Kiaya Bender is one of the dozens of veterans who the San Diego VA sent to Kadima Neuropsychiatry Institute in La Jolla to receive ketamine treatments for depression. For Bender and others, the treatments have been “life-saving.” In October, the VA notified staff at Kadima that it would no longer authorize ketamine treatments outside of the VA Medical Center, sending a ripple of fear through Kadima’s office and its patients.
Bender’s treatments are scheduled to end in November. In this video, the first in a series about the Marine veteran, he discusses his history with depression and how ketamine has affected his life.
This video includes accounts from a veteran who has suffered from suicidal thoughts. Those who watch it should know that help is available. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-8255 or the San Diego Access and Crisis Line at (888) 724-7240.