Oakland Becomes First Known U.S. City to Offer Ketamine Therapy to Firefighters—And We’re Honored to Help

At True Yang Somatic Ketamine Therapy, we’re thrilled to announce a historic partnership with the City of Oakland that is already transforming lives—and making national waves. In a first-of-its-kind public initiative, Oakland has become the first known U.S. city to fund ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) for its frontline workers, beginning with the Oakland Fire Department. We’re honored to be the therapy practice chosen to deliver this pioneering care.

Why It Matters

First responders carry a unique burden. Firefighters, EMTs, and police officers are routinely exposed to trauma, danger, and extreme stress. Over time, this takes a toll—manifesting in elevated rates of PTSD, anxiety, depression, sleep disruption, and even substance misuse. The suicide rate among first responders remains significantly higher than in the general population.

While many mental health interventions have been offered in the past, few address the complex, body-based impact of long-term trauma. That’s where our approach comes in.

What We’re Offering

Our team at True Yang specializes in trauma-informed somatic psychotherapy paired with ketamine-assisted therapy—a powerful combination that is showing profound results for those who’ve experienced chronic stress and trauma.

Through this city partnership, Oakland firefighters are receiving a full arc of care, which includes:

Preparation sessions to build safety and intention
Medicine sessions (1–3 hours, guided) to explore and process deeply held trauma
Integration sessions to translate insights into lasting change

Why Ketamine?

Ketamine is a legally prescribed, fast-acting medicine that promotes neural plasticity—the brain’s ability to form new connections and break free from entrenched trauma loops. When used in a therapeutic setting, it allows clients to access emotional and psychological material that can be otherwise locked away by the nervous system’s protective defenses.

Combined with somatic therapy practices, KAP can help reset the nervous system, promote emotional balance, improve sleep, and restore a sense of groundedness and connection.

The Results So Far

Since the start of the program in winter 2024, we’ve been humbled to witness incredible transformations. Firefighters participating in the program report:

Dramatic reductions in PTSD symptoms
Improved sleep and energy levels
More emotional clarity and less reactivity
Renewed relationships and enjoyment of life

Backed by Research

This initiative aligns with a growing body of evidence showing ketamine’s effectiveness in trauma treatment. A 2023 study in Frontiers in Psychiatry found that firefighters receiving ketamine therapy saw greater improvements in PTSD and depression than those in standard talk therapy. And a 2024 group trial showed enhanced emotional resilience and reconnection in first responders after guided ketamine sessions.

What’s Next

Our contract with the City of Oakland continues through 2026 and we hope to expand access to other departments—including police, EMTs, and additional frontline workers in the coming years.

At True Yang, we believe those who show up for our communities every day deserve care that goes beyond the status quo. This partnership is a profound step forward—not just for Oakland, but for the future of public health and trauma healing in this country.

We’re grateful to the City of Oakland for its vision and trust. And we’re proud to support the healing journeys of those who serve.

Want to Learn More?

Marni LevyMay 7, 2025