The Effect of Ketamine-Assisted Group Therapy on Treatment-Resistant Mental Health Conditions in Firefighters: A Prospective Observational Case Series.
Vivian Wl Tsang, Michelle Cq Lin, Cassandra M Choles, Pamela Kryskow
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine June 1, 2025 DOI: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000003352 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational case series Qualitative Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Firefighters with mental health diagnoses |
| Intervention | Ketamine-assisted group therapy |
| Duration | 12-week treatment plan, 6-month follow-up |
| Topics | Depression PTSD Esketamine Ketamine |
| Keywords | Group therapy Pharmacological treatments Psychedelic-assisted therapies Work rehabilitation Mental-health-treatment First-responders Psychedelic-therapy Trauma-recovery Occupational-wellness |
| Citations | 4 |
| Key findings | Statistically and clinically significant improvements to posttraumatic stress disorder and anxiety diagnoses were detected after the Roots to Thrive Ketamine-Assisted Group Therapy program, with results retained six months post treatment. |
Abstract
Firefighters display elevated risk for diagnoses of mental health illnesses. Psychedelic-assisted therapies show promise in the treatment of clinically challenging conditions. This observational case series analyzed data from firefighters with mental health diagnoses who participated in a 12-week ketamine-assisted group therapy treatment plan. Questionnaire scores (Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assessment-7, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, The Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist -5, Brief Inventory of Psychosocial Functioning ) collected throughout the program were scored and statistically analyzed for changes. Qualitative data were analyzed through thematic analysis. Significant decreases with large effect sizes were detected in Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assessment-7 and The Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-5 scores after completion in the 12-week treatment plan, which persisted 6 months later. Participants noted it was beneficial being in a cohort with fellow firefighters. Statistically and clinically significant improvements to posttraumatic stress disorder and anxiety diagnoses were detected in the cohort of firefighters after the Roots to Thrive Ketamine-Assisted Group Therapy program, with results retained six months post treatment.
Comparable studies
Other case reports and case series on ketamine for PTSD, most cited first.