‍Ketamine Aftercare Guide: How Does Your Clinic Measure Up?

Ketamine therapy offers powerful relief for patients dealing with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain. But many clinicians agree the true success of treatment often depends on what happens after the session ends. How does your aftercare plan compare with other clinics?

This guide shares common aftercare strategies that successful clinics use to ensure positive, lasting outcomes. See how your approach measures up, and discover areas to enhance your practice.

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What is Aftercare, and How is it Unique in Ketamine Therapy?

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Aftercare in General Medical Practice

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In general medical practice, aftercare refers to the ongoing support provided to patients after a treatment or procedure. It typically includes:

• Monitoring recovery and identifying any complications early.
• Reinforcing patient education on medications, lifestyle changes, and self-care.
• Adjusting treatment plans based on patient progress and feedback.
• Providing emotional reassurance during recovery.

Typical general aftercare involves:

• Scheduled follow-up visits or phone check-ins.
• Educational materials such as handouts or instructional videos.
• Referrals to specialists, physical therapists, nutritionists, or support groups.
• Digital tools for ongoing support, including apps or patient portals.
• Reminders for upcoming appointments or check-ins.

Effective general aftercare keeps patients safe, informed, and engaged in their ongoing health journey.

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How Aftercare Differs in Ketamine Therapy

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Ketamine therapy introduces unique aftercare needs due to its significant impact on brain chemistry and mental state. Here are the main differences:

1. The Neuroplastic Window

• General aftercare focuses on physical recovery over days or weeks.
• In ketamine therapy, patients experience heightened neuroplasticity, usually peaking within the first 72 hours and potentially continuing for weeks. Effective aftercare during this period helps patients understand and integrate new insights and behaviors.

2. Ketamine Therapy Has Emotional and Cognitive Integration

• General aftercare typically prioritizes physical recovery and basic education.
• Ketamine aftercare specifically emphasizes emotional and cognitive integration. Patients often need structured support to process powerful emotions or realizations post-treatment, typically through guided reflection or supportive conversations.

3. Different Safety Monitoring Parameters

• General medical practice monitors primarily for physical complications like infections or medication side effects.
• Ketamine therapy requires attention to emotional and psychological risks, such as anxiety, dissociation, or elevated blood pressure. Effective aftercare plans clearly define how patients can get support if needed.

4. Structured Follow-Up Recommendations from Clinics

Clinics commonly recommend:

• Immediate post-infusion checks of vital signs and emotional comfort.
• Structured follow-ups or reflective exercises within 48 hours post-treatment.
• Regular mood assessments (PHQ-9, GAD-7) at intervals post-infusion.
• Opportunities for ongoing group integration or peer-support participation.

5. Enhanced Use of Digital Tools and Community

• General medical aftercare may involve basic appointment reminders or prescription management.
• Ketamine therapy aftercare typically includes mood-tracking apps, instructional videos for emotional grounding techniques, and active participation in supportive online communities.

These additional resources help sustain therapeutic gains through consistent engagement.

Why is Aftercare Essential for Ketamine Therapy Patients?

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Effective aftercare transforms short-term improvements into long-term change. Clinics that prioritize aftercare commonly report:

• Increased patient satisfaction and trust
• Improved adherence to treatment plans
• Better long-term symptom management
• Reduced occurrence of side effects or distress post-infusion

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Best Practices: Preparing Patients for After Ketamine Treatment Expectations

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Properly preparing patients for what to expect after ketamine infusion can significantly enhance their experience and outcomes. Here are key strategies successful clinics use to set clear expectations and promote optimal recovery:

#1 Set Immediate Post-Session Expectations

• Inform patients they might feel tired or mildly disoriented, usually resolving within hours.
• If they have nausea, what to do if it persists.
• Clarify that mood improvements can be immediate for some, but often occur gradually over several days.
• If they are having blood pressure issues, written instructions on when to call and who to call for help can help reduce risks and ease patient concern.

#2 Encourage Rest and Reflection

• Encourage patients to relax and engage in calming activities post-infusion.
• Advise against stressful or demanding tasks immediately after treatment to allow full integration of the experience.
• Encourage them to put their phone down and allow themselves some time to gently relax and integrate. Adding some ketamine safe music to their post-session relaxation is often reported to be beneficial.

#3 Remind of Essential Self-Care Needs

• Emphasize the importance of adequate sleep, balanced nutrition, and hydration to facilitate recovery.
• Highlight the benefits of rest in supporting brain recovery and overall well-being.
• Gentle reminders that their brain has increased neuroplasticity, and to be mindful of what they "feed" their mind. Ex. If they do watch TV, gentle, non-violent programming would be beneficial

#4 Monitoring and Follow-Up

• Provide guidelines for tracking mood and cognitive changes.
• Clarify that ketamine therapy often requires multiple sessions, emphasizing the importance of continuous care and regular check-ins with healthcare providers.
• Recommend scheduling follow-up appointments to assess treatment effects and plan ongoing care.

Summary: Key Takeaways for Clinicians

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Effective aftercare can dramatically enhance the long-term success of ketamine therapy. By understanding and leveraging the neuroplastic window, addressing emotional integration, and consistently monitoring patient progress, your clinic can improve patient outcomes and satisfaction.

Compare your aftercare approach with proven strategies from successful practices and explore practical solutions to elevate your clinic's care.

Here is your opportunity to join our community in shaping the future of ketamine therapy aftercare:

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This month, we have decided to do something fun. We created a quick survey to get a baseline understanding. about aftercare in ketamine clinics. We are excited to share this with you to be a part of the community and help us collectively understand where our baseline is!

What is "The Pulse of Clinical Aftercare" survey? It is an anonymous, quick 8-question survey that only takes a few minutes to complete.

Want to learn how your clinic compares to the baseline of ketamine therapy aftercare protocols and potentially help other practitioners improve patient care?

Take the Survey Here

Why participate?

• Get early access to aggregated results and community benchmarks

• Help shape better tools and resources for aftercare practices

• Vote on the next community survey or propose the next topic!

Thank you for stepping up as a leader in patient-centered ketamine care.

Have a topic you would like us to research and write about? Send us an email, we'd love to hear from you!

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Want to keep exploring?

• Train Staff for Better Patient Experiences‍
• How to Do Ketamine Therapy Marketing and Avoid Getting Banned
• Provider Resources