10 Questions You Should Ask Before Getting A Ketamine Treatment
This blog post has been adapted from our 10 Questions You Should Ask Before Getting A Ketamine Treatment video.
If you're considering ketamine therapy, you may have questions about what to ask a ketamine clinic specialist before your treatment. This blog will guide you through 10 essential questions to ensure you're fully prepared and comfortable with your choice of clinic.
#1 Will someone be with me the entire time?
It’s key to know how you’ll have assistance either medically or emotionally during the infusion. During your experience, you are in a highly vulnerable state. Understanding the level of support available during the treatment can help alleviate anxiety and ensure a safe, supportive environment. At our clinic, we have someone in the room with the patient at all times. Other clinics will have a call button or a video camera to monitor you.
#2 How do you determine the dose of ketamine?
Ketamine infusion therapy doses typically start at about 0.5 milligrams per kilogram over a 40-minute infusion for mood disorders. But protocols can vary between clinics. Asking about how dosage is determined can give you insight into the clinic's approach in ketamine administration.
#3 Will I have my vital signs monitored throughout the entire session?
During ketamine infusions, vital signs such as blood pressure, oxygen levels, and heart rate can change dramatically. Knowing whether a clinic monitors these signs during the treatment or only at the beginning and end can be very informative. At our clinic, we provide continuous vital sign monitoring.
#4 How much experience do you have working with ketamine?
Some clinics may have practitioners brand new to ketamine while others who are very familiar with this medication. Asking about the provider’s background with ketamine and ketamine treatments in particular, including the extent of their staff's training and experience, is key.
#5 What do you recommend for preparing for ketamine therapy?
While some clinics may not have a preparation protocol, others might have extensive recommended preparation steps. We believe preparation is like starting a new garden. Like how you want to prepare the ground prior to planting the seeds, you want to prepare the mind and body for the ketamine experience. Knowing these can help you better prepare for the treatment, enhancing its effectiveness.
#6 What does your post- treatment integration plan look like?
Ketamine therapy can be an amazing catalyst for transformation, but the benefits are significantly enhanced by an effective post-treatment integration plan. Sometimes you can have a challenging or scary experience; an integration plan and or having a professional to talk to afterwards can help make sense of what you saw and felt.
Learn more about how to prepare and integrate at our How to Prepare For And Integrate From a Ketamine Infusion blog
#7 Will I have eye shades, a blanket, and music provided?
The setting or environment where you receive your treatment is as important as the medication itself. Comfort during treatment, such as the availability of eye shades, blankets, and music, can greatly enhance the therapeutic experience. Be prepared for your treatment by knowing whether these are provided or if you should bring your own.
#8 Why did you decide to open up your clinic?
Some people may be doing it purely for profit reasons, while others may have a soul-driven purpose. Understanding the motivations behind a clinic's operation can provide insight into the level of care and commitment you can expect. Not going to get a chance to speak with the founder of the clinic before your treatment? Explore their “About” page on the clinic’s website or scroll through their social media to get a feel for them.
#9 Are your staff BLS and ACLS certified?
Emergencies are rare during ketamine treatments. But if something were to happen, it’s nice to know if the clinic staff can handle the situation. Each clinic will have different levels of healthcare providers available on site. Therefore, knowing that the clinic's staff is properly certified in Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) ensures they are prepared to handle any emergencies that might arise during treatment.
#10 What is your refund policy?
Nobody really likes to talk about money, but asking about refunds further helps quell any anxiety prior to treatments. So understanding a clinic's refund policy for unsatisfactory experiences or if you decide to discontinue treatment can provide peace of mind and financial assurance.
Final thoughts
We hope you find these questions helpful. The goal behind asking these questions is for you to be informed and prepared prior to getting treatment and alleviate as much anxiety beforehand. Beyond simply asking these questions, observe how they answer them. Their approach, readiness of providing answers or lack of can tell you even more about a clinic. Empower yourself by asking questions. We wish you a healing and transformative journey.
Related questions:
What should I confirm about a ketamine clinic's protocols before starting treatment?
Ask if the clinic monitors your vital signs throughout the session, the preparation guidelines, and find out if they have an integration plan post-treatment. Asking these questions will help you know what to expect and help alleviate anxiety prior to treatment.
Why is it important to know who will be present during my ketamine infusion?
It's important because ketamine can create a vulnerable state where being alone might be frightening. Confirming that someone will be with you throughout the entire infusion can enhance your sense of safety.
If you enjoyed this blog, check these out too:
How to Find the Right Ketamine Clinic For You
We'd love for everyone to come to our clinic. But sometimes that's not possible! Plus there are so many other great clinics too! So how do you find the right one for you? Read more for suggestions on how to find the clinic for you!
How to Prepare For And Integrate From a Ketamine Infusion:
Ketamine's life transforming effect isn't just because of the medicine itself. What equally if not more important is the preparation before and integration after the infusion.
What to Expect During your Ketamine Infusion
Excited to explore ketamine treatments for your mood or pain disorder, but nervous because you aren't sure about what to expect? We got you covered in this blog.
If you're considering ketamine therapy, you may have questions about what to ask a ketamine clinic specialist before your treatment. This blog will guide you through 10 essential questions to ensure you're fully prepared and comfortable with your choice of clinic.