Beginning ketamine treatment is a meaningful step toward feeling like yourself again. Here’s what you can expect—clear, supportive, and every step of the way.
Many common questions are answered throughout our website and in our FAQ section. We encourage you to review those resources first.
When you’re ready, please call our office with any remaining questions, to discuss scheduling, and to determine the next steps that are right for you.
In many cases, new patient appointments can be scheduled within one to two weeks.
Your first visit is typically with Dr. Barton.
This appointment includes a psychiatric evaluation focused on determining whether ketamine treatment is a safe and appropriate option for your particular situation. Together, you will review your symptoms, relevant treatment history, medical background, current medications, and treatment goals.
Ketamine treatment is not appropriate for everyone. Part of the purpose of the consultation is to make sure the treatment fits the person, not just the diagnosis.
Our goal is to help you make an informed decision about whether ketamine treatment is the right option for your particular situation.
In most circumstances, treatment can begin the same day as the consultation if you decide to move forward.
If ketamine treatment is recommended and you decide to proceed, treatment can often begin the same day as your evaluation.
Most patients begin with a series of six treatments administered over approximately two weeks. Clinical experience and research suggest that an initial series of treatments often provides greater benefit than a single treatment.
Treatments take place in a comfortable, private, medically supervised setting. Our staff will review any questions and help you settle in before treatment begins.
The goal is for the experience to feel safe, calm, and carefully supported.
Ketamine affects each person somewhat differently, but many patients describe feeling relaxed, detached from everyday concerns, or more reflective than usual.
Some people experience changes in perception, shifts in perspective, vivid imagery, or a temporary sense of emotional distance from longstanding problems. Others simply notice a sense of calm, quiet, or spaciousness.
The experience typically begins within minutes and gradually fades after treatment is completed.
You do not need to make anything happen during the treatment. Some experiences are peaceful. Some are meaningful. Some are difficult to describe. The most important thing is that you are in a safe setting, with experienced medical staff nearby throughout the session.
Most patients spend approximately 1 to 1.5 hours in the office from arrival to discharge.
Although many people feel substantially recovered before leaving the clinic, someone else will need to drive you home following treatment. We recommend avoiding important decisions, work responsibilities, alcohol, or driving for the remainder of the day.
Many patients choose to spend the rest of the day resting, reflecting, or engaging in quiet activities.
Throughout treatment, we will monitor your response and discuss how your symptoms are changing over time.
Some people notice improvement rapidly, sometimes within hours or days. Others experience more gradual change over the course of the treatment series. There is no single pattern of response, and each person’s experience is unique.
We will pay attention not only to whether symptoms improve, but also to how long the improvement lasts, how you tolerate the treatment, and what kind of follow-up care may be most helpful.
Our goal is to provide thoughtful, individualized care and help determine the most appropriate path forward based on your response to treatment.
Some patients experience lasting improvement following an initial series of treatments. Others benefit from periodic maintenance treatments over time.
Recommendations regarding maintenance treatment are individualized and based on your symptoms, response to ketamine treatment, and overall goals for care.
There is no single maintenance schedule that applies to everyone. We will work together to determine what approach makes the most sense for your situation.
If you have questions about ketamine treatment or would like to determine whether it may be an appropriate option for your particular situation, we invite you to contact our office to schedule a consultation.
The first step is a conversation.