Dr. David Caldwell: How 26 Years of Anesthesia Expertise Transforms Ketamine Therapy in Columbus, Ohio
Ketamine StartUp Alumni Spotlight
In this blog series, we're highlighting the remarkable practitioners who've completed our training programs and are now transforming mental health care in their communities. Each spotlight shares their unique journey, clinical insights, and the impact they're making with ketamine therapy.
Dr. David Caldwell, founder of MiNDSET Integrated Ketamine Care, brings 26 years of anesthesia expertise to mental health care in Columbus.
Meet Dr. David Caldwell
Dr. David Caldwell brings a unique perspective to mental health care at MiNDSET Integrated Ketamine Care Clinic in Columbus, Ohio. With over 26 years as a board-certified anesthesiologist, Dr. Caldwell has extensive experience administering ketamine in critical medical situations. But it was the pandemic's front-line challenges and witnessing the mental health crisis firsthand that inspired his transition to ketamine therapy.
Dr. Caldwell completed our Ketamine StartUp 101 course in April 2023 and has since established himself as the only physician owner in Central Ohio. Plus he personally performs all of the ketamine infusion treatment.
What sets MiNDSET apart isn't just Dr. Caldwell's decades of ketamine experience in anesthesia, it's his commitment to providing board-certified physician care rather than delegating to mid-level providers, combined with integrated psychotherapy.
In this post, we're excited to share his insights on leveraging medical expertise to deliver safe, effective ketamine therapy while building a practice that prioritizes clinical excellence and patient outcomes.
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Our Conversation
1. What inspired you to start a ketamine clinic or add ketamine therapy to your practice?
After emerging from the pandemic where ER docs like Sam and anesthesia docs like myself were on the front lines, I realized I needed to do something different. I watched the suffering of those around me during the pandemic and realized that we are in the midst of a mental health crisis. When a close friend told me about the relief he felt from trying ketamine infusion therapy, I started to look into the literature and was blown away by the success stories that I was reading. I then found KSU and here I am today.
2. Tell us about your medical background and what led you to this field.
I went to undergrad in Oxford, Ohio at Miami University. I attended Ohio State University for both medical school and residency training in anesthesia. I entered the match as a surgical residency candidate and would have matched in it had I not met my future wife in the fall of my 4th year of med school. I dropped out of the match and met with the chairman of Ohio State’s anesthesia department who offered me a position. I have been in private practice in Columbus since leaving OSU in 2001.
3. What sets your clinic apart from others offering ketamine therapy?
I only offer IV Ketamine because it has the best and most science behind it. I can honestly say, I am the only physician owner/medical director of a ketamine clinic in Central Ohio where I have personally performed 100% of the infusions from starting the IV, to monitoring the patient during, to removing the IV and discharging the patient. You get a board certified anesthesiologist at MiNDSET with decades of experience administering ketamine for 100% of your clincal care, not a mid level provider who is just learning about ketamine.
4. How do you determine if someone is a good candidate for ketamine therapy?
We adhere to the national consensus on indications for KIT, We see its greatest efficacy with TRD, anxiety, and SI. If there is a question about diagnosis or appropriateness of the candidate we will refer them back to their psychiatrist for clarification. We also have 3 psychotherapists in house to assist with setting expectations and goals prior to treatment.
5. Can you walk us through what a first-time patient can expect at your clinic?
At MiNDSET, we have created a space that feels more like a yoga studio or spa than a cold sterile medical clinic. The walls are a soft lavender and the lighting is soft with water fall fountains for white noise. I will always sit down with a patient before their first infusion to make sure all their questions are answered. From there, it is a pretty standard process.
The tranquil waiting area at MiNDSET, where Dr. Caldwell's spa-like environment supports the clinic's 80% efficacy rate in treating depression and anxiety.
6. What types of results have you seen with ketamine therapy?
Because we only take motivated people who are willing to combine KIT with psychotherapy, we have an 80% efficacy rate based on mood surveys sent through Osmind as well as patient perceptions of improved quality of life.
7. What do you wish every new patient knew before beginning their ketamine journey?
It is safe and non addictive. It isn’t for everyone and is hard work, but you get out of it what you put into it.
8. Is there a patient story that stands out, someone whose transformation really moved you?
We have a young man who found us after being diagnosed with MS. His presentation was optic neuritis which has essentially left him blind. He was a young successful white collar executive who had recently married only to find himself suicidal. Since he began treatment at MiNDSET, he is no longer suicidal, has a young baby boy, and is an advocate for KIT. He was interviewed by Spectrum News and is always willing to do interviews to support us.
A patient experiencing ketamine therapy at MiNDSET, where Dr. Caldwell's attention to 'set and setting' creates the optimal environment for healing.
9. How do you incorporate “set and setting” into your patient experience?
We are big believers in set and setting which is why our clinic feels so welcoming. Our comfortable chairs, noise canceling headphones, and light blocking eye shades enhance this treatment once you lean back in the chair with the heavy blanket we provide. Patients know I am only 3 steps away from them during the infusion which I believe further enhances their ability to let go and maximize each experience.
10. Are there any misconceptions about ketamine treatment you wish more people understood?
That the abuse stories are sensationalized. The medication, as delivered at MiNDSET, is completely safe and non addicting.
11. Anything else you want to mention?
One of my goals for 2026 is to establish a relationship through the community care act with the Columbus, Ohio VA hospital.
See Dr. Caldwell's Impact in Action
To see the real-world results of Dr. Caldwell's approach, watch Austin Hoover's inspiring story featured in local news coverage of MiNDSET's opening. Austin shares how ketamine therapy helped him overcome treatment-resistant depression and suicidal thoughts after his MS diagnosis. Watch Austin's story here
Connect with Dr. Caldwell
Clinic: MiNDSET Integrative Ketamine Care
Website: mindsetketamine.com
Phone: 614-929-4550
Location: 5003 Horizons Dr. Suite 210, Columbia, OH 43220
Social Media:
About Ketamine StartUp’s Training Courses
Interested in adding ketamine therapy to your practice? Learn more about our comprehensive Ketamine StartUp 101 course that helped Dr. Caldwell successfully launch their ketamine therapy services. Learn more about our Ketamine StartUp 101 Course
Disclaimer: The information shared in this interview reflects the clinical experience and opinions of the featured practitioner and is intended for educational purposes. For healthcare professionals: This content should be considered alongside current clinical guidelines, peer-reviewed literature, and applicable regulations. Proper training, licensing, and compliance are required before implementing ketamine therapy. For patients or potential patients: This information does not constitute medical advice. Ketamine therapy requires comprehensive medical evaluation by qualified healthcare professionals, and individual results may vary. Please consult with a licensed provider to discuss whether ketamine therapy may be appropriate for your specific situation.
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Alumni Spotlight: How training graduate Dr. David Caldwell leverages 26 years of anesthesia expertise to transform ketamine therapy in Columbus.
Front-line anesthesiologist Dr. David Caldwell witnessed the pandemic's mental health crisis and founded MiNDSET to bring expert ketamine care to Columbus.