When traditional eating disorder treatment hasn’t provided lasting recovery—when therapy and medications haven’t been enough—IV Ketamine Therapy offers a scientifically-backed alternative approach.
At HOPE Therapeutics, we use IV Ketamine Therapy to target the core neurobiological features that keep you stuck in eating disorder patterns: obsessive thinking, overwhelming anxiety, rigid cognitive patterns, and treatment-resistant depression.
Ketamine works at the neurological level to break rigid thought patterns, reduce food-related anxiety, and create the mental flexibility needed for recovery—often providing relief within hours to days when other treatments have taken months or failed entirely.
Eating disorders are characterized by intense, repetitive thoughts about food, weight, calories, and body image that feel impossible to control. Ketamine disrupts these rigid cognitive patterns by modulating glutamate neurotransmission—creating mental flexibility where there was only obsession.
What this means for you:
The paralyzing anxiety before meals, during eating, and after food intake prevents recovery. Ketamine’s powerful anxiolytic effects reduce this anticipatory anxiety within hours to days.
What this means for you:
Up to 70% of people with eating disorders also have major depression. Ketamine provides rapid antidepressant effects—often within 24 hours—addressing the hopelessness and low mood that fuel eating disorder behaviors.
What this means for you:
What this means for you:
5. Addresses Underlying Trauma
Many eating disorders are rooted in or maintained by trauma. Ketamine’s effects on trauma-related brain circuits can help process traumatic experiences that fuel the disorder.
What this means for you:
6. Reduces Compulsive Urges
For bulimia and binge eating disorder, ketamine helps modulate the reward circuits and impulse control regions involved in binge-purge cycles.
What this means for you:
7. Creates a “Window” for Recovery Work
What this means for you:
Within 1-3 infusions:
Reduced intensity of obsessive thoughts
Decreased anxiety around food
Improved mood
Moments of clarity about the eating disorder
By 4-6 infusions:
More consistent reduction in symptoms
Better ability to challenge eating disorder thoughts
Improved engagement in therapy and meal plan
Decreased urges to engage in behaviors
Sustained symptom reduction
Continued progress in recovery work
Ability to manage triggers more effectively
Greater flexibility around food and body image
Primary Benefits:
Clinical Application: Works best when medically stable and pursuing weight restoration with nutritional support. Ketamine reduces the psychological barriers that prevent eating.
Primary Benefits:
Clinical Application: Particularly effective for the compulsive, urgent quality of bulimia. Creates space to use coping skills before acting on behaviors.
Primary Benefits:
Clinical Application: Most effective for anxiety-based ARFID. Creates conditions for gradual food exposure work.
Eating disorders involve dysfunction in the brain’s glutamate system—the primary excitatory neurotransmitter. This dysfunction contributes to rigid, obsessive thinking and impaired neuroplasticity.
Ketamine’s action: Acts on NMDA receptors in the glutamate system, rapidly “resetting” these circuits and promoting more flexible neural communication.
Result: Reduced obsessive thoughts, improved cognitive flexibility, enhanced ability to learn new patterns.
Eating disorders create powerful neural habits—both behavioral (restricting, binging, purging) and cognitive (negative body thoughts, food fears). Breaking these requires neuroplasticity.
Ketamine’s action: Triggers release of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), which promotes formation of new synaptic connections.
Result: Your brain becomes capable of forming new, healthier patterns. Therapy and behavioral changes actually “stick.”
In BED and bulimia, reward processing is dysregulated, contributing to compulsive food-seeking and binge behavior.
Ketamine’s action: Modulates dopamine and reward circuitry, normalizing reward responses.
Result: Reduced compulsive urges, improved impulse control, decreased binge frequency.
In BED and bulimia, reward processing is dysregulated, contributing to compulsive food-seeking and binge behavior.
Ketamine’s action: Modulates dopamine and reward circuitry, normalizing reward responses.
Result: Reduced compulsive urges, improved impulse control, decreased binge frequency.
