What to Expect
What to Expect During Ketamine Therapy
Not knowing what will happen is one of the hardest parts of starting any treatment. Here is a calm, honest walk through of the full process at our Charlotte clinic, from your first conversation to follow up care.
Before Your Consultation
Everything begins with a consultation, not a commitment. Before your visit, it helps to gather a current medication list and a brief history of what you have already tried. There is nothing to prepare emotionally. You can come exactly as you are, with as many or as few questions as you have.
The Consultation Visit
During the consultation, a physician reviews your history, screens for safety, and explains how ketamine therapy might fit your situation. This is a two way conversation. You are deciding whether this is right for you, and we are determining whether it is appropriate and safe. If you live outside Charlotte or cannot come in, we offer this first conversation by FaceTime. Treatment itself requires an in person visit, but the consultation does not. There is no pressure and no pricing discussion forced on day one.
Before Your First Infusion
Once you and the physician decide to proceed, we give you clear instructions. Avoid heavy meals for a few hours beforehand, wear comfortable clothing, and arrange a ride home, since you should not drive for the rest of the day. You are welcome to bring a calming playlist or an eye mask, though we can provide both.
What Happens During a Ketamine Infusion
When you arrive, a clinician checks your vital signs and confirms your plan. You rest in a quiet treatment room, usually in a reclining chair. A controlled intravenous infusion begins, and a clinician monitors you throughout. Many patients describe a dreamlike, floating sensation called dissociation, a temporary feeling of being detached from your body or surroundings. Once expected, most people find it calm or even pleasant. If anything feels uncomfortable, your care team is right there.
Recovery and the Ride Home
As the infusion ends, the dissociative feeling fades over a short period. We keep you in a supervised recovery area until you are steady and clear headed. Tiredness afterward is common. Your ride takes you home, and we ask that you keep the rest of the day low key, with no work decisions and no alcohol.
Between Sessions
Most protocols involve a short series of infusions over two to three weeks. Between sessions, we check in on how you are responding and adjust your plan as needed. Some patients notice changes early, while others take longer. Tracking how you feel between visits helps us tailor your care.
Integration and Follow Up
Integration is the work of making sense of and applying what surfaces during treatment. Pairing infusions with therapy, journaling, and reflection may help benefits last longer than infusions alone. With your permission, we coordinate with your therapist or prescriber so your care stays connected. After the initial series, many patients use maintenance sessions spaced to their needs.
What to Bring and What to Wear
- Comfortable, loose clothing and layers, since temperature preferences vary.
- A current list of your medications and supplements.
- A trusted person if you would like company, especially for your first visit.
- A ride home arranged in advance.
- Optional comfort items such as headphones, a playlist, or an eye mask.
Who Can Come With You
A spouse, family member, or friend is welcome to accompany you, and we encourage it for your first session. For family members researching on behalf of someone else, you are also welcome to call ahead and speak with our team before any appointment. To understand the conditions we treat, visit our conditions page or browse our frequently asked questions.