If you have tried antidepressants, therapy, or lifestyle changes and still struggle with depression, ketamine therapy may offer the breakthrough you have been searching for. But for many people, the uncertainty of what to expect holds them back from even exploring this option. This guide walks you through everything that happens before, during, and after your first ketamine therapy session at Ventana Mental Health.

What Is Ketamine Therapy? (A Quick Overview)

Ketamine is an FDA-approved anesthetic that, when used in lower doses, has shown remarkable effectiveness as an off-label treatment for depression, anxiety, PTSD, and OCD. Unlike traditional antidepressants that target serotonin, ketamine works through the brain’s glutamate system — specifically NMDA receptors — triggering neuroplasticity and helping the brain form new, healthier neural connections.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), ketamine has shown rapid antidepressant effects — sometimes within hours — making it a valuable option for those suffering from treatment-resistant depression.

At Ventana Mental Health, we offer sublingual ketamine therapy starting at $250 per session, administered in our comfortable Southlake clinic under physician supervision.

Before Your First Session: What to Do

1. Medical Evaluation

Before beginning ketamine, every patient undergoes a thorough psychiatric evaluation with one of our board-certified psychiatrists. This evaluation covers your mental health history, current medications, medical conditions, and treatment goals to determine whether ketamine is appropriate and safe for you.

2. Pre-Treatment Preparation

In the 24 hours before your appointment: avoid alcohol and recreational substances, arrange a driver (you cannot drive after your session), wear comfortable clothing, and fast for a few hours if your provider recommends it.

3. Set Your Intentions

Many patients find it helpful to reflect on what they hope to achieve from treatment. Ketamine can open windows of heightened emotional receptivity — many psychiatrists recommend combining it with psychotherapy to maximize results.

During Your Session: What to Expect

Ventana Mental Health’s sublingual ketamine experience is designed for your comfort and safety:

• Duration: Approximately 45–60 minutes
• Setting: A private, calm treatment room in our Southlake clinic
• Administration: Sublingual (under the tongue) — no needles, no IV
• Monitoring: Our team monitors vital signs and your wellbeing throughout
• Sensations: You may experience mild dissociation, perceptual changes, or deep relaxation. These effects are temporary and resolve as ketamine wears off.

Many patients describe the experience as dreamlike, peaceful, or introspective. Others feel a lightening of depressive thoughts during or shortly after the session. Every experience is individual.

After Your Session: Recovery & Integration

Immediately following treatment, you will remain in our clinic for a brief monitoring period. Once cleared by our team, your designated driver will take you home. Plan for the rest of the day to be restful — no major decisions, driving, or strenuous activities.

Within 24–72 hours, many patients begin noticing improvements in mood, energy, and emotional flexibility. These are not permanent after one session — the full treatment protocol involves multiple sessions over several weeks.

How Many Sessions Will You Need?

Most patients follow a protocol of two sessions per week for three weeks (6 sessions total), followed by maintenance sessions spaced out based on your response. Your psychiatrist will monitor your progress and adjust your plan accordingly. See our FAQ page for more answers.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Ketamine Therapy?

Ketamine therapy may be right for you if you:

• Have tried two or more antidepressants without adequate relief (treatment-resistant depression)
• Are experiencing severe depression, anxiety, or PTSD symptoms
• Have been cleared medically (no uncontrolled hypertension, active substance use, or certain other contraindications)

Not sure if you qualify? Schedule a consultation and our team will evaluate your eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions