New Treatment Option for Veterans with PTSD and Depression

A mental health clinic specializing in ketamine therapy has opened its doors in Pinehurst, North Carolina, offering hope to veterans struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder and treatment-resistant depression. Derive Health, co-founded by Dr. Jonathan Leake and Keith Parris, launched the facility to serve the veteran community in the Sandhills area, particularly those who haven't found relief through traditional antidepressants.

North Carolina is home to one of the largest concentrations of military veterans in the United States, and the mental health challenges facing this community are significant. According to the National Center for PTSD, approximately 7% of veterans experience PTSD at some point in their lives, with that number climbing to nearly 30% among Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans. Research shows that Black and Hispanic veterans screen for PTSD at notably higher rates—17.8% and 16.7% respectively, compared to 11.1% for white veterans.

How Ketamine Therapy Works

Unlike traditional antidepressants that can take weeks to show results, ketamine therapy works within hours or days. The treatment uses ketamine hydrochloride at therapeutic doses administered through IV infusion. By blocking the brain's glutamate signaling, ketamine helps people with trauma form new neural connections, balancing the nervous system and improving emotional regulation.

The results have been promising. According to Yale School of Medicine, one study found that 70% of participants experienced improved mental health after ketamine therapy, with over 50% reporting significant reductions in depressive symptoms within just 24 hours. For the estimated 10% of veterans diagnosed with major depression who don't respond to traditional treatments, these outcomes offer genuine hope.

Dr. Leake reports that 60 to 65% of veterans no longer meet PTSD criteria after completing ketamine infusion therapy. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs found that 86% of military veterans showed significant improvement in treatment-resistant depression after a series of ketamine treatments.

Comprehensive Care Beyond Infusion

At Derive Health's 1,700-square-foot Pinehurst facility, treatment goes beyond the infusion itself. The center features four private treatment rooms designed to create a calming atmosphere for patients. The initial treatment series involves six infusions over seven weeks, with maintenance boosters typically needed once every three months to once a year.

Dr. Leake emphasizes that combining ketamine with talk therapy is crucial for long-term success. "Ketamine plus talk therapy is the secret to long-term success," he explains. "We find people who are doing talk therapy along with their ketamine need fewer infusions and boosters, and have a better chance of responding." The clinic employs therapists specifically trained to work alongside ketamine therapy, helping patients reshape thought patterns while the medication allows them to dissociate from triggers and stressors.

Removing Financial Barriers for Veterans

Recognizing that cost can be a significant obstacle, Derive Health has partnered with Task Force Dagger, a nonprofit organization, to cover the complete cost of ketamine therapy treatments for eligible Special Operations veterans. "Working with Task Force Dagger allows us to ensure these men and women receive the care they deserve without cost standing in the way," says co-founder Keith Parris.

Additional support comes from Thank You Life and VETSolutions, organizations providing financial assistance to help veterans and first responders access critical mental health care. "Many veterans and first responders carry invisible wounds from years of service," Dr. Leake notes. "Our goal is to provide safe, ethical, physician-led care that gives people new tools to heal, regain clarity, and move forward with their lives."

The clinic emphasizes the importance of receiving ketamine therapy in a monitored clinical setting with trained medical professionals. While some at-home ketamine options exist, Dr. Leake strongly cautions against them, stressing that proper medical oversight is essential for both safety and effectiveness.

This article is based on reporting by Cardinal & Pine.