Latest medical review on: April 6th, 2026. Medically reviewed by Instructor in Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and Lumin Health Co-founder, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ben Yudkoff.
How do Ketamine and esketamine (Spravato) work in the brain?
While ketamine and Spravato (esketamine) grow increasingly popular for treatment of treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder, the chemistry and underlying science behind ketamine treatment can often be misunderstood. Thanks to a thoughtful exploration with Dr. Ben Yudkoff — Lumin Health's Chief Medical Officer — Lumin Health has put together a thorough introductory guide to some of the core concepts.
If you are interested in learning if ketamine therapy and/or esketamine (Spravato) is right for you, don't hesitate to get in touch with our compassionate team of experts below. Esketamine (Spravato) is often covered by insurance and Lumin Health is happy to do all the paperwork on your behalf.
Insurance-covered Spravato (esketamine) treatment in Boston
Research on ketamine's impact in the brain
Ketamine's rapid antidepressant effects are driven by molecular neuroplasticity cascades — not just NMDA receptor blockade. A Systematic Review confirmed that glutamate surges activate AMPA receptors and trigger mTOR signaling, leading to rapid synaptic remodeling in brain regions linked to mood regulation.
Research increasingly shows that ketamine acts through multiple pathways simultaneously. A study on ketamine's impact on brain receptors details how AMPA receptor activation, BDNF-TrkB signaling, and mTOR pathway engagement work together to produce antidepressant effects that begin within hours of administration.
Ketamine rapidly increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus — regions central to mood and cognition. This study regarding BDNF release shows that this mechanism drives the formation of new synaptic connections, a key mechanism behind ketamine's sustained antidepressant effects.
Depression is associated with overactivity in the brain's default mode network (DMN), the system responsible for rumination and self-referential thought. A study on ketamine's effect on the default mode network demonstrated that ketamine reduces prefrontal DMN connectivity, which may help explain how it interrupts depressive thought loops.
Research increasingly shows that ketamine acts through multiple pathways simultaneously. A study on ketamine's impact on brain receptors details how AMPA receptor activation, BDNF-TrkB signaling, and mTOR pathway engagement work together to produce antidepressant effects that begin within hours of administration.
Ketamine rapidly increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus — regions central to mood and cognition. This study regarding BDNF release shows that this mechanism drives the formation of new synaptic connections, a key mechanism behind ketamine's sustained antidepressant effects.
Depression is associated with overactivity in the brain's default mode network (DMN), the system responsible for rumination and self-referential thought. A study on ketamine's effect on the default mode network demonstrated that ketamine reduces prefrontal DMN connectivity, which may help explain how it interrupts depressive thought loops.
More reading on ketamine's impact on the brain from Dr. Ben Yudkoff
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to your most pressing questions about ketamine therapy, depression, and being a young adult from Lumin Health and our team of expert clinicians.
What does ketamine therapy do in the brain
How does Spravato (esketamine) relate to ketamine treatment?
What does ketamine treatment feel like during a session?
How quickly can ketamine or Spravato work for depression?
How long do benefits from ketamine therapy last?
Who is not a good candidate for ketamine or Spravato?
VIP experience from the Lumin Health team of experts in ketamine treatment
Our medical team
Our team of experts includes board-certified and Harvard-trained clinicians dedicated to your mental well-being. Specialists in Spravato (esketamine) and ketamine therapy, they provide safe, effective care with rigorous protocols and personalized treatment plans. They also work closely with your existing care providers to ensure seamless, comprehensive support.
Our concierge team
Our caring concierge team is here to make every step of your journey simple and stress-free. From insurance coordination and scheduling to answering your questions and offering personalized assistance, they handle the details so you can focus on healing. Their goal is to provide unwavering support whenever you need it.
Diane Tuohy
Benjamin Yudkoff, MD, MA
Matthew Mosquera, MD, MS
Benjamin Yudkoff, MD, MA
Matthew Mosquera, MD, MS
Elizabeth Biondo, BSN, RN
Taylor Brodersen, RN
Alison Choate, RN
Terrin Gathers, PMHNP
Katherine Lee, PMHNP, FNP
James "Matt" Neal, PMHNP
Tessa Rockwell, RN
Jonah Shifrin
Sahana Heiderscheidt
Jess Mahoney
Sarojini Schutt
Diane Tuohy
Benjamin Yudkoff, MD, MA
Matthew Mosquera, MD, MS
Aakash Sathappan, MD
Shay Duperrier, LMHC
Alison Choate, RN
Diane Tuohy
Benjamin Yudkoff, MD, MA
Matthew Mosquera, MD, MS
Benjamin Yudkoff, MD, MA
Matthew Mosquera, MD, MS
Aakash Sathappan, MD
Elizabeth Biondo, BSN, RN
Taylor Brodersen, RN
Alison Choate, RN
Terrin Gathers, PMHNP
Katherine Lee, PMHNP, FNP
James "Matt" Neal, PMHNP
Sabrina Nebiye, RN
Elaura Patton, PA-C, MA
Tessa Rockwell, RN
Jonah Shifrin
Anna Signor, RN
Sahana Heiderscheidt
Jess Mahoney
Sarojini Schutt
Diane Tuohy
Take the first step — contact Lumin Health today
We offer in-person treatment at our Newton and Cambridge, MA locations, and accept Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), Cigna, Evernorth, Harvard Pilgrim, Medicare, Optum, Point32Health, Tufts, and United Healthcare.
Book your free 20-minute consultation to learn how ketamine or esketamine therapy could benefit you and to discuss insurance coverage.
Lumin Health Locations
Newton Center
10 Langley Road, Suite 200
Newton, MA 02459Cambridge (Harvard Square)
50 Church Street, 3rd Floor
Cambridge, MA 02138Woburn
300 Tradecenter Drive, Suite 3400
Woburn, MA 01801Brookline
1101 Beacon Street, Suite 4E
Brookline, MA 02446Bethesda
4825 Bethesda Avenue
Suite 200
Bethesda, MD 20814
10 Langley Road, Suite 200
Newton, MA 02459Cambridge (Harvard Square)
50 Church Street, 3rd Floor
Cambridge, MA 02138Woburn
300 Tradecenter Drive, Suite 3400
Woburn, MA 01801Brookline
1101 Beacon Street, Suite 4E
Brookline, MA 02446Bethesda
4825 Bethesda Avenue
Suite 200
Bethesda, MD 20814
Monday - Friday, 8am - 6pm
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