ASA Calls for Safety Measures in Off-Label Ketamine Use for Mental Health

As off label ketamine prescribing for mental health expands, ASA is calling for patient safety measures to ensure patients can access its potential benefits while minimizing preventable and serious risks. In a June 22, 2026 news release, ASA urges lawmakers and regulators to address the lack of physician oversight in ketamine administration for mental health treatment. These appropriate safeguards are not intended to restrict access, but to ensure care is delivered safely by trained clinicians in appropriate settings.

Ketamine has shown measured success in treating certain mental health conditions. Existing literature suggests the drug may benefit some patients, including Veterans, with treatment-resistant depression and other mental health conditions.

All patients receiving ketamine deserve consistent safety standards, including appropriate physician oversight, monitoring, emergency preparedness, and clear safety protocols, regardless of the purpose of the prescription. Patient responses to the drug can vary and may be unpredictable. 

ASA urges patients considering ketamine therapy for mental health conditions to talk with their physician and ask how the drug will be administered, who will monitor them, and what safety protocols are in place in case of an emergency.

For more information on ketamine and ASA’s related patient safety advocacy, please see ASA’s  updated guidance on ketamine for mental health.