New 2026 ASKP3 ketamine guidelines: What patients should know about safe depression treatment

In recent years, ketamine therapy has emerged as one of the most promising advances in mental health care, offering hope for individuals experiencing treatment-resistant depression, severe depressive symptoms, and other complex mental health challenges.

As interest in ketamine treatment continues to grow, so does an important question:

How can patients identify a safe, evidence-based ketamine provider?

A new publication from the American Society of Ketamine Physicians, Psychotherapists, and Practitioners (ASKP3) helps answer that question. Published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, the 2026 interdisciplinary consensus guidelines establish expert recommendations for the safe and effective use of intravenous (IV) ketamine infusions for depressive disorders.

Notably, Daydream MD founder Dr. Arsalan Azam served as a contributing author to these guidelines, helping shape recommendations designed to improve patient safety, treatment quality, and clinical outcomes.

For individuals exploring ketamine treatment, these recommendations provide a valuable framework for understanding what high-quality care should look like.

Why these guidelines matter

Ketamine has been used safely in medicine for decades. Over the last 25 years, researchers have also studied its potential to rapidly reduce symptoms associated with depression, suicidal ideation, PTSD, and other mental health conditions.

While research supporting ketamine continues to expand, treatment practices have varied significantly between clinics.

The ASKP3 guidelines were developed to establish greater consistency around:

• Patient screening
• Medical evaluations
• Psychiatric assessments
• Treatment protocols
• Safety monitoring
• Clinical documentation
• Long-term treatment planning

Through a structured Delphi process, experts reached consensus on 73 of 75 recommendations, creating one of the most comprehensive frameworks available for IV ketamine treatment.

For patients, this means greater transparency and clearer expectations when evaluating treatment options.

What does safe ketamine treatment look like?

One of the most valuable aspects of the guidelines is that they help patients understand the components of high-quality care.

Comprehensive mental health evaluation

Before beginning ketamine treatment, the guidelines recommend a thorough psychiatric assessment.

This evaluation should help clinicians understand:

• Mental health history
• Current symptoms
• Previous treatment experiences
• Depression severity
• Risk factors
• Personal treatment goals

The consensus panel also recommends using standardized assessment tools to track treatment progress over time.

At Daydream MD, we believe every journey is different. Understanding the full picture of a person's wellbeing helps create a treatment plan that reflects their unique goals and circumstances.

Medical screening and safety assessment

Ketamine treatment is most effective when paired with thoughtful medical oversight.

The guidelines recommend evaluating:

• Medical history
• Current medications
• Blood pressure
• Cardiovascular health
• Relevant health conditions
• Potential treatment risks

Experts also support ongoing monitoring throughout treatment to ensure safety and comfort.

Qualified clinical oversight

The ASKP3 recommendations strongly emphasize the importance of administering IV ketamine in appropriate healthcare settings with qualified medical professionals.

This includes:

• Patient monitoring
• Emergency preparedness
• Clinical documentation
• Ongoing assessment

For patients researching providers, clinical oversight should be one of the first questions asked during the consultation process.

Ketamine is not just an infusion

One of the strongest themes throughout the guidelines is that ketamine works best when integrated into a broader mental health strategy.

Experts recommend combining ketamine treatment with other supportive approaches, including:

• Psychotherapy
• Lifestyle interventions
• Behavioral health support
• Community connection
• Ongoing psychiatric care

Ketamine may create a powerful window of transformation. The greatest opportunity often comes from what happens before, during, and after that experience.

This whole-person perspective closely aligns with Daydream MD's mission to support the mind, body, emotions, and spirit throughout the healing journey.

What the research says about ketamine for depression

The guidelines reviewed extensive research examining ketamine's effectiveness for depressive disorders.

The expert panel concluded that the antidepressant effects of IV ketamine are supported by a substantial body of evidence and multiple systematic reviews.

The guidelines also support an initial series of approximately four to six infusions over a two- to four-week period for many patients.

While researchers continue studying long-term outcomes and maintenance strategies, evidence supporting ketamine's rapid antidepressant effects continues to grow.

What this means for people exploring ketamine therapy in San Diego

The publication reinforces several principles that have guided Daydream MD since its founding:

• Evidence-based care
• Compassionate support
• Personalized treatment planning
• Clinical excellence
• Commitment to safety

As contributors to the broader effort of establishing standards for ketamine treatment, our team remains committed to helping people make informed decisions about their mental health and wellbeing.

If you're exploring treatment options, learn more about ketamine therapy in San Diego.

Questions to ask before choosing a ketamine provider

Whether you choose Daydream MD or another provider, consider asking:

• How are patients evaluated before treatment?
• What medical screening is performed?
• How are patients monitored during treatment?
• What emergency protocols are in place?
• How is treatment progress measured?
• What support is available between sessions?
• Is ketamine integrated into a larger treatment plan?

These questions can help you identify providers committed to evidence-based care and patient safety.

Explore what's right for your journey

Depression can make it difficult to imagine a different future. The good news is that new research, innovative therapies, and evolving standards of care continue to create new pathways toward healing.

The 2026 ASKP3 guidelines represent an important step forward in helping patients access safe, effective, and well-supported ketamine treatment.

If you're interested in learning whether ketamine therapy may be appropriate for your needs, our team is here to help.

Book a ketamine therapy appointment today

Connect with a member of the Daydream MD team to discuss your goals, ask questions, and explore the ketamine therapy treatment options that best support your journey.

About Dr. Arsalan Azam

Dr. Arsalan Azam is the founder of Daydream MD, a comprehensive mental and physical wellness center in San Diego focused on helping people thrive through evidence-based, integrative care. He is also a contributing author of the 2026 ASKP3 interdisciplinary consensus guidelines on intravenous ketamine treatment for depressive disorders published in the Journal of Affective Disorders.

Through his clinical work, research contributions, and commitment to expanding access to innovative mental health treatments, Dr. Azam continues to support the development of safe, effective standards of care within the field of psychedelic medicine.