Ketamine Treatment: What to Expect from a Protocol at Black Psychiatry

By Christopher Black, PMHNP | Black Psychiatry

For individuals struggling with depression, PTSD, or anxiety, traditional treatments don’t always provide enough relief. That’s why ketamine therapy has become such a breakthrough—it works differently, more rapidly, and often helps when nothing else has.

At Black Psychiatry, we offer ketamine treatment in a safe, structured, and medically supervised setting. Here’s what you can expect from our protocol.

1️⃣ Initial Consultation & Screening

Every treatment begins with a comprehensive evaluation. During this stage, we:

  • Review your medical and psychiatric history

  • Check current medications for interactions

  • Screen for health conditions that may require adjustments or precautions

  • Set treatment goals and answer your questions

This ensures ketamine is both safe and appropriate for you.

2️⃣ Preparing for Your First Session

We want patients to arrive feeling informed and supported. Before treatment, we’ll:

  • Explain what ketamine feels like (dream-like state, mild dissociation, or emotional shifts)

  • Give guidance on how to prepare-such as eating light beforehand and arranging a ride home

  • Make sure you feel comfortable with every step of the process

3️⃣ The Ketamine Session

Your treatment will take place in a calm, private environment. Here’s what happens:

  • Monitoring: Vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen levels) are checked before, during, and after treatment

  • Administration: Ketamine is typically given as an intramuscular injection or lozenge, depending on your personalized plan

  • Experience: Sessions last about 40–60 minutes. Many patients describe a sense of emotional release, new perspective, or mental clarity afterward

Throughout, you are closely monitored by a medical professional for your safety.

4️⃣ After Your Session

Once the active effects wear off, you’ll spend time resting until you feel stable and alert. Common short-term side effects may include:

  • Drowsiness

  • Mild nausea

  • Temporary dizziness

  • Feeling “dreamy” or detached

These usually pass within an hour or two. You’ll need a safe ride home after each session.

5️⃣ Ongoing Treatment Plan

Ketamine is most effective when provided in a series of treatments. Many patients begin with 4–6 sessions, spaced over several weeks. Maintenance sessions may follow, depending on your progress and needs.

Our goal isn’t just short-term relief-it’s sustained improvement in your mental health and quality of life.

Safety at the Core

At Black Psychiatry, your well-being is our top priority. Every treatment is clinically supervised and delivered with the highest medical standards. Ketamine therapy is never a “one-size-fits-all” process-it’s tailored to you, your history, and your goals.

Final Thoughts

Ketamine treatment can open a door for individuals who feel stuck after trying traditional medications. At Black Psychiatry, we provide that opportunity in a way that is safe, supportive, and designed to make a lasting difference.

📍 Ready to Learn More?
Schedule a consultation with Black Psychiatry in Utah to see if ketamine treatment is the right next step for you.


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