What to Expect During Your First Ketamine Therapy Session

If you’ve been considering ketamine therapy, you’ve probably read countless articles, scrolled through forums, and maybe even watched YouTube testimonials. And yet, when it comes down to it, there’s always that lingering thought: What is it really like to sit in that chair for the very first time?

I remember a close friend of mine describing her own hesitation. She had battled depression for years, tried multiple medications, and nothing seemed to work long-term. When she first walked into a ketamine clinic, she admitted her stomach was in knots. “It felt like a mix of nervousness and cautious hope,” she told me. I could relate-I’ve been in that space of wanting change but being scared of what it might look like.

So, let’s take away some of that mystery. Here’s a real, thoughtful look at what you can expect during your first ketamine therapy session.

1. The Initial Consultation: Setting the Groundwork

Before you ever sit in the treatment chair, there’s usually a detailed consultation. Clinics don’t jump straight into ketamine therapy without understanding your medical history, mental health background, and current needs.

Expect questions like:

• What medications are you currently taking?
• Have you tried other forms of treatment?
• What are your main goals with ketamine therapy?

This isn’t just bureaucracy-it’s about safety and tailoring your care. According to a 2022 Journal of Clinical Psychiatry review, most reputable clinics conduct at least a one-hour intake session to minimize risks and personalize dosing.

2. The Environment: Calm, Quiet, and Intentional

The room itself often surprises people. Forget sterile hospital vibes. Most ketamine therapy spaces are designed to feel safe, soothing, and even a little cozy. Soft lighting, reclining chairs, blankets-details that encourage relaxation.

Why? Because mindset matters. The more comfortable and open you feel, the more beneficial the session tends to be. Some clinics even offer noise-canceling headphones and curated music playlists. Imagine sinking into a calm space where you’re free from distractions.

I’ll admit, when I accompanied my friend for moral support, I was struck by how peaceful it felt. The atmosphere was closer to a spa than a clinic.

3. The Actual Infusion or Administration

Ketamine therapy can be delivered in different ways:

• IV infusion (most common)
• Intramuscular injection
• Nasal spray (esketamine, FDA-approved under the name Spravato)
• Oral lozenges (less common, often adjunctive)

During your first session, if it’s IV-based, a nurse or medical professional will insert a small IV line, usually in your arm. There’s nothing more intimidating than having blood drawn.

The infusion typically lasts 40–60 minutes, depending on the protocol. And here’s what most people wonder about: What does it feel like?

4. The Experience: Dissociation and Shifts in Perspective

Many describe the sensation as “floating” or “stepping outside yourself.” It’s not like being unconscious, but rather entering a different state of awareness. Some report vivid imagery, heightened introspection, or a sense of emotional release.

One study published in Frontiers in Psychiatry (2021) noted that nearly 70% of patients experienced a “therapeutic dissociation,” meaning the altered state itself allowed them to process emotions in a new way.

It can feel unusual at first, and yes, maybe a bit overwhelming. But medical staff are present throughout to monitor your vitals and reassure you if needed.

5. After the Infusion: Gentle Re-entry

As the medication wears off, you’ll slowly return to baseline. Some describe it as “waking from a dream,” while others say they feel unusually clear-headed and calm.

Expect to stay at the clinic for another 30-60 minutes post-infusion. This allows time for observation and ensures you’re fully ready to leave. Driving yourself home is not an option-you’ll need a ride.

Many people feel fatigued afterward, while others feel energized. Both are normal.

6. Integration: Making Sense of It All

Here’s where the real work begins. Ketamine therapy isn’t just about the session itself-it’s about how you integrate the experience afterward. Some clinics provide therapy sessions immediately after, while others encourage journaling or speaking with a trusted counselor.

I remember my friend telling me that after her first session, she felt like she’d “opened a window she didn’t know existed.” She needed help to process what she’d seen and felt, and that’s where integration was invaluable.

The American Psychiatric Association emphasizes that ongoing therapy alongside ketamine treatments significantly improves long-term outcomes.

7. Common Side Effects (And Why They’re Usually Short-Lived)

Like any treatment, ketamine therapy comes with potential side effects. The most common include:

• Mild nausea
• Dizziness or blurred vision
• Temporary increase in blood pressure
• Disorientation

The good news? These effects generally fade quickly after the session ends. Clinics are well-prepared to manage them, and staff are trained to support you throughout.

8. Emotional Shifts: What You Might Notice

While some people notice immediate relief after their first session, others may not feel changes until after several treatments. A 2020 Yale University study found that 60% of participants with treatment-resistant depression reported improvement within just two sessions, though protocols often involve a series of 6–8 treatments.

It’s worth remembering: this is a process, not a magic switch. But for many, it’s the first glimpse of hope after years of struggle.

9. Preparing Yourself Beforehand

Want to set yourself up for success? Here are a few tips:

• Go in with an open mind – expectations can shape the experience.
• Wear comfortable clothing – you’ll be sitting or reclining for a while.
• Eat lightly before – avoid heavy meals, but don’t arrive hungry.
• Bring a support system – even if they just wait to drive you home.

Final Thoughts

Your first ketamine therapy session might feel intimidating, but it’s often the start of something transformative. Yes, there may be moments of uncertainty or discomfort, but there can also be breakthroughs you never thought possible.

I’ve seen firsthand how life-changing it can be. A dear friend of mine went from feeling utterly stuck to finally finding breathing space after just a few sessions. She told me: “It wasn’t an instant cure, but it gave me a ladder out of the hole.”

If you’re considering it, don’t let fear of the unknown hold you back. Reputable clinics have trained staff, structured programs, and integration support to guide you every step of the way. For those living in the Northeast, ketamine therapy Pennsylvania clinics provide trusted care, guiding patients safely through this powerful healing journey.