Questions to Ask Before Your First Ketamine Session
Preparing for your first ketamine session can feel overwhelming. There’s a lot of information online, not all of it reliable, and it can be hard to know what actually matters when you’re sitting down with a clinician for the first time. This guide is built around questions — the ones you should genuinely ask, and what thoughtful, honest answers look like.
You deserve to feel informed and respected in this process. Asking good questions is one of the best tools you have.
Questions About the Clinic and the Care Team
Who will be present during my session, and what are their qualifications?
A well-run ketamine program has qualified clinical staff present throughout every session. At minimum, this should be someone who can monitor vital signs, recognize and respond to adverse reactions, and provide you with reassurance if you feel distressed. Ask specifically: is there a licensed nurse, nurse practitioner, or physician on-site? In a Spravato program, the REMS requirements mandate trained staff. In IV ketamine settings, the standards should be equally rigorous.
Is this facility certified for Spravato?
If you are considering esketamine nasal spray, the clinic must be enrolled in the Spravato REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy) program. This isn’t optional — it’s a federal requirement. Any reputable Spravato program will confirm this readily and be able to explain what REMS certification means for your safety.
How many patients has this clinic treated, and how long have they been offering ketamine therapy?
Experience matters in any medical procedure. A program that has treated many patients over several years has encountered a wider range of responses, complications, and situations. You’re not looking for the newest, trendiest option — you’re looking for a team that knows what they’re doing.
Questions About Your Treatment Plan
What diagnosis are you treating, and how does ketamine fit into my overall care?
Ketamine therapy is generally used for treatment-resistant depression (sometimes coded under ICD-10 F32.9 or F33.2), though it’s also used off-label for other conditions. Your provider should be able to explain clearly why they believe ketamine is appropriate for your specific situation — not just that “it works for depression” but why it makes sense for you, given your history.
A good answer also addresses what else is in your plan. Ketamine works best as part of a broader approach that may include therapy, medication management, and lifestyle support. Be cautious about programs that present ketamine as the only intervention you need.
How many sessions are you recommending, and why?
Standard Spravato induction involves two sessions per week for four weeks, then weekly for weeks five through eight. IV ketamine induction is often six infusions over two to three weeks. Your provider should be able to explain the protocol they’re recommending and why. If they’re recommending something significantly different, ask them to explain their reasoning.
What happens if I don’t respond after the initial series?
Not everyone responds to ketamine, and honest clinicians will tell you this upfront. Ask what the plan is if your symptoms haven’t meaningfully improved after the induction series. A good answer includes options: adjusting dose, trying a different formulation, or revisiting the overall treatment plan. A provider who guarantees you will respond is making a claim they can’t support.
Will I be working with a therapist as part of this program?
Many patients find that ketamine therapy is most beneficial when paired with regular therapy sessions. Some programs have therapists on staff or work in close coordination with outside therapists. Ask whether the clinic has a recommendation or a referral relationship with therapists experienced in ketamine-adjacent care.
Questions About What to Expect During and After Sessions
What will the dissociative experience feel like, and how do I handle it if I feel distressed?
The temporary dissociation and perceptual shifts that many people experience during ketamine sessions are normal and expected. Ask your care team to describe what it commonly feels like, and ask what you should do if you feel anxious or uncomfortable during the session. Good programs have a clear protocol — often simple grounding techniques, verbal reassurance, and a calm environmental setup — and staff who are trained to support patients through difficult moments.
Can I bring music or other comfort items?
Many clinics actively encourage patients to bring a playlist, an eye mask, or a comfort item. Creating a calm, personally meaningful sensory environment can support the experience. Ask whether the clinic has any restrictions or recommendations.
What should I expect in the days after my session?
Some patients feel noticeably better within hours. Others experience a gradual shift over several days. Some have a period of emotional openness or heightened sensitivity. Understanding the range of possible experiences helps you observe your own response without alarm. Ask your provider what signs would prompt you to call the clinic between sessions.
Questions About Cost and Logistics
How does billing work, and will my insurance cover this?
If you’re receiving Spravato, there is a path to insurance coverage — but it requires prior authorization, documentation of treatment-resistant depression, and typically evidence of two prior failed antidepressant trials. The clinic should have staff who handle this process and can tell you what to expect. IV ketamine infusions are generally not covered by insurance and are paid out of pocket. Get a clear picture of total costs — drug, administration monitoring, and the clinical visits — before you begin.
How will I get home after each session?
You cannot drive after a ketamine session. The sedation and dissociative effects require that someone else take you home, and this is non-negotiable at any responsible program. Plan for this before your first appointment.
Reach out to our community team if you want to connect with others who’ve navigated these questions or if you’d like help preparing for your first evaluation. For official information on safe treatment practices, SAMHSA’s treatment resources are a useful reference.
This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a licensed clinician about your specific situation.
Drafted by AI and reviewed by our editorial team. Last updated 2026-05-30.