25 Questions to Ask a Ketamine Clinic Before Your First Visit
Choosing a ketamine clinic is one of the most important decisions you will make in your treatment journey. Unlike picking up a prescription at a pharmacy, ketamine therapy involves a medical procedure performed in a clinical setting, and the quality of that experience -- including your safety and outcomes -- depends heavily on the clinic you choose.
This guide provides 25 specific questions organized into 6 categories, along with red flags to watch for and green flags that indicate a high-quality provider. Print this list, bring it to your consultation, and do not feel embarrassed about asking every single one.
Category 1: Provider Credentials & Experience
These are the most important questions. The qualifications of the person administering your ketamine therapy directly impact your safety and outcomes.
1. What are the medical credentials of the provider who will administer my treatment?
What you want to hear: The treating provider should be a physician (MD or DO), certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), or an experienced nurse practitioner (NP) or physician assistant (PA) working under physician supervision. Anesthesiologists and psychiatrists are particularly well-suited for ketamine therapy.
Red flag: A clinic where the medical provider is not clearly identified or where unlicensed staff administer treatment.
2. How many ketamine treatments has this provider personally administered?
What you want to hear: Hundreds or thousands. Ketamine therapy involves skill in dosing, patient monitoring, and managing variability in patient responses. Experience matters.
Red flag: A provider who is vague about their experience or has administered fewer than 100 treatments.
3. Does the provider have specific training in ketamine therapy?
What you want to hear: Yes -- through programs like the Ketamine Academy, ASKP (American Society of Ketamine Physicians), fellowship training, or direct mentorship under experienced ketamine providers.
Green flag: Membership in professional organizations like ASKP or the American Society of Anesthesiologists with a ketamine therapy focus.
4. Is the prescribing provider also the one present during treatment?
What you want to hear: The medical provider should be on-site and accessible during your entire treatment. Some clinics have the provider prescribe remotely and have nurses monitor in person -- this is acceptable if the nurse is trained and the provider is available by phone, but on-site provider presence is preferable.
Red flag: The provider is completely unavailable during your treatment session.
Category 2: Safety Protocols & Monitoring
Ketamine is a safe medication when administered properly, but proper monitoring is essential.
5. What monitoring equipment do you use during treatment?
What you want to hear: At minimum, continuous pulse oximetry (blood oxygen levels) and blood pressure monitoring. Some clinics also use EKG/ECG monitoring, especially for patients with cardiac risk factors. The monitoring should be continuous throughout the session, not just at the beginning and end.
Red flag: No monitoring equipment or only occasional manual checks.
6. What is your emergency protocol if a patient has an adverse reaction?
What you want to hear: The clinic should have a clear, practiced emergency protocol including access to reversal agents, emergency medications, oxygen, and the ability to call EMS. Staff should be ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) or BLS (Basic Life Support) certified.
Red flag: The clinic seems unprepared or vague about emergency procedures.
7. What medical conditions or medications would prevent me from receiving treatment?
What you want to hear: A knowledgeable provider will discuss contraindications including uncontrolled hypertension, active psychosis, untreated hyperthyroidism, pregnancy, certain cardiac conditions, and potential interactions with medications like MAOIs and benzodiazepines. They should conduct a thorough medical review before starting treatment.
Red flag: A clinic that says "ketamine is safe for everyone" or skips the medical screening process.
8. Do you require medical clearance or blood work before starting treatment?
What you want to hear: Most reputable clinics require a medical evaluation, review of current medications, and may require basic blood work or an EKG depending on your medical history. Some also require a psychiatric evaluation if you do not have a referring psychiatrist.
Green flag: A thorough intake process that takes time to understand your full medical picture.
9. What is your policy on patients who drive themselves to appointments?
What you want to hear: You should NOT drive for several hours after ketamine treatment. Reputable clinics require you to have a responsible adult drive you home or arrange alternative transportation. Some clinics will not administer treatment if you arrive alone without a ride arranged.
