Ketamine Therapy

Before we proceed, a consultation will be completed with our psychiatric nurse practitioner to review your medical and psychiatric history and clear you for ketamine treatment. It is very important that we obtain a precise medical history, including medications and prior mental health treatment. Completing our Ketamine Intake Form can help facilitate treatment.

You will recline comfortably during the procedure. An IV will be started, and the infusion will begin. We always start at a low dose and gradually increase, as appropriate for the most effective treatment and outcome. Your vital signs will be monitored throughout the treatment process. You will be in a comfortable and relaxing environment throughout the procedure. The infusion should last 40 minutes. Some patients experience mild dissociative effects, such as feeling disconnected from their body or thoughts. It's a temporary sensation and part of the medication's action in the brain. While ketamine is generally safe, some patients may experience nausea, dizziness, headaches, increased heart rate/blood pressure, or changes in perception during the infusion. We monitor you closely to ensure your comfort and safety. These effects subside shortly after the infusion ends.

After your infusion is complete, you will continue relaxing in our comfortable treatment suite while our clinical team monitors your recovery. Most patients remain with us for approximately 60 minutes after the infusion to ensure they are feeling well before discharge. During this time, you can rest quietly, listen to music, or simply allow your mind and body to recover. We will continue to monitor your vital signs and answer any questions you may have. Because ketamine can temporarily affect coordination, judgment, and reaction time, you will need a responsible adult to drive you home. We recommend taking the remainder of the day to rest and avoiding driving, operating machinery, or making important decisions until the following day.

After your infusion, most patients gradually return to their usual baseline later that day or by the following morning. For the remainder of the day, we recommend taking it easy. Do not drive or operate machinery. Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs. Plan for a quiet evening with minimal obligations. Stay hydrated and eat a light meal if you feel hungry. Some patients notice improvements within hours of their first infusion, while others experience more gradual changes over the course of treatment. IV ketamine is most effective as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. We strongly encourage ongoing care with your mental health provider and integration with psychotherapy, which can help process your experiences and reinforce lasting change. If you are not currently working with a therapist, we are happy to provide trusted referrals. While some individuals experience significant relief after a single infusion, most patients achieve the greatest benefit from completing the recommended series of treatments. Depending on your response, periodic maintenance infusions may be recommended to help sustain long-term improvements. Throughout your treatment, our team is available to answer questions, monitor your progress, and provide support. After completing your initial series, we will review your response together and develop a personalized plan for ongoing care if appropriate.