Depression both results from and perpetuates eating disorders, creating a vicious cycle.
Ketamine’s action: Rapid (often 24-hour) antidepressant effects through glutamate-driven synaptic changes.
Result: Energy, hope, and motivation to engage in recovery work.
Critical Understanding: Ketamine is NEVER a standalone treatment for eating disorders. It must be integrated into comprehensive eating disorder care.
1. Eating Disorder Therapist (Required) Evidence-based therapy (CBT-E, DBT, FBT) to develop skills, challenge distortions, and process underlying issues.
2. Registered Dietitian (Required) Eating disorder specialist for meal planning, nutritional rehabilitation, and challenging food rules.
3. Medical Physician (Required) Monitors medical stability, manages complications, provides clearance for ketamine.
4. Psychiatrist (As Needed) Medication management and ketamine coordination.
Makes Therapy More Effective:
Supports Nutritional Rehabilitation:
Addresses Treatment Barriers:
Our Collaborative Approach:
We require active involvement with an eating disorder treatment team. We communicate regularly with your providers to ensure ketamine benefits your overall recovery.
What we coordinate:
Before Starting Treatment:
Ongoing Monitoring:
Important Safety Note: Ketamine temporarily raises blood pressure and heart rate. This requires careful monitoring in eating disorder patients who may have cardiovascular complications from malnutrition or purging.
When Ketamine May Not Be Appropriate:
If medical stability is a concern: We may recommend stabilization at a higher level of eating disorder care (PHP, IOP, residential, inpatient) before beginning ketamine treatment.
Symptom-Level Changes:
Behavioral Changes:
Functional Improvements:
Recovery Markers:
No. Ketamine is a powerful tool to reduce symptoms and create conditions for recovery, but lasting recovery requires ongoing therapy, nutritional counseling, and work on underlying issues. Think of it as clearing the path, not walking the path for you.
Many patients notice reduced obsessive thoughts and anxiety after 1-3 infusions. Behavioral changes typically take longer. Full effects emerge over the complete treatment course. Response is highly individual.
No. We require concurrent eating disorder therapy and nutritional counseling. Ketamine addresses neurobiological symptoms but doesn’t teach skills, challenge beliefs, or address underlying issues—that’s what therapy does.
Most eating disorder patients find the dissociative experience calming and insightful. Many appreciate the temporary mental distance from obsessive thoughts. We prepare you thoroughly, and the experience is temporary (resolves within 30 minutes after infusion ends).
If you’re medically stable and cleared by your physician, yes. We monitor vital signs carefully. Severe malnutrition may be a contraindication—we’d recommend medical stabilization first.
Highly variable. Some patients need boosters every 3-4 weeks initially, others can go longer. As recovery progresses, the time between boosters typically extends. Eventually, many patients discontinue ketamine maintenance entirely.
Coverage varies widely. Some insurance covers ketamine for depression or other indications. Eating disorder-specific coverage is less common. We verify benefits and discuss costs upfront.
Some ambivalence is normal. However, you need at least some motivation for change. Ketamine can reduce symptoms and increase clarity about recovery, but it won’t create motivation that doesn’t exist.
Many patients find ketamine helpful after multiple failed treatments. It works through different mechanisms than traditional approaches. However, success still requires engagement with comprehensive eating disorder care.
Recovery is the goal. As you solidify recovery through therapy and behavioral changes, you’ll need ketamine less frequently. Many patients eventually discontinue ketamine while maintaining recovery gains.
Eating Disorder Expertise: Specialized training in the unique needs of eating disorder patients, including medical complexities and psychological features.
Collaborative Care Model: We work as part of your treatment team, not in isolation. Regular communication with your therapist, dietitian, and physician.
Medical Safety: Experience managing the medical considerations of treating eating disorder patients with ketamine, including careful monitoring and coordination.
Individualized Protocols: Tailored treatment plans based on your specific eating disorder presentation, symptoms, and recovery goals.
