Preparing for Your First Ketamine Treatment: A Step-by-Step Guide

Starting ketamine therapy can stir up a mix of emotions. You’re naturally curious. Probably hopeful. And if you’re like most people, you’re a little nervous. 

That’s completely normal.

At Holistic Behavioral & TMS Therapy, our team offers ketamine therapy as part of a broader approach to mental healthcare, especially for people who haven’t found enough relief through traditional treatments. The goal is to help you feel informed, supported, and safe from the moment you arrive.

Here’s what to expect from your first appointment.

Step 1: We review your health history

Before treatment begins, we take time to understand your symptoms, medical history, current medications, and previous treatment experiences.

Ketamine therapy isn’t right for everyone. Our specialists determine whether it’s appropriate for your condition and explain how it fits into your larger care plan.

This is also the time to ask questions. Nothing is too small or too basic. If you’re wondering about how you’ll feel, how long it lasts, or what happens afterward, ask.

Step 2: You prepare for treatment day

Before your appointment, we give you instructions to help the session go smoothly.

For example, you should avoid eating or drinking for a certain period before treatment. You also need to arrange transportation home, since you won’t be able to drive after your session.

Plan to keep the rest of your day quiet. Ketamine can temporarily affect your perception, coordination, and alertness, so this isn’t the day to return to work, run errands, or make major decisions.

Comfort helps, too. Wear relaxed clothing and consider bringing headphones, calming music, or anything small that helps you feel grounded.

Step 3: You get settled in a monitored setting

When you arrive, we help you get comfortable and check your vital signs.

You receive ketamine therapy under our expert medical supervision, which means you don’t have to figure out the experience by yourself. Our team monitors you throughout treatment and makes sure you’re responding safely.

This supervision is one of the most important parts of your treatment. Ketamine can cause temporary side effects such as dizziness, nausea, drowsiness, or a dreamlike feeling, so monitoring helps keep the process safe and controlled.

Step 4: The treatment begins

Ketamine works differently from many traditional antidepressants. It affects glutamate, a brain chemical involved in mood regulation and neural communication. Glutamate may help your brain form new connections, which is why some people experience relief from depression symptoms with ketamine therapy when other treatments haven’t helped.

During treatment, you may feel relaxed, detached, emotional, or introspective. Some people describe the experience as dreamlike. Others feel quiet or sleepy.

There’s no “right” way to experience it. Your job is simply to let the treatment unfold while we support you.

Step 5: You rest and recover before leaving

After treatment, we continue monitoring you until you’re ready to go home.

You may feel a little groggy or unsteady at first. That’s expected. We make sure you’re stable before you leave with your arranged ride.

Once you’re home, give yourself permission to rest. Drink water, eat something gentle if you feel ready, and avoid anything that requires full concentration until the next day or as directed by your provider.

Step 6: We talk about next steps

Ketamine therapy is usually not a one-time treatment.

Our team discusses what comes next, including your treatment schedule, how you’re responding, and whether additional support may be helpful.

At Holistic Behavioral & TMS Therapy, ketamine may be part of a larger plan that includes psychotherapy, medication management, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy, Spravato®, or telehealth services when appropriate.

The goal isn’t just to get through one appointment. It’s to build a treatment plan that supports lasting improvement.

You don’t have to walk in knowing everything

Your first ketamine treatment is a step forward, and it’s OK if you feel a little uncertain.

We understand. That’s why we guide you through the process with care, preparation, and close monitoring. If you’re considering ketamine therapy or preparing for your first appointment, call Holistic Behavioral & TMS Therapy in Aurora or Chicago, Illinois, or in Las Vegas, Nevada, or schedule a consultation online today.