What to Expect During Your First Ketamine Treatment

For those navigating mental health challenges, ketamine therapy may offer a new avenue worth exploring. Starting a different treatment approach can naturally bring questions or uncertainty, which is why our team is committed to creating a supportive and informative environment. 

From your first consultation to the infusion experience itself, we walk you through each step, helping you understand what to expect and how ketamine therapy could play a role in your broader wellness plan.

What Our Patients Can Expect

The Initial Consultation

You will begin your treatments with a consultation from one of our medical experts. They will review your treatment history, mental health background, goals, and current symptoms. Then, we will discuss how ketamine therapy may improve your overall health and the potential benefits, as well as any concerns you may have. 

Research suggests that ketamine therapy may work differently from traditional medications and talk therapy by influencing the brain’s communication pathways involved in mood and thinking. 

This process is believed to support neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to form new connections, which may help some people who haven’t found relief through other treatments. While individual results vary, many patients see ketamine therapy as a potential next step in their mental health journey.

Preparing for the Infusion

After we review your treatment plan, we will schedule your first appointment. Patients should follow all pre-infusion instructions that will be sent to you prior to your infusion. 

Some important things to keep in mind are the fasting requirements before the infusion and the transportation requirements after the infusion. 

For most patients, no medication changes are required before your infusion. If there are any changes required, we will inform you prior to your infusion.

We advise patients to wear eye masks to block out outside distractions and relax. Patients are placed in a private, comfortable room when receiving treatments. You may bring your own music or playlist. We encourage you to bring your earbuds or headphones.

While some patients may find soft music relaxing, you aren’t limited to listening specifically to this type of music. You are welcome to listen to music of any kind you wish as long as it puts your mind at ease.

Patients are advised to avoid external stimuli, including avoiding having family members in the room or engaging in the use of cell phones during the infusion. Treatment should be a private and solitary experience. Meeting outside demands affects the relaxation process.

The Ketamine Infusion Process

Treatments are administered to the patient intravenously (IV) using carefully monitored, low doses provided by trained medical staff. This three-step process is as follows:

1. Insertion: Our medical staff gently inserts the small IV into your arm. Administering ketamine treatments using IV allows it to be directly delivered into the bloodstream. It also helps us to directly control how much ketamine you receive to ensure our patients receive the correct amount for optimal effects.
2. Relaxation: Once the infusion starts, you can relax, close your eyes, and focus on breathing. Ketamine treatments work rapidly. You may experience light sensations that are somewhat different from your usual mindset within minutes.
3. Patient experience: Some patients feel introspective and calm while receiving treatment. Some may feel like they have entered a dreamlike state, wherein they experience a detachment from daily cares or a deep relaxation. Our medical staff remains with you throughout the process to ensure you stay comfortable and safe.

Infusions last 40–60 minutes, allowing the treatment to work throughout your system without overwhelming your senses.

While receiving your ketamine infusion, you may experience mild shifts in time and perception. These effects are temporary and part of the process. Some people describe the treatment as an inward journey, allowing time to explore emotions and thoughts in a new way.

Once treatments have ended, our medical professionals will remain with you as you return to your usual awareness. The effects of ketamine infusion therapy usually subside quickly. Within 10–15 minutes, patients typically feel more grounded and ready to express their experiences to our staff.

After the Session

After you receive your infusion, our staff briefly discusses your experience with you. Some individuals may notice immediate shifts, while others may witness results after several sessions.

Each person has a different experience with ketamine infusion. Our staff monitors every patient’s progress, reviews feedback, and adjusts the treatment if necessary. After a few sessions, patients may notice a reduction in mental health symptoms. 

How many sessions will I need?

Most people require an initial series of six sessions. After your initial series of treatments, your progress is evaluated to determine if you will need occasional booster treatments to maintain your results. Every patient’s experience and treatment goals are different.

Ketamine for Depression Aftercare

At the end of your infusion, our staff is here to provide ongoing support, address any concerns, and work with you to ensure that your treatments are part of a comprehensive long-term well-being plan. Some may feel that treatments offer a strong foundation for re-engaging with other therapeutic approaches, such as lifestyle changes, talk therapy, and physical activity. Each of these facets can enhance the long-term effects of treatment.

Contact Ketamine Therapy Toronto to See if Ketamine Infusion Therapy Is Right for You

For those struggling with their mental health and who have found other forms of treatment ineffective, ketamine infusion therapy may benefit you. Ketamine for depression has provided a positive experience for many patients and may be something worth exploring. 

At Ketamine Therapy Toronto, your care is led by an all-physician team in a setting designed for safety, privacy, and support. All treatments are delivered in private rooms and conducted under strict standards approved and regulated by the College of Physicians. 

In addition to ketamine infusions, we also offer OHIP-covered psychotherapy to support your long-term wellness goals. Whether you're beginning your first session or exploring next steps in treatment-resistant depression care, our experienced medical staff is here to guide you with compassion and expertise.

For more information on the potential benefits of ketamine therapy for depression, call Ketamine Therapy Toronto at 888-259-9755, email us at admin@ketaminetherapyclinic.ca, or contact us online.