Evidence-Based Practice: Following emerging research on ketamine for eating disorders while maintaining appropriate clinical and ethical standards.
Trauma-Informed Approach: Understanding that many eating disorders have trauma roots, we provide sensitive, trauma-informed care throughout treatment.
Sensitive Environment: Treatment space designed for comfort. We’re mindful of eating disorder sensitivities (weight monitoring privacy, appearance comments, etc.).
If traditional treatments haven’t provided lasting recovery, ketamine therapy may offer new hope as part of comprehensive care.
Request Your Consultation
Conditions Treated
HOPE Therapeutics / NRx Pharmaceuticals is committed to protecting and respecting your privacy, and we’ll only use your personal information to contact you if you subscribe to our newsletter. You can unsubscribe from these communications at any time. For more information on how to unsubscribe, our privacy practices, and our commitment to protecting and respecting your privacy, please review our Privacy Policy. By clicking submit below, you consent to allow HOPE Therapeutics / NRx Pharmaceuticals to store and process the personal information submitted above to provide you with the content requested.
Effective Date: Jan 1st, 2026
1. Program Description: This messaging program sends appointment confirmation and reminder messages to customers who have booked an appointment with Hope Therapeutics through our website at https://hopetherapeutics.com/, or via our scheduling forms, and have explicitly opted in to receive SMS notifications. Opt-in is collected via web forms with a dedicated checkbox for SMS consent. Messages include scheduling confirmations, appointment reminders, rescheduling updates, and customer support communications.
2. Cancellation Instructions: You can cancel the SMS service at any time. Simply text “STOP” to the same number that sent you messages. Upon sending “STOP,” we will confirm your unsubscribe status via SMS. Following this confirmation, you will no longer receive SMS messages from us. To rejoin, sign up as you did initially, and we will resume sending SMS messages to you.
3. Support Information: If you experience issues with the messaging program, reply with the keyword “HELP” for more assistance, or reach out directly to team@hopetherapeutics.com or call 833-446-7386 during business hours.
4. Carrier Liability: Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages.
5. Message & Data Rates: Message and data rates may apply for messages sent to you from us and to us from you. Message frequency varies based on your service usage and appointment schedule. For questions about your text plan or data plan, contact your wireless provider.
6. Supported Carriers: Our SMS program works with all major U.S. wireless carriers, including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint, and most regional carriers.
7. Age Restriction: You must be 18 years or older to participate in our SMS program.
8. Privacy Policy: For privacy-related inquiries, please refer to our Privacy Policy at https://hopetherapeutics.com/privacy-policy
We comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and CTIA guidelines, regarding the use of SMS communications.
This website (the “Site”) is owned and operated by Hope Therapeutics (“COMPANY,” “we” or “us”). By using the Site, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service and to use the Site in accordance with these Terms of Service, our Privacy Policy, and any additional terms and conditions that may apply to specific sections of the Site or to products and services available through the Site or from Hope Therapeutics.
Accessing the Site, in any manner, whether automated or otherwise, constitutes use of the Site and your agreement to be bound by these Terms of Service.
We reserve the right to change these Terms of Service or to impose new conditions on the use of the Site from time to time, in which case we will post the revised Terms of Service on this website. By continuing to use the Site after we post any such changes, you accept the Terms of Service, as modified.
This Site and all the materials available on the Site are the property of Hope Therapeutics and/or our affiliates or licensors and are protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws. The Site is provided solely for your personal non-commercial use.
You may not use the Site or the materials available on the Site in a manner that constitutes an infringement of our rights or that has not been authorized by us.
Unless explicitly authorized, you may not modify, copy, reproduce, republish, upload, post, transmit, translate, sell, create derivative works, exploit, or distribute in any manner or medium any material from the Site. However, you may download and/or print one copy of individual pages for your personal, non-commercial use, provided that you keep intact all copyright and other proprietary notices.
