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How to Prepare for a Ketamine Session: Set, Setting, and the Day-Of

Writer: Merly Quias
Merly Quias
Aug 27
2 min read

A little preparation can make your experience calmer and more meaningful. Here’s a simple guide to getting ready.

In this kind of therapy, two words come up a lot: set and setting — your mindset going in, and the environment around you. Both shape the experience, and both are things you can prepare for. Here’s how to set yourself up well.



The day before

  • Prioritize rest. A decent night’s sleep helps you feel more settled.

  • Follow any fasting or medication instructions from your provider (ketamine can cause nausea, so an empty-ish stomach is often advised).

  • Arrange a ride. You won’t be able to drive after your session, so line up transportation in advance.



Your mindset going in

You don’t need to force a particular state of mind, but a gentle intention can help. Some people find it useful to reflect beforehand on what they’re hoping to move through — a feeling they’re stuck in, a pattern they’d like to loosen. There’s no “right” experience to chase; openness and curiosity tend to serve people better than pressure or expectation.



The day of

  • Wear comfortable, loose clothing.

  • Bring an eye mask and a curated playlist if that helps you relax — many people find music grounding.

  • Arrive a little early so you’re not rushed.

  • Let your care team know if you’re feeling anxious — that’s normal, and they can help you settle.



After your session

Plan for a low-key rest of the day. Give yourself space to be quiet, hydrate, and avoid big obligations. Jotting down any thoughts or feelings that surface can be valuable later, especially if you’re pairing treatment with therapy.



The bottom line

Preparation is simple: rest, follow your provider’s instructions, arrange a ride, and come in with an open, unhurried mind. The rest, we’ll guide you through.


Curious whether this could be a fit for you? Refound Center offers clinician-led care in the North Denver to Fort Collins area. Reach out to schedule a consultation and we’ll talk through your history and options together.




Medical disclaimer

This article is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Ketamine therapy is not appropriate for everyone. Talk with a qualified clinician about your history, medications, and goals before starting any treatment. If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 (the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) in the U.S.





Sources & further reading (studies identified via PubMed):

Feder A, et al. A randomized controlled trial of repeated ketamine administration for chronic PTSD. American Journal of Psychiatry, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2020.20050596

Abdallah CG, et al. Dose-related effects of ketamine for antidepressant-resistant PTSD symptoms in veterans and active-duty military: a multicenter randomized controlled trial. Neuropsychopharmacology, 2022. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35046508/

Beaglehole B, et al. Six weeks open-label oral ketamine for treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, or OCD. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1177/02698811251344710

Greenway KT, et al. The Music for Subanesthetic Infusions of Ketamine RCT: ketamine as a psychedelic treatment for refractory depression. British Journal of Psychiatry, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.2025.102



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