After you have completed your screening and intake, it is time for you to prepare for your ketamine session. Your mindset and setting is foundational to your ketamine journey so we ask that you create a calming and supportive environment for the day before, the day of, and the day after each ketamine infusion to get the most benefit from each ketamine therapy session.
Get Ready for ketamine therapy
Time for your ketamine therapy session
We ask that you and your driver arrive at least 10-minutes before your appointment to use the restroom if needed and get settled in the waiting area. If you have not filled out your symptom checklists, this would be the time to fill them out.
Before your appointment…
Fill out your symptom rating scales.
Abstain from alcohol or other drugs for 24-hours before your ketamine therapy session.
Do not eat anything solid for 6 hours or drink any liquids for 2 hours before your ketamine therapy session.
Take your routine medications as normal unless specifically told otherwise.
Wear comfortable clothing and dress in layers for increased comfort. Blankets will be provided as well.
Over-the-ear headphones with a ketamine-specific playlist will be offered, but you may bring your own earphones or listen to your own playlist if preferred.
Eyeshades will be provided and encouraged to be worn, however you may bring your own if preferred.
During your appointment…
You will be comfortably seated in a plush recliner before you have your blood pressure and other vital signs measured.
Your symptom rating scales will be reviewed and dosing will be discussed.
You will be encouraged to remember your intentions, then leave your expectations: stay grounded, honor what comes up, do not push it away.
Grounding exercises may be practiced to get you into a relaxed state of mind before your infusion begins.
Once you are ready your IV will be placed and your infusion will begin.
You will be monitored throughout the duration of your ketamine infusion and any possible side effects you may experience (nausea, dizziness, floating feeling) will be addressed.
You will most likely be preoccupied with your ketamine journey and will be encouraged to wear your eyeshade and listen to the ketamine playlist, however your ketamine infusion can be slowed down, paused or stopped if requested.
After the infusion is complete and you feel comfortable to talk, therapy to integrate your experience with your intentions will begin.
Beverages and snacks will be offered to help you reground in your body.
After your appointment…
Follow-up integration therapy or ketamine therapy sessions can be scheduled.
Additional integration therapy sessions are highly encouraged as the window for neuroplasticity and new associations is up to 72-hours after your ketamine therapy session.
You will be escorted to your driver as you cannot drive or operate heavy machinery for 24-hours to allow the ketamine to fully process through your body.
You will be given Dramamine to take with you if you experience nausea or if you have a long ride home.
Surround yourself in a calm, supportive environment for the rest of the day and the day after for the most beneficial effects of your ketamine therapy.
Post-infusion symptom rating scales are encouraged to be filled out to track and monitor progress.
We highly discourage you from using additional mind-altering substances or making major life decisions for 2 weeks after your ketamine infusion, to give yourself more time to process and integrate your experience.
Fill out your paperwork
Please make sure to fill out your pre and post-infusion symptom rating scales and follow your pre-infusion checklist to get the most benefit from each ketamine therapy session.