COLUMBUS, Ohio — Psychedelic healing may sound far-fetched, but studies show ketamine injections integrated with psychotherapy can help treat mental health, like depression. 

What You Need To Know

• The first Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy clinic opened in Ohio in October of 2023


• Studies show the treatment can help people battling severe depression


• The treatment nearly changed Austin Hoover’s life, who was struggling with treatment-resistant depression and suicidal thoughts for years

Meanwhile, in Columbus, Ohio, the first ketamine-assisted psychotherapy clinic opened its doors last month. 

Austin Hoover started getting treatments there since it opened.

He is in his 30s, lives in his dream house with his wife and has a baby on the way. But he’s also had his fair share of battles.

"When I was 20 and August of 2009, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and my presenting symptom was bilateral optic neuritis, which caused me to go blind in both of my eyes. I'm not totally blind, but I am legally blind,” said Hoover.

Hoover said he’s been struggling with treatment-resistant depression and suicidal thoughts and tried to fight it. 

"I was trying lots of different medications,” he said. “They helped some, but I was still having the suicidal thoughts, and it was very difficult for me."

Then, Hoover heard of a different form of help at Mindset Integrative Ketamine Care Clinic which combines ketamine with psychotherapy. 

Ketamine is not yet FDA-approved to treat psychiatric disorders, but Dr. David Caldwell, founder of Mindset Integrative Ketamine Care Clinic, said integrative ketamine care can help people dealing with anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, suicidal thoughts and depression. 

"For 72 hours after your infusion, patients often feel better right away,” said Caldwell. “Its effectiveness is as high as 70%. And when you compare that to SSRI, somewhere around 40% to 45% effective for the treatment of depression." 

Caldwell said the therapy sessions at the clinic are just as important.

In Hoover's case, things are already starting to look up. 

"Since the treatment, I've found it's much easier to find my inner voice,” said Hoover. “The suicidal ideations have stopped almost completely." 

It’s giving him the freedom to focus on being a dad. 

"It's like it's like I can breathe again. It's kind of cascading through my life in different ways. And I'm so happy." 

After all he’s been through, he wants to offer hope for others.

"If you're struggling, there is help and reach out. There are resources for you. You're not alone. So, that's very important," Hoover said.