Post-traumatic stress disorder affects approximately 7 to 8 percent of the U.S. population at some point in their lives — and among combat veterans, that figure rises to 11 to 20 percent for those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. At KDI Health in Frisco, TX, veterans and first responders are at the center of who we built this clinic to serve. Dr. Stephen Gasper enlisted in the Marines at 17 and served four years as a forward observer in the infantry before becoming an emergency physician. He founded KDI Health specifically because of ketamine’s effectiveness as a therapy for veterans and the community struggling with PTSD — and that mission still defines our practice.
The Neuroscience of PTSD and How Ketamine May Help
Neurobiological Changes in PTSD
PTSD is more than a psychological response to trauma. Research increasingly demonstrates that it involves measurable neurobiological changes — alterations in the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and hippocampus that sustain the hypervigilance, intrusive memories, avoidance, and emotional dysregulation that characterize the condition. First-line treatments including SSRIs and trauma-focused psychotherapy produce remission in a meaningful portion of patients, but a substantial percentage — estimates range from 30 to 50 percent — do not achieve adequate relief. For those patients, IV ketamine represents an off-label option with growing evidence and a neuroscientific rationale that goes beyond what existing PTSD medications can offer.
Ketamine’s Mechanism: Synaptogenesis and Memory Reconsolidation
Ketamine’s mechanism in PTSD is thought to involve several interconnected pathways. As an NMDA receptor antagonist, it promotes rapid synaptogenesis — the growth of new synaptic connections — in the prefrontal cortex, a region typically underactive in PTSD. This may restore some of the top-down regulatory capacity over the amygdala’s threat response that PTSD erodes. Additionally, preclinical and clinical research suggests that ketamine may interrupt the reconsolidation of traumatic memories during the post-infusion window, potentially reducing their emotional charge. This is an area of active research, and we describe it as such rather than as established fact. To better understand the neurobiological basis of this treatment, our research resources provide further context on the science behind ketamine therapy.
The KDI Health PTSD Evaluation and Treatment Protocol in Frisco, TX
At KDI Health, our PTSD protocol begins with a thorough intake evaluation. We review your trauma history, symptom presentation, current and prior treatments, comorbid conditions — depression, anxiety, and substance use are common in PTSD populations — and any contraindications to ketamine. For veterans, we are specifically attentive to traumatic brain injury history, which can affect ketamine’s safety profile and requires careful evaluation. Dr. Gasper’s background in emergency medicine means he is equipped to evaluate the full medical picture rather than narrowly focusing on psychiatric criteria.
Understanding the Stigma That Keeps Veterans and First Responders from Seeking Help
We want to address directly the barrier that keeps many veterans and first responders from seeking any mental health treatment, let alone a specialized one: stigma. The cultural frameworks that produce the toughness and mission focus that make good soldiers, firefighters, and paramedics can also make it very difficult to acknowledge struggling, ask for help, and walk into a clinic to discuss trauma. We understand this at KDI Health because Dr. Gasper has lived a version of that culture. We do not romanticize what service members endure, and we do not minimize what it means to seek treatment. We extend the same directness and lack of pretension in our clinical conversations that we expect patients will appreciate. Learn more about our dedicated support for veterans and how KDI Health is uniquely positioned to serve those who have served.
What to Expect During Ketamine Treatment for PTSD
The second barrier is uncertainty about what ketamine treatment involves — and specifically whether it is safe for someone with PTSD, where altered states and loss of control can feel threatening rather than therapeutic. This is a legitimate concern and one we take seriously. Our pre-infusion preparation process for PTSD patients is detailed and honest: we discuss the dissociative experience, what it may feel like, how to work with it rather than against it, and how Dr. Gasper will be present throughout the session to provide grounding if needed. We do not accelerate into a first session until a patient genuinely understands what to expect. Results vary by individual, and some patients find that ketamine is not right for them — which is a valid outcome we support without pressure.