Red flag: A clinic that allows patients to drive themselves home.
Category 3: Treatment Protocol & Approach
Understanding the clinical approach helps you evaluate whether the clinic follows evidence-based practices.
10. What is your standard treatment protocol for my condition?
What you want to hear: The provider should explain a clear protocol tailored to your specific condition. For depression, this typically involves a series of 6 IV infusions over 2-3 weeks, followed by maintenance sessions. For chronic pain, protocols may differ. The key is that the provider should explain why they recommend a specific protocol based on your needs.
Red flag: A one-size-fits-all approach with no customization based on your condition and medical history.
11. How do you determine the right dosage for each patient?
What you want to hear: Dosing is typically based on body weight (starting at 0.5 mg/kg for depression), with adjustments based on response and tolerability. Good providers start conservatively and titrate up as needed. They should monitor your response during each session and adjust future sessions accordingly.
Red flag: A fixed dose for all patients with no adjustment based on individual response.
12. What form of ketamine do you use (racemic ketamine or S-ketamine)?
What you want to hear: The provider should be able to explain what they use and why. Most clinics use racemic ketamine for IV and IM, while Spravato uses S-ketamine (esketamine). The provider should understand the clinical differences between these options.
13. Do you offer multiple treatment modalities (IV, IM, nasal spray, sublingual)?
What you want to hear: Clinics that offer multiple modalities can better match treatment to your needs. IV is the gold standard for treatment-resistant conditions, IM is a good alternative, and sublingual may work for maintenance. Spravato (nasal spray) is the only FDA-approved option.
Green flag: A clinic that discusses the pros and cons of each modality rather than pushing only one option.
14. Do you integrate psychotherapy or mental health support with ketamine treatment?
What you want to hear: Emerging evidence suggests that combining ketamine with psychotherapy (ketamine-assisted psychotherapy or integration sessions) improves outcomes. Some clinics offer this in-house; others work with external therapists. At minimum, the clinic should encourage you to continue working with a therapist or psychiatrist alongside ketamine treatment.
Green flag: In-house integration therapy or established referral relationships with therapists experienced in ketamine-assisted work.
| Treatment Element | Green Flag | Red Flag |
|---|---|---|
| Initial evaluation | Comprehensive medical + psychiatric review | Minimal intake; accepts anyone who can pay |
| Dosing approach | Weight-based with individual titration | Fixed dose for all patients |
| Monitoring | Continuous pulse ox + BP throughout | No monitoring or only at start/end |
| Post-treatment | Recovery period with staff observation | Immediate discharge after treatment |
| Follow-up | Scheduled check-ins between sessions | No follow-up between sessions |
| Therapy integration | Encourages/provides psychotherapy support | No mention of therapy or mental health support |
Category 4: Patient Experience & Environment
The treatment environment significantly impacts your ketamine experience.
15. What does the treatment room look like? Can I see it before committing?
What you want to hear: Private or semi-private treatment rooms with comfortable recliners, dim lighting options, and a calm atmosphere. The clinic should welcome a tour before you commit to treatment.
16. How long does each session take, including preparation and recovery?
What you want to hear: A typical IV infusion appointment lasts 2-3 hours total: 15-30 minutes for preparation and vitals, 40-60 minutes for the infusion itself, and 30-60 minutes for recovery and observation. IM sessions are slightly shorter. Any clinic that says you will be in and out in under an hour for IV treatment is cutting corners on monitoring or recovery.
17. What can I expect to feel during and after treatment?
What you want to hear: An honest description: most patients experience dissociation, altered perception, possible mild nausea, and drowsiness. The provider should normalize these effects while also explaining that they monitor for any concerning reactions. They should discuss both the typical experience and how they handle unusual reactions.
Red flag: A clinic that minimizes or dismisses the psychoactive effects of ketamine.
