Ketamine Therapy at Ventura Center for Advanced Therapeutics

Ketamine therapy is a powerful, evidence-based treatment for a range of conditions including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain. While ketamine has been used safely for over 50 years as an anesthetic, it has more recently gained recognition for its rapid-acting antidepressant and neuroplastic effects—especially when administered in carefully controlled environments.

At Ventura Center for Advanced Therapeutics, we approach ketamine treatment as more than a procedure—we view it as a therapeutic process. Your experience, mindset, and environment all influence how you respond to ketamine. The information below will help you prepare for your infusion so you can receive the greatest possible benefit from this treatment.

What to Expect

IV ketamine infusions are the most studied and commonly administered route for treatment-resistant depression and are increasingly used for PTSD, chronic pain, anxiety disorders, and other mental health conditions. While responses vary, many patients report subtle yet meaningful improvements in outlook, emotional flexibility, and day-to-day functioning—even before noticing major mood changes.

Ketamine is considered an “off-label” treatment for these conditions by the FDA. However, a growing body of peer-reviewed research supports its use in appropriate clinical settings. Our protocols prioritize medical safety, trauma-informed care, and psychological support.

The Ketamine Treatment Experience

Your session will be supervised by Dr. Stefany Wolfsohn, a board-certified anesthesiologist with advanced training in trauma, integrative mental health, and psychedelic-assisted therapies. She provides all direct care and monitoring herself. Sessions take place in a peaceful, comfortable environment tailored to your sensory preferences.

Infusions or intramuscular ketamine treatments typically last 40–60 minutes for mood disorders. For chronic pain or complex conditions, infusions may be longer—generally not exceeding two hours.

Before your infusion, you will receive a brief check-in (vitals, physical exam, and time for questions and preparing for the experience). We’ll also work with you to create an intentional setting using music, aromatherapy, noise-canceling headphones, eye masks, lighting, recliners, and other comfort options tailored to your preferences.

Intention and Integration

You may be invited to set a personal intention before your session. While this is not required, it can help focus your experience and aid in post-treatment integration. Many patients find it helpful to journal, reflect, or speak with a therapist in the days following each infusion to explore insights or emotional shifts.

We strongly encourage patients to engage in integration support, whether through psychotherapy, coaching, expressive arts, nature-based practices, or spiritual reflection. Ketamine often opens a therapeutic window that can be deepened with conscious follow-up.

Practical Instructions

  • You MUST have a designated driver.
    You cannot drive yourself after a ketamine treatment. Please plan accordingly.
  • Sleep: Aim for a full night of rest before your infusion. Avoid scheduling sessions after late-night events.
  • What to Wear: Dress in comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Your sleeves should roll up above the elbow for IV placement or intramuscular injection. Pillows, blankets, and temperature adjustment will be available.
  • Medications: Take your regular medications unless otherwise instructed.
  • Food & Drink:
    • You may eat a light meal (e.g., toast and coffee) up to 4 hours before your appointment.
    • Clear liquids (e.g., water, herbal tea) are allowed up to 2 hours before your infusion.
  • Arrival Time: Arrive at your scheduled time. Please allow approximately 15–20 minutes for pre-infusion preparation.