How to Prepare For Your Ketamine Therapy Session: A Patient’s Guide

In 2023, 32% of Californian adults reported symptoms of a depressive or anxiety disorder. More than that, 20% of adolescents experienced a major depressive episode in 2021. Ketamine therapy – used for treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, and more – could combat these troubling statistics.

While it may not work for everyone, it is a promising option for many. However, this therapy modality is still relatively new, and little about it is common knowledge. You may have questions, even if you’ve scheduled an appointment for a ketamine infusion.

We’re experts in performing ketamine infusions at BNI Clinics. We’ll walk you through how to prepare for your first ketamine therapy session.

What You Should Do in the Days and Hours Before Your Ketamine Therapy Session

Preparing your mind for ketamine therapy is important in the days and hours before your session. You want to be able to relax during your infusion. If your brain is in the best possible condition, you are more likely to achieve positive results. You can accomplish this by:

• Getting a good night’s sleep before the session.
• Avoiding stress where possible. The day before your infusion, don’t engage with media or people who upset you. This may include movies, shows, books, news, or social media.
• Limiting your intake of substances. This includes alcohol, which has dangerous effects when mixed with ketamine. Do not stop taking your current medication unless advised by a doctor.
• Practicing meditation to prepare. There are many tutorials online. Learning to quietly reflect on your thoughts without distractions will help if meditation is difficult.
• Considering your goals. What do you want to achieve through ketamine therapy? Creating a related phrase to ground yourself during your session may be helpful.
• Thinking about what will make you comfortable. Ask the ketamine clinic if they will provide earplugs, headphones with music, eyemasks, blankets, or anything that will make the experience more relaxing for you. If not, ask if you can bring your own.

There are additional practical matters to consider also, such as:

• Avoiding food or drink six hours before the infusion. Ketamine can occasionally cause nausea, and this will make it less likely. Drinking water is safe and encouraged.
• Planning for someone to drive you home. You should not drive or operate machinery following your infusion. Having someone with you to ensure you stay safe is also ideal.
• Make an appointment with your mental health professional ahead of time. It will be helpful to talk to your mental health provider following your ketamine therapy session as soon as possible. Making an appointment early will reduce the likelihood of long wait times.

Preparing for the Ketamine Infusion: What to Bring and Practices for the Day of Your Appointment

On the day of your appointment, creating a relaxing environment is paramount. Wear comfortable clothes, and consider bringing a light jacket with you in case the clinic is cold.

If you choose to listen to music, select music without words, and that elicits positive emotions and thoughts, not negative ones. Create a playlist that is at least two hours long to ensure you don’t run out of songs before the end of your session.

You may find it helpful to bring a journal and writing instrument of your choice. It’s a good idea to record any thoughts or feelings you experience immediately following your ketamine infusion. They could be helpful to you later, and you might forget them otherwise.

During the session, do your best to relax and let go. Experiencing dissociative symptoms is normal and can be an important part of the healing process. If you feel uncomfortable during your session, try focusing on your goal or mantra you settled on before your appointment to ground you.

How to Integrate Ketamine Therapy Into the Rest of Your Life

Take some time for yourself immediately following your ketamine infusion to process and reflect on anything you experienced during the session. If you have dissociative symptoms, think of them as dreams more than something literal. Consider and write down any new thoughts, goals, or ideas it inspires. Think about changes you may want to make in your life to improve your overall well-being.

While a ketamine infusion may provide relief on its own, it is significantly more effective when paired with psychotherapy. It’s important to stay in contact with your mental health provider(s) while undergoing ketamine treatment and attend therapy appointments. Discuss your thoughts regarding ketamine therapy with your practitioner. They will be able to assist you in your goals.

You may feel a surge of motivation following your session that dissipates in time. This is normal. Make life changes gradually, and don’t feel discouraged.

Finding Ketamine Therapy in Los Angeles

There is a wealth of evidence of ketamine therapy’s efficacy in treating a variety of conditions. It’s worth considering, especially for anyone with conditions resistant to previous treatment modalities.

If you have already scheduled an appointment for a ketamine infusion, be confident. Ketamine therapy is a helpful tool in the healing process, but you are what drives it. You have the power to take what you learn and build a better life.

BNI Clinics is a provider of mental health services, including ketamine therapy, in the Los Angeles area. We offer care for all ages, and our skilled clinicians are capable of diagnosing and treating even the most complex conditions. If your family could benefit from our help, call (310) 691-5005 today.

 BNI Clinics: Science-based, evidence-backed, compassion-led.

Dr. Aram Keshishyan, PsyD.

Aram Keshishyan, PsyD. is a bilingual, Armenian-speaking, licensed clinical-forensic psychologist who has been practicing since 2013. Dr. Keshishyan emigrated to the United States at the age of 1 and grew up in the highly diverse Los Angeles County area. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Master of Arts and Doctorate of Psychology degrees in Clinical-Forensic Psychology from Alliant International University, Alhambra.

Arastou Aminzadeh, MD

Dr. Aminzadeh co-founded BNI to provide patients with exceptional and complete care that goes beyond the regular standards. Each individual is unique and based on each person's genetic makeup, some have a more painful response to challenges that arise on their journey and need assistance to get back on track.