18. Will staff be present throughout my entire session?
What you want to hear: A trained medical professional should be monitoring you continuously (or very frequently) throughout your session. Some clinics have one nurse monitoring multiple patients simultaneously -- this is acceptable if the nurse-to-patient ratio is reasonable (no more than 3:1 for IV treatments) and monitoring equipment is used.
19. Can I bring someone with me to my appointment?
What you want to hear: Most clinics allow a companion for the first session or throughout treatment. This person typically waits in a separate area during the infusion but can be present during preparation and recovery.
Category 5: Cost & Financial Transparency
Financial transparency is a hallmark of ethical medical practice.
20. What is the total cost for the recommended initial treatment series?
What you want to hear: A clear, all-inclusive number for the complete initial series (typically 6 sessions). This should include any evaluation, monitoring, and medication costs. Be wary of clinics that give you a per-session price but are vague about the total expected cost.
21. Do you offer package pricing or discounts for the initial series?
What you want to hear: Most reputable clinics offer a 10-20% discount when you purchase the full series upfront. Ask for the exact package price and what it includes.
22. What are the costs for maintenance sessions after the initial series?
What you want to hear: Maintenance sessions are typically the same or slightly less than individual session prices. The provider should be able to give you an estimate of how frequently you might need maintenance based on typical response patterns (usually every 4-8 weeks for IV ketamine).
23. Do you accept HSA/FSA payments? What about CareCredit or other financing?
What you want to hear: Most clinics accept HSA/FSA debit cards. Many also accept CareCredit, Prosper Healthcare Lending, or offer in-house payment plans. Transparent clinics proactively share all payment options.
For detailed cost information, see our ketamine cost guide and payment plans guide.
24. Are there any additional fees beyond the session cost?
What you want to hear: A clear answer about any additional charges: initial consultation fees, medication costs, IV supplies, monitoring fees, or cancellation penalties. The total cost should be predictable with no surprises.
Red flag: Hidden fees that are only disclosed after you commit to treatment.
Category 6: Follow-Up & Long-Term Care
25. What happens after my initial series of treatments?
What you want to hear: A clear plan for post-treatment follow-up, including how maintenance sessions are scheduled, how response is measured over time, how they handle relapse, and coordination with your existing mental health providers. The best clinics see ketamine therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, not an isolated intervention.
Green flag: The clinic coordinates with your psychiatrist, therapist, or primary care provider and provides treatment summaries for your medical records.
Summary: Red Flags and Green Flags at a Glance
Red Flags (Avoid These Clinics)
- Provider credentials are unclear or not disclosed
- No medical screening or intake process
- No monitoring equipment during treatment
- Vague or evasive answers about safety protocols
- One-size-fits-all dosing with no individualization
- Allowing patients to drive themselves home
- Hidden fees or unclear pricing
- High-pressure sales tactics
- No follow-up plan after initial treatment
- Clinic will not let you visit or ask questions before committing
Green Flags (Signs of a Quality Clinic)
- Provider credentials prominently displayed and verifiable
- Thorough medical and psychiatric evaluation before treatment
- Continuous monitoring with appropriate equipment
- Clear emergency protocols with trained staff
- Individualized dosing based on weight and response
- Mandatory ride-home policy
- Transparent, all-inclusive pricing with written estimates
- Integration therapy offered or recommended
- Established follow-up and maintenance protocols
- Willingness to coordinate with your existing providers
- Welcoming attitude toward questions and clinic tours
Your Next Steps
- Research clinics in your area using our clinic directory
- Schedule consultations with 2-3 clinics (many are free or low-cost)
- Bring this checklist and take notes during each consultation
- Compare your notes across clinics before making a decision
- Trust your instincts -- if something feels wrong, keep looking
For a step-by-step guide to the provider selection process, see our finding a ketamine provider guide. For information about what to expect during treatment, read our first ketamine session guide.
This checklist is for informational purposes and should not replace medical advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Always discuss treatment options with your doctor or psychiatrist before starting ketamine therapy.