What Is Ketamine-Assisted Therapy?
And How Can It Support Your Healing Journey
In recent years, ketamine-assisted therapy (KAT) has emerged as a promising treatment for a wide range of mental health conditions. At Evergood, we integrate this innovative therapy into a holistic care model that honors your unique experience, your goals, and your healing process.
But what is ketamine-assisted therapy, really? How does it work? And what makes it different from traditional treatment?
Let’s break it down.
What Is Ketamine?
Ketamine is a medicine that’s been safely used in hospitals and medical settings for decades, primarily as an anesthetic. In lower doses, it has powerful effects on mood, perception, and thought patterns, making it uniquely effective for mental health care when used with the right support.
Unlike traditional antidepressants, which can take weeks to work and may only address symptoms, ketamine works rapidly to relieve depressive symptoms, and can help people access deeper layers of healing and insight.
How Does Ketamine-Assisted Therapy Work?
At Evergood, ketamine is always offered in a safe, supportive, and therapeutic setting, guided by experienced clinicians and mental health professionals.
The process typically includes:
-Intake and Medical Consultation: You’ll complete forms focused on your medical history, lifestyle, challenges, and goals. Then you’ll meet with our physician for a consultation and evaluation to determine whether ketamine-assisted therapy is the right treatment for you.
-Preparation Therapy: You’ll meet with our therapist to explore your goals, discuss your history, and prepare your mind and body for the experience. We recommend at least one preparation session prior to starting ketamine sessions.
-Ketamine Session: Ketamine is administered in our calm, private space. You’ll be supported by our physician and nurse. If desired or clinically indicated, your therapist can also support you throughout your session. Your medicine journey will last between 45 to 60 min, and you may take an additional 45-60 min to relax and recover. You can plan to be with us for about 2.5 to 3 hrs, from your time of arrival to departure.
-Ketamine is administered via intramuscular injection.
-Integration Therapy: In the days following your session, you’ll have a therapy session to help you make sense of what came up—emotionally, cognitively, or somatically—and apply it to your everyday life. Integration therapy between ketamine sessions help create progress and lasting change. They also help prepare you for your next session.
While a one time experience can feel supportive, we encourage you to return for several sessions, as this treatment is more of a journey; one that you can build on to create positive change.
What Are the Benefits?
Research and real-world evidence shows that ketamine-assisted therapy can help with:
-Depression (including treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder)
-Anxiety and panic disorders
-PTSD and trauma
-Burnout
-Grief and loss
-Substance use
-OCD, Eating disorders, and behavior change
-Life transitions, identity exploration, and personal growth
-Men’s health and Women’s health (premenstrual mood disorders, postpartum depression, challenging mid life transitions)
Some people report feeling relief within hours to days. Others describe emotional breakthroughs, increased self-compassion, or a deeper sense of connection to themselves and others. Breakthroughs can come about in the days and weeks following a treatment. We encourage engaging in dialogue with your therapist, coach, or trusted person, self reflection, and journaling.
It is best to limit demanding tasks or responsibilities following your ketamine session. It is best to return home to a supportive and quiet environment to help you land softly after your experience.
Is Ketamine-Assisted Therapy Safe?
Yes—when offered responsibly with trained providers in a safe environment. Ketamine is legal when prescribed by a licensed clinician, and has been traditionally used as an anesthetic. At lower doses, its use in mental health is supported by growing scientific research.
At Evergood, we follow rigorous clinical protocols and prioritize safety, ethics, and compassionate care. We also recognize that ketamine is not a magic solution—it’s a tool, and how it’s used matters deeply.
That’s why we offer a multidisciplinary approach, combining medical oversight, therapy, and integrative support tailored to you. Along with ketamine therapy, we support you in having a balanced lifestyle, meaningful relationships, and healthy nutrition and supplementation.
Are There Side Effects? What Should I Expect?
Ketamine is generally well-tolerated, especially in low-dose, medically supervised settings. Some common short-term side effects may include:
-Mild dizziness or lightheadedness
-Temporary increase in blood pressure or heart rate
-Nausea (often mild and preventable with medication)
-A sense of disconnection from the body or surroundings (called dissociation)
-Blurred vision or sensitivity to light
-Fatigue, drowsiness, headache afterward
These effects are typically transient and resolve on their own. The dissociative state —often described as feeling like you're observing yourself from outside the body or entering a dreamlike state — is a key part of the therapeutic process. It typically resolves within 30–60 minutes after the session ends, and we never send patients home until they are fully grounded, oriented, and cleared by our team.
Our trained staff is with you the entire time to monitor how you're feeling and ensure your safety and comfort. You will not drive home yourself after treatment; patients must have a safe ride home.
Consult our Glossary
| Medical Term | Explanation |
|---|---|
| NMDA Receptor Antagonism | Ketamine turns down certain brain ‘volume knobs’ to reset activity. |
| Glutamate Surge | A rush of the brain’s main ‘go’ signal, like energy waking up circuits. |
| AMPA Receptors | Spark plugs that let brain cells talk to each other more strongly. |
| BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) | Fertilizer for the brain that helps new connections grow. |
| mTOR Pathway | The construction crew that builds new brain wiring. |
| Synaptogenesis | The brain making new wiring so thoughts can move on healthier paths. |
| Default Mode Network (DMN) | The brain’s storytelling channel—often stuck in negative loops—that ketamine quiets. |
| Ego Dissolution | A loosening of the sense of self, often described as melting into everything. |
| Transpersonal States | Experiences of deep connection to nature, the universe, or higher meaning. |
| Neuroplasticity | Mental flexibility—the brain rewiring itself to form healthier patterns. |
| Integration | Turning aha moments from a session into real-life changes. |
Evergood Integrative Wellness Center
This document is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice.
Why Evergood?
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Every person is unique. We meet you exactly where you are—whether you’re navigating a specific diagnosis, processing a big life change, or simply curious about how this therapy might support your growth. Our team includes medical professionals, therapists, and wellness experts who are deeply committed to ethical, effective, and transformative care.
Ready to Learn More?
If you're curious whether ketamine-assisted therapy is right for you or a loved one, we invite you to reach out. Whether you’re just starting your healing journey or seeking something deeper,we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Contact us to schedule a consultation or ask questions: 225-367-3558 or hello@evergoodwellness.com
Your path to healing starts here!
Visit our nurturing practice space: 7470 Highland Rd, Ste A, Baton Rouge, LA, 70808
