who will support you through the therapeutic process and ensure a safe, guided experience.
Step 3: Preparation Session with Your CKF
Before your first ketamine session, you will meet with your CKF to set intentions, discuss expectations, and mentally prepare for the experience in a comfortable environment.
Step 4: Ketamine Journey Session
At Keter Health, ketamine is primarily administered intramuscularly (IM) by a medical professional. The first session involves a low-dose injection to assess individual responses. In subsequent sessions, a higher dose may be used to facilitate deeper therapeutic experiences. The effects begin within 5-7 minutes, peak at 15-30 minutes, and gradually fade over time in a phase called the “long tail,” which provides a smooth and therapeutic return to ordinary consciousness.
Step 5: Integration Session
Post-session integration is crucial. In the days following your ketamine journey, you will meet with your CKF to process insights and translate them into lasting, meaningful changes in your life.
Scientific Studies and Real-World Impact
Extensive research supports ketamine’s potential in treating PTSD:
- A study by the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai found that repeated ketamine infusions significantly reduced PTSD symptom severity.
- A meta-analysis published by PubMed Central concluded that ketamine shows promising results for PTSD, though further research is needed.
- Yale Medicine is currently studying how ketamine combined with exposure therapy can expedite PTSD recovery.
The Legality and Accessibility of Ketamine Therapy in Israel
Ketamine is legal for medical use in Israel and is administered under strict medical supervision. It has been approved for treatment-resistant depression and PTSD at specialized clinics like Keter Health. Patients undergo thorough medical evaluations before treatment, ensuring safety and efficacy. With Israel’s growing recognition of psychedelic-assisted therapies, access to ketamine therapy is expanding, providing new hope for those struggling with PTSD.
Take the Next Step: Contact Keter Health
If you or a loved one is battling treatment-resistant PTSD, ketamine-assisted therapy could be the breakthrough you need. Contact Keter Health today to learn more about how ketamine therapy can help you reclaim your life.