For patients interested in a non-IV option, IM ketamine is also available at KDI Health. Some veterans find the gentler onset of intramuscular delivery preferable to the IV format. We also offer SPRAVATO® (esketamine), which is FDA-approved for MDD with acute suicidal ideation or behavior — relevant for veterans whose PTSD is accompanied by active depression and suicidal ideation. We discuss all available options during consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ketamine for PTSD FDA-approved?
No. Ketamine’s use for PTSD is off-label. The FDA approval for ketamine is limited to anesthesia. Ketamine’s use in PTSD is supported by peer-reviewed research and clinical practice but has not been approved by the FDA for that indication. Always discuss with your provider.
Is KDI Health experienced with treating veterans with PTSD?
Yes. Dr. Gasper is a former Marine who founded KDI Health specifically to serve veterans and the community affected by trauma-related conditions. He brings both military experience and over a decade of emergency medicine training to every clinical evaluation.
Can ketamine help PTSD alongside therapy?
Yes. There is growing evidence that ketamine’s neuroplasticity window may enhance the effectiveness of trauma-focused psychotherapy. We encourage patients to maintain an active therapy relationship and can provide referrals to trauma-specialized providers in the DFW area.
Does the VA cover ketamine for PTSD?
VA coverage for ketamine treatment is limited and evolving. SPRAVATO® has some pathways through the VA for specific indications. We encourage veterans to inquire with their VA care team and to discuss options with our clinic regarding cost and access.
Is IM ketamine an option for PTSD at KDI Health?
Yes. KDI Health offers both IV and IM ketamine. Some patients with PTSD prefer the slightly gentler onset profile of IM delivery. Dr. Gasper evaluates which format is most appropriate during your consultation.
Key Takeaways
- PTSD affects 11 to 20 percent of combat veterans and a significant proportion of first responders; a substantial minority do not respond to first-line treatments.
- Ketamine’s use for PTSD is off-label, with neurobiological plausibility based on its effects on prefrontal synaptogenesis and potential memory reconsolidation interference.
- KDI Health was founded by Dr. Stephen Gasper, a former Marine and board-certified emergency physician, with veterans and trauma survivors at the center of its mission.
- KDI Health offers IV ketamine, IM ketamine, and SPRAVATO® — allowing tailored treatment selection based on each patient’s clinical situation.
- Results vary by individual; a thorough pre-infusion consultation and preparation are essential for PTSD patients.
Carrying the weight of trauma is not a sign of weakness — and seeking treatment for it is not either. At KDI Health in Frisco, TX, we have built a practice specifically for people who know what service costs and are ready to invest in their own recovery. If you are a veteran, first responder, or anyone else living with PTSD in the DFW area, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Gasper. Discuss your full history with your provider, and let him have an honest conversation with you about whether ketamine therapy belongs in your path forward.
About Dr. Stephen Gasper
Dr. Stephen Gasper is the owner and medical director of KDI Health Ketamine Clinic, which he founded in early 2021 in Frisco, TX. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the Marines, serving four years as a forward observer in the infantry. He then moved to Texas and obtained his BS in Biology from the University of Dallas. Dr. Gasper received his Medical Degree from UTHealth Houston in 2011 and practiced medicine in the DFW area for over 10 years as a board-certified Emergency Physician. He was inspired to found KDI Health during the COVID pandemic because of the effectiveness of ketamine as a therapy for veterans and the broader community struggling with depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Dr. Gasper personally oversees every session administered at the clinic and sees one patient at a time, providing direct physician oversight throughout each treatment.
References
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — PTSD Statistics and Treatment: https://www.ptsd.va.gov/
National Center for PTSD: https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/treat/txessentials/index.asp
National Institute of Mental Health — PTSD Overview: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd
JAMA Psychiatry — Ketamine and PTSD Research: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry
American Psychiatric Association — PTSD Treatment: https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/ptsd
Medical Disclaimer
The content on this page is provided by KDI Health for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Ketamine’s use for PTSD is an off-label application of an FDA-approved anesthetic. Individual results vary. This content does not replace evaluation by a qualified medical or psychiatric provider. Always discuss your full health history, trauma background, current medications, and treatment options with a licensed healthcare professional. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or suicidal thoughts, please call or text 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) immediately or go to your nearest emergency room.