By posting or submitting any material (including comments, blog entries, social media posts, photos, and videos) to us via the Site, internet groups, or other digital venues, you represent that you own the material or have obtained the necessary permissions. You grant us a royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable, non-exclusive, worldwide license to use, modify, transmit, sell, exploit, create derivative works from, distribute, and publicly perform or display such material.
Throughout the Site, we may provide links and pointers to Internet sites maintained by third parties. Our linking to such third-party sites does not imply an endorsement or sponsorship of such sites or the information, products, or services offered on or through the sites.
The information, products, and services offered on or through the Site are provided “as is” and without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. To the fullest extent permissible pursuant to applicable law, we disclaim all warranties, including implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.
You agree at all times to indemnify and hold harmless Hope Therapeutics, its affiliates, and their respective officers, directors, agents, and employees from any claims, causes of action, damages, liabilities, costs, and expenses arising out of or related to your breach of any obligation, warranty, or representation under these Terms of Service.
Certain sections of the Site may allow you to purchase products and services from third-party vendors. We are not responsible for the quality, accuracy, timeliness, reliability, or any other aspect of these products and services. If you make a purchase from a third party linked through the Site, the information obtained during your visit, including payment information, may be collected by both the merchant and us.
Your participation in any dealings with third-party vendors is solely between you and the third party. Hope Therapeutics shall not be responsible for any loss or damage incurred as a result of such dealings.
To access certain features of the Site, you may be required to register and create an account. You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information during the registration process. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials and for all activities conducted under your account.
If you suspect unauthorized use of your account, notify us immediately at team@hopetherapeutics.com. We are not liable for any loss or damage arising from your failure to comply with this obligation.
We reserve the right to terminate or suspend your access to the Site, without notice, if we determine that you have violated these Terms of Service or engaged in conduct that we deem inappropriate or unlawful. Upon termination, you must cease all use of the Site and any content obtained from it.
These Terms of Service shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of Florida. Any dispute arising under these Terms shall be resolved exclusively through binding arbitration in that jurisdiction.
We may update these Terms of Service from time to time. The latest version will always be available on our website with the effective date.
For any questions regarding these Terms of Service, please contact us at:
Hope Therapeutics
Phone: 833-446-7386
Email: team@hopetherapeutics.com
Website: https://hopetherapeutics.com/
By using our website and services, you consent to these Terms of Service.
Effective Date: Jan 1st, 2026
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING TEXT MESSAGING
DATA
Hope Therapeutics (“we,” “us,” or “our”) DOES NOT share customer opt-in information, including phone numbers and consent records, with any affiliates or third parties for marketing, promotional, or any other purposes unrelated to providing our direct services. All text messaging originator opt-in data is kept strictly confidential.
We collect the following types of information:
We use collected data for:
By opting into our SMS messaging services, you agree to receive text messages related to our services, including appointment reminders, customer support, and important updates.
No mobile information will be shared with third parties/affiliates for marketing/promotional purposes. Information sharing to subcontractors in support services, such as customer service is permitted. All other use case categories exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with any third parties.
We implement strict data protection measures to safeguard your SMS opt-in information and consent records.
We do not sell, rent, or trade personal information. We may share information with:
All the above categories exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with any third parties, excluding aggregators and providers of the Text Message services.
We implement and maintain reasonable security measures to protect your personal information:
Despite these measures, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. We strive to use commercially acceptable means to protect your personal information but cannot guarantee absolute security.
We use cookies and similar technologies to:
You may control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may limit your ability to use certain features of our website.
You have the right to:
To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information in Section 10.
Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for their privacy practices and encourage you to review their policies. This privacy policy applies only to information collected by Hope Therapeutics.
We may update this policy periodically. The latest version will always be available on our website with the effective date. For significant changes, we will notify you by email or through a notice on our website.
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how your information is handled, contact us at:
Hope Therapeutics
Phone: 833-446-7386
Email: team@hopetherapeutics.com
Website: https://hopetherapeutics.com/
By using our website and services, you consent to this Privacy Policy.