If you’ve been living with depression, anxiety, or trauma and feel like you’ve “tried everything,” you’re not alone. Many people who explore ketamine therapy do so after months—or years—of feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to turn next.
One of the most common questions we hear is:
“What actually happens before, during, and after ketamine therapy?”
Understanding the process can help ease anxiety, set realistic expectations, and empower you to make an informed decision about your mental health care.
What Is Ketamine Therapy?
Ketamine therapy is a physician-guided mental health treatment that uses low doses of ketamine to help relieve symptoms of conditions such as:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Trauma and PTSD
- Mood disorders
- Treatment-resistant mental health symptoms
Unlike traditional medications that can take weeks to build up in your system, ketamine works through different brain pathways and may offer relief more quickly for some individuals.
At Bubblegum and Duct Tape Wellness, ketamine therapy is provided through secure telehealth care, led by licensed Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) who carefully evaluate whether this approach is appropriate for you.
👉 If you’re curious whether ketamine therapy could be an option, a free 15-minute consultation↗ can help you explore next steps.
Before Ketamine Therapy: Getting Started
🧑🏻💻 Initial Consultation & Evaluation
Before starting ketamine therapy, you’ll meet with a licensed provider to review:
- Your mental health symptoms and history
- Past treatments and medications
- Current medications and medical conditions
- Your goals and concerns
This step is essential. Ketamine therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, and safety is always the priority.
Your provider will determine whether ketamine therapy is appropriate—or whether another form of psychiatric care may be a better fit.
💡 Setting Expectations
Before treatment begins, your provider will explain:
- How ketamine therapy works
- What sensations or emotional experiences may occur
- How sessions are structured
- How progress is monitored over time
This transparency helps reduce fear and builds trust throughout the process.
During Ketamine Therapy: What the Experience Is Like
Ketamine therapy is not about “checking out” or losing control. Most patients describe the experience as calm, introspective, or emotionally reflective.
During treatment, you may notice:
- A sense of relaxation or lightness
- Changes in perception or thought patterns
- Emotional release or clarity
- Reduced intensity of negative thoughts
Experiences vary from person to person—and even from session to session. Your provider remains involved in your care, monitoring your response and making adjustments as needed.
For many patients, ketamine therapy creates a mental “pause”—a space where long-standing patterns of anxiety, depression, or trauma feel less overwhelming.
After Ketamine Therapy: What Comes Next
🧘🏻♀️ Integration and Reflection
What happens after ketamine therapy is just as important as the treatment itself.
Following sessions, many people notice:
- Improved mood or emotional balance
- Reduced anxiety or rumination
- Greater mental clarity
- Increased openness to therapy or lifestyle changes
Your provider may recommend follow-up visits, supportive care, or therapy referrals to help integrate insights gained during treatment.
Ketamine therapy works best as part of a thoughtful, provider-guided treatment plan—not as a standalone solution.
❤️🩹 Ongoing Support and Adjustments
Mental health care is not static. Your provider will continue to:
- Check in on how you’re feeling
- Adjust your care plan as needed
- Support long-term stability and wellness
This ongoing relationship helps ensure that care evolves with you.
When Is the Right Time to Ask About Ketamine Therapy?
You don’t need to wait for a crisis to explore ketamine therapy.
It may be time to ask about this option if:
- Depression or anxiety feels persistent or overwhelming
- Traditional medications haven’t brought enough relief
- Symptoms interfere with work, relationships, or daily life
- You’re seeking a new approach guided by a licensed provider
Seeking care isn’t about labeling yourself—it’s about clarity, support, and giving yourself options.
👉 If you’re unsure whether ketamine therapy is right for you, a consultation can help you make that decision with professional guidance↗.
Ketamine Therapy Through Telehealth
All ketamine therapy consultations at Bubblegum and Duct Tape Wellness are conducted through secure telehealth, making care more accessible and private.
Patients commonly seek care from states such as Oregon, Washington, Montana, and Arizona, though eligibility and treatment options depend on individual evaluation.
Telehealth allows you to focus less on logistics—and more on healing.
A Thoughtful Approach to Mental Health Care
Ketamine therapy is not a “quick fix,” but for some people, it can be a meaningful step toward relief when other options haven’t worked.
At Bubblegum and Duct Tape Wellness, care is guided by licensed psychiatric providers who prioritize safety, education, and compassionate support—every step of the way.
If you’re curious, hesitant, or simply gathering information, that’s okay. Asking questions is part of taking care of yourself.
👉 When you’re ready, scheduling a consultation↗ can help you explore whether ketamine therapy fits into your mental health journey.