Know Exactly What to Expect
We believe transparency reduces anxiety. Here's everything that happens, from your first phone call to your follow-up care plan, so you can walk in feeling prepared.
Free Consultation
Phone or video call, no commitment required
Personalized Protocol
Medical intake, clearance, and custom dosing plan
Infusion Series
4–6 private supervised sessions at our Fairfax clinic
Follow-Up Care
Outcome review, integration support, and boosters as needed
Free Consultation
Everything starts with a conversation. Your free consultation is a phone or video call with a member of our clinical team, typically 20–30 minutes. There's no obligation, no fee, and no pressure.
We use this call to understand your history: what conditions you've been diagnosed with, what treatments you've already tried, and what you're hoping ketamine therapy might offer. You can ask us anything. We'll give you honest answers.
At the end of the call, we'll let you know whether we think ketamine therapy is a good fit for you. If it is, we'll walk you through next steps. If it isn't, we'll tell you that too and suggest alternatives where we can.
What to have ready:
- Your current diagnoses and how long you've had them
- A list of medications or treatments you've tried (and their results)
- Your questions (there are no bad ones)
- The name of your psychiatrist or prescriber, if you have one
Personalized Protocol
If the consultation confirms you're a good candidate, we move into the intake and planning phase. This includes a thorough medical history review, any necessary provider coordination (we'll reach out to your psychiatrist or prescriber if appropriate), and a customized dosing plan based on your weight, condition, and goals.
Ketamine is not one-size-fits-all. Dosing is carefully calculated, and your first session includes a dedicated provider visit (built into the $450 rate) to assess your response and adjust as needed.
Medical Intake
Comprehensive review of your health history, current medications, and any contraindications.
Dose Calculation
Your infusion dose is calculated by weight and adjusted based on your condition and clinical response.
Care Coordination
We'll communicate with your existing psychiatric team if you have one, as we want to complement, not replace, your care.
Session Scheduling
We'll plan your infusion series, typically 4–6 sessions over 2–3 weeks, around your schedule.
Your Infusion Series
A standard initial course is 4–6 infusions, spaced across 2–3 weeks. Each session takes place in a private room at our Fairfax clinic, with a clinical team member present throughout.
Arriving at the Clinic
- Fast for 4 hours before your appointment (water and essential medications are fine)
- Arrange a driver; you cannot drive yourself home after any infusion
- Wear comfortable, loose clothing
- Bring headphones if you have music you find calming or meaningful
- Avoid caffeine the morning of your session
- You'll check in, and a provider will review how you've been feeling since your last session
The Infusion (~45–60 min)
- You'll recline in a private, comfortable infusion chair
- A small IV catheter is placed, typically in the arm
- The infusion begins slowly; you'll feel the effects within minutes
- Most patients experience a dissociative, dream-like state: floating, altered perception, sometimes vivid imagery
- You remain conscious and can communicate with our team at any time
- Music, an eye mask, and a calm environment help support a positive experience
- Vitals are monitored continuously throughout
Recovery & Going Home
- Effects typically fade within 30–60 minutes of the infusion ending
- You'll rest in the clinic until the care team clears you to leave
- Your driver will take you home; plan to relax for the remainder of the day
- Some patients feel relief almost immediately; others notice changes over the next 24–72 hours
- Avoid important decisions, alcohol, and cannabis for the rest of the day
- Many patients find journaling or quiet reflection helpful after their session
Follow-Up Care Plan
Your care doesn't end when your initial series is complete. After your last infusion, we conduct a follow-up review to assess your outcomes: what improved, what didn't, and what comes next.
Many patients maintain their results with periodic booster infusions every few months. Others find that a single series provides lasting relief, particularly when combined with ongoing therapy. We work with you to build a long-term maintenance plan that fits your life.
Outcome Review
We review standardized assessments (PHQ-9, PCL-5, Y-BOCS as applicable) and your reported experience to measure progress objectively.
Booster Planning
If boosters are appropriate, we schedule them proactively, before symptoms return rather than after. Most boosters are single Infusion Only sessions at $400.
Integration Support
We can connect you with therapists who specialize in helping patients integrate the insights and changes that often emerge during and after ketamine treatment.
Patient Portal
Track your mood, symptoms, and progress between sessions in the Mosaic patient portal, giving you and your provider a clear picture of how you're doing over time.
Preparation Checklist
A few simple steps to set yourself up for the best possible experience.
Arrange a Driver
This is non-negotiable. You must have a responsible adult available to drive you home after every infusion. Rideshares are acceptable if accompanied by a trusted person.
Fast 4 Hours Before
No food for 4 hours before your appointment. Water and essential medications are fine. Fasting reduces the risk of nausea during the infusion.
Skip Caffeine
Avoid caffeine the morning of your infusion. It can increase heart rate and anxiety, which may affect your experience.
Bring Music
Music significantly shapes the ketamine experience. Bring headphones and a pre-made playlist of calming, instrumental, or meaningful music. We can suggest playlists if you need ideas.
Dress Comfortably
Wear loose, comfortable clothing. You'll be reclined for up to an hour, and a relaxed physical state supports a better infusion experience.
Set an Intention
Many patients find it helpful to reflect on what they hope to experience or release during their session. You don't need a specific goal; simple openness is enough.
Clear Your Afternoon
Plan a restful day after your infusion. Avoid important meetings, alcohol, cannabis, or major decisions for the remainder of the day following treatment.
Journal Afterward
Many patients find writing down their thoughts and feelings after an infusion helpful for integration. Even a few sentences can be valuable to revisit.
How long does a session take from start to finish?
Plan for roughly 2–2.5 hours at the clinic. The infusion itself is 45–60 minutes, but you'll also need time for check-in, pre-infusion assessment, and post-infusion recovery before you're cleared to leave.
What does the experience actually feel like?
Most patients describe a dissociative, dream-like state: a feeling of floating or being slightly outside yourself, altered perception of time and space, and sometimes visual or sensory imagery. The experience is temporary and ends when the infusion stops. You remain conscious throughout and can communicate with staff. Many patients find it peaceful; some find it vivid and intense. Most say it's easier than they expected.
Can I drive myself home?
No, not under any circumstances. Ketamine affects coordination, judgment, and reaction time for several hours after the infusion ends. You must have a responsible adult drive you home after every session. This is a firm requirement we enforce for your safety.
How soon will I notice results?
Response varies. Some patients notice a lifting of mood or anxiety within hours of their first infusion. Others see gradual improvement over 2–3 sessions. For a minority of patients, meaningful change comes after the full 4–6 session course. We assess response after each infusion and adjust accordingly.
Do I need to stop my current medications?
Usually not. Most antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and anxiety medications are compatible with ketamine. Some medications (particularly high-dose benzodiazepines) may reduce ketamine's effectiveness, but stopping them requires careful planning with your prescriber. We'll review your full medication list during intake and advise accordingly.
What if ketamine doesn't work for me?
Ketamine doesn't work for everyone; no treatment does. If you don't respond after your initial course, we'll conduct a thorough review and discuss next steps honestly. We may recommend dose adjustments, a different protocol, or referral to other specialists. We won't encourage continuing treatment that isn't producing results.
Ready to Begin?
Your first step is a free consultation, a straightforward conversation with no commitment on your part.