Your First Ketamine Therapy Session: Why It’s Normal to Feel Nervous
If you’ve been researching ketamine therapy in Brooklyn and are getting ready to book your first session, you’re probably feeling a mix of hope and nerves. That’s completely understandable. Trying any new treatment — especially one you may have heard conflicting things about — can feel like a leap of faith.
Here’s the good news: knowing what to expect takes so much of that anxiety away. Research continues to show promising results for ketamine therapy and depression. In one small open-label University of Michigan study without a placebo group, 52% of participants with severe, treatment-resistant depression reached remission after three IV infusions; results with IV infusions may not apply to other routes. At MindBody7, we walk with you through every step. So let’s break down exactly what your first ketamine therapy session looks like — from the moment you start preparing at home to the days that follow.
1. Preparing for Your Session Is Simpler Than You Think
One of the most common questions we hear is, “What do I need to do before I show up?” The preparation is straightforward, but it does matter. A little planning goes a long way toward making your experience comfortable and effective.
Eating and Drinking
You’ll be asked to fast from solid food for about four to six hours before your session. Clear liquids like water are generally fine up to about two hours beforehand. This isn’t just a formality — ketamine can sometimes cause mild nausea, and an empty stomach significantly reduces that risk. Think of it like prepping for a minor medical procedure: light and simple.
Medications to Discuss
Certain medications can affect how well ketamine works. Benzodiazepines (like Xanax, Klonopin, or Ativan) and lamotrigine have been shown in clinical research to potentially reduce ketamine’s antidepressant effects. Your provider at MindBody7 will review your full medication list during intake and let you know if anything needs to be temporarily paused or adjusted. Never stop any medication on your own — always follow your clinician’s guidance.
What to Wear and Bring
Wear something comfortable and layered — think cozy sweats or your favorite soft hoodie. You’ll be reclining for a while, so comfort is key. Many of our Brooklyn clients bring an eye mask, a playlist of calming music, or a journal. Leave your work laptop at home. This is your time.
2. The Intake and Screening Process Sets the Foundation
Before any ketamine is administered, you’ll go through a thorough intake process. This isn’t a rushed check-the-box situation — it’s a genuine conversation about you.
What the Screening Covers
Your clinician will review your complete medical history, current mental health symptoms, past treatments you’ve tried, and your goals for ketamine therapy. Wondering whether ketamine therapy is the right fit? That’s exactly what this screening helps determine. Topics typically include:
- History of depression, anxiety, PTSD, or other conditions
- Medications and supplements you’re currently taking
- Any history of substance use
- Cardiovascular health and blood pressure baseline
- Previous responses to antidepressants or other treatments
Why This Step Matters
Ketamine therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all. This screening ensures it’s safe for you specifically, and it helps your care team personalize the experience — from dosage to monitoring. At MindBody7, our clinical team uses this time to build a genuine relationship with you so you never feel like just another appointment on a schedule.
3. What the Actual Session Feels Like (The Part Everyone Asks About)
Let’s get to the question on everyone’s mind: what does it actually feel like? The honest answer is that every person’s experience is a little different — but there are common threads.
The Setting
At MindBody7, your session takes place in a calm, private treatment room — not a sterile hospital ward. Think soft lighting, a comfortable reclining chair, and a clinical team close by. Our Brooklyn clinic environment is designed to feel safe and grounding, because your surroundings matter during this experience.
During the Medicine Session
Ketamine and esketamine can be given in different ways, and your clinician will explain which options are appropriate for you and where treatment takes place. Whatever the route, the medication is given at a carefully controlled dose, and you’ll be monitored by our clinical staff throughout the session — your vital signs, your comfort, everything.
As the ketamine takes effect, people commonly describe:
- A feeling of deep relaxation or lightness
- Dreamlike or gently altered perceptions
- A sense that time is slowing down or stretching
- Mild visual shifts — soft patterns or colors with eyes closed
- Emotional memories or insights surfacing naturally
Some people describe it as floating. Others say it feels introspective, like a waking dream. It’s generally not scary — most patients tell us afterward that it was much more gentle than they expected. If at any point you feel uncomfortable, your care team is right there to adjust the experience.
What It’s Not
It’s important to know that therapeutic ketamine is administered at much lower doses than what’s used in surgical anesthesia. You won’t “lose consciousness” or feel out of control. You’ll be in a relaxed, neuroplastic state — which is actually part of how the treatment works.
4. The First Hour After: Recovery and Getting Home Safely
When the medicine portion of your session is complete, the experience doesn’t just switch off like a light. There’s a gentle transition period, and our team stays with you through it.
The Observation Period
Afterward, you’ll stay in the clinic while the effects gradually fade, until your clinician confirms you are ready to leave. For Spravato, the FDA’s REMS program requires at least two hours of monitoring after each dose. During this time, your care team will continue to monitor your vital signs and check in with you. Many people feel a pleasant sense of calm during this period. Some feel a little groggy or emotionally tender — and that’s all completely normal.
Getting Home
Here’s the non-negotiable: you cannot drive yourself home after a ketamine session. Plan ahead to have a trusted friend, family member, or car service ready. This is true for every session, not just your first. In Brooklyn, many of our clients arrange a rideshare — it’s one of those times living in a city with plenty of transit options works in your favor.
What to Do (and Skip) for the Rest of the Day
For the remainder of the day, take it easy. Skip the intense workout, the complicated work project, and the crowded social plans. Instead, give yourself permission to rest. You might feel a bit foggy or spacey for a few hours. Some people feel emotionally lighter almost immediately; others notice a quiet shift over the following day. There’s no single “right” way to feel. Eat a nourishing meal when your appetite returns, drink plenty of water, and be gentle with yourself.
5. The Integration Period: Where the Real Growth Happens
Your first ketamine therapy session is important — but what you do between sessions is where lasting change often takes root. This phase is called integration, and at MindBody7, we consider it a core part of your treatment, not an afterthought.
Therapy Sessions After Treatment
Many clients pair their ketamine sessions with talk therapy to process the insights, emotions, or memories that surfaced during the session. Research suggests that ketamine’s ability to promote neuroplasticity — the brain’s capacity to form new connections — creates a window where therapeutic work can be especially powerful.
Journaling and Reflection
We encourage clients to jot down anything that comes up — images, feelings, thoughts, even fragments that don’t fully make sense yet. A journal becomes a tool for tracking your inner experience across sessions. You don’t need to write essays; even a few bullet points can be incredibly valuable.
When Will You Notice Changes?
This is the question we get most often. Some people feel a noticeable shift in mood within hours of their first session. For others, it’s a more gradual process that builds across several sessions over a few weeks. A Harvard-affiliated study at McLean Hospital found that IV ketamine showed symptom improvement beginning after the very first treatment, with meaningful reductions in depression severity building through the full treatment course. Patience — and trust in the process — matters.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you’ve been living with depression, anxiety, PTSD, or another condition that hasn’t responded well to traditional treatments — medication, talk therapy, or both — you don’t have to keep struggling in silence. Treatment-resistant depression affects nearly 30% of people with major depressive disorder, and ketamine therapy has emerged as a meaningful option for many of them.
At MindBody7, our clinical team in Brooklyn specializes in ketamine therapy delivered with care, safety, and real human connection. Your first session is just the beginning of a thoughtfully guided process, and we’ll be with you every step of the way.
Ready to learn more or schedule your first ketamine therapy session? Contact MindBody7 today to book a consultation. We’ll answer every question you have — because you deserve to feel heard before you even walk through the door.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ketamine therapy safe?
When administered by trained clinicians in a supervised medical setting, most side effects of ketamine therapy — such as nausea, dizziness, dissociation (dreamlike sensations), sedation, or a temporary rise in blood pressure — are short-lived and managed by your care team. At MindBody7, your vital signs are monitored throughout every session, and your dosage is carefully personalized. Ketamine (Ketalar) is FDA-approved only as an anesthetic, so its use for depression, anxiety, or PTSD is off-label, and its long-term psychiatric safety has not been established. It is a Schedule III controlled substance that can be misused, and heavy long-term use has been linked to bladder problems. Esketamine (Spravato) is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression and is given only in certified healthcare settings with at least two hours of monitoring.
How many ketamine sessions will I need?
Most treatment plans involve an initial series of six to eight sessions, often scheduled twice weekly over three to four weeks. After the initial series, some clients benefit from occasional maintenance sessions. Your care team at MindBody7 will work with you to create a plan based on your individual response and goals.
Can I take my regular medications with ketamine therapy?
Many common medications, including most SSRIs and SNRIs, can be continued during ketamine treatment. However, certain medications — particularly benzodiazepines, lamotrigine, and some stimulants — may need to be temporarily adjusted. Your provider will review your full medication list before treatment begins. Never stop or change a medication without professional guidance.
How quickly does ketamine therapy work compared to traditional antidepressants?
One of ketamine’s most notable qualities is its rapid onset. While traditional antidepressants often take four to six weeks to show effects, research has shown that ketamine can begin improving symptoms within hours to days. In one small open-label University of Michigan study without a placebo group, 52% of participants with severe treatment-resistant depression reached remission after three IV infusions over 11 days; results with IV infusions may not apply to other routes. Individual results do vary, and your clinician will help you set realistic expectations.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment.
