Ketamine Clinic London: Who is Eligible for Treatment?
A clinical overview of the eligibility criteria for ketamine infusion therapy at our London consultant-led clinic.
Clinical Guidance — Not Personal Medical Advice
The information on this page is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Eligibility for ketamine therapy is always assessed on an individual basis by a consultant psychiatrist. A consultant-led assessment is required before any treatment is offered.
Written by Dr Wayne Kampers, Consultant Psychiatrist, Neuro Reset Clinic
Last reviewed: March 2026
What is Treatment Resistance?
Ketamine infusion therapy is not a first-line psychiatric treatment. It is reserved for patients who are experiencing treatment-resistant conditions — meaning their illness has not responded adequately to standard therapeutic interventions.
In clinical practice, treatment resistance is most commonly defined for depression as an inadequate response to at least two antidepressant medications of different classes, each trialled at an appropriate dose for an adequate duration (typically at least 4–6 weeks). Evidence of failed response to evidence-based psychotherapy — such as CBT or EMDR for PTSD — is also clinically relevant.
This definition is not arbitrary. Ketamine carries both clinical complexity and cost. It should be offered where conventional approaches have demonstrably failed, not as an early alternative to them.
General Eligibility Criteria
At our ketamine clinic in London, eligibility assessment is conducted individually by a consultant psychiatrist. The following criteria generally guide candidacy:
Age 18 or over
We treat adults. Ketamine infusion therapy is not offered to patients under 18 years of age.
Confirmed diagnosis of a qualifying condition
Including Treatment Resistant Depression, treatment-resistant PTSD, bipolar depression (selected), chronic primary pain (selected), or anxiety with refractory depression.
Evidence of adequate prior treatment trials
Typically at least two antidepressants and/or evidence-based psychotherapy, without sufficient benefit. Treatment history documentation is required.
Medically stable
Underlying physical health must be stable. A full medical review is part of the pre-treatment assessment process.
No disqualifying contraindications
Certain conditions — outlined below — may preclude treatment on safety grounds.
Who is Not Eligible — Contraindications
Patient safety is the primary consideration at our London ketamine clinic. The following conditions are typically considered contraindications, and will be reviewed as part of screening:
- History of psychosis or schizophrenia — ketamine's dissociative properties carry risk of exacerbation
- Uncontrolled hypertension or cardiovascular instability — ketamine transiently raises blood pressure and heart rate
- Active substance misuse — particularly where ketamine or other dissociatives are involved
- Severe hepatic impairment — relevant to ketamine metabolism and clearance
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding — safety data is insufficient to support treatment in these circumstances
- Uncontrolled or unstable thyroid disease
- Certain neurological conditions — assessed on a case-by-case basis
This list is indicative, not exhaustive. Your consultant will conduct a comprehensive medical and psychiatric screening as part of the eligibility assessment.
The Assessment Process
If you believe you may be eligible for ketamine infusion therapy at our London clinic, the assessment process is as follows:
- Complete the eligibility questionnaire — this allows our team to screen your suitability before committing to a formal consultation.
- Initial clinical review — our team reviews your questionnaire and contacts you to discuss whether proceeding to assessment is appropriate.
- Consultant psychiatric assessment — a thorough evaluation of your psychiatric history, physical health, medication history, and psychosocial context.
- Eligibility determination — your consultant will advise whether ketamine therapy is appropriate, and if so, outline the proposed treatment plan and associated costs.
- Informed consent — if proceeding, written informed consent is obtained after a full discussion of risks, benefits, and alternatives.
Wondering if You Qualify?
The eligibility questionnaire is the recommended first step. Our clinical team will review your responses and contact you to discuss the most appropriate pathway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. No GP referral is required to enquire or book a consultation at our London ketamine clinic. We will, however, request your psychiatric treatment history and records as part of the assessment. With your consent, we can also liaise with your existing treating clinicians.
Typically, treatment resistance for ketamine eligibility requires inadequate response to at least two different antidepressants at appropriate doses and durations. One failed trial is unlikely to meet the clinical threshold on its own, though each case is assessed individually by the consultant psychiatrist.
Anxiety co-occurring with treatment-resistant depression may be considered within the overall clinical picture. Isolated anxiety disorders without significant co-morbid treatment-resistant depression are not the primary indication for ketamine infusion therapy. Your full clinical presentation will be assessed by the consultant.
Related reading: Ketamine clinic London — full treatment guide | Ketamine clinic London — clinic overview | How ketamine infusion therapy works | Private ketamine treatment: safety & expectations
Written and reviewed by Dr Wayne Kampers, Consultant Psychiatrist, Neuro Reset Clinic — March 2026.
Start Your Eligibility Assessment
Our free eligibility questionnaire is the first step. Our consultant team will review your responses and be in touch to discuss the most appropriate pathway.