Many people considering ketamine-assisted therapy want to know how much time they should set aside for a session. The answer depends on several factors, but in general, the process is structured to give both the medicine session and the integration session the space they need. At Thrive Counseling Services in Gilbert, we want you to know what to expect so you can feel prepared and supported every step of the way.
The Medicine Session
The medicine session is where ketamine is administered. We typically block off two hours for this appointment. This doesn’t mean you will be in an altered state for the full two hours. The time includes preparation, connection with your prescribing provider, and setting intentions for the experience.
Once the medicine is active, the dissociative state usually lasts between 40 and 60 minutes. This window is an average, and everyone responds differently. Some clients remain somewhat verbal, while others find the experience more inward and reflective. Both are normal.
Ketamine can be given in different forms, such as troches, IV, or intramuscular (IM). Each method has a slightly different duration, which is another reason we set aside the full two hours.
The Integration Session
Integration is just as important as the medicine session. It is the space where you make sense of the experience and begin applying insights to your life. At Thrive Counseling Services, we schedule integration sessions as standard 50-minute therapy sessions. We prefer to hold them within 48 hours of the medicine session, when the brain is still in a neuroplastic state—meaning it is more flexible and open to change.
This is the time to process emotions, explore themes that came up, and talk through any challenges or insights. Many clients describe integration as where the deeper work happens.
A Closer Look at Timing
Here’s a simple breakdown of how time is typically structured:
- Preparation and intention setting: 15–20 minutes
- Medicine session (dissociative state): 40–60 minutes on average
- Transition and grounding: 15–20 minutes
- Integration session (on a separate day): 50 minutes
The total commitment is more than just the hours on your calendar. Many clients find themselves reflecting afterward and needing space for rest. Planning for downtime after a medicine session can be a helpful way to care for yourself.
What Makes Sessions Flexible
Not every experience is the same. Some clients prefer having their therapist present during the medicine session, especially if they remain somewhat verbal while the medicine is active. Others find the time to be very inward, requiring little interaction. The structure allows for both.
We also recently began offering troches, a form of ketamine that dissolves in the mouth. This option does not require the prescribing provider to be physically present, which can make the process more accessible and cost-effective.
Moving at Your Own Pace
Ketamine-assisted therapy is not about rushing. Each session is designed to honor your process, giving you the time and space you need. The medicine session invites an inner experience. The integration session helps you carry that experience forward into lasting change. Together, they form a rhythm of healing that unfolds with patience and care.
At Thrive Counseling Services, our team is here to guide you through this journey. We believe in creating a safe, compassionate space where your healing can take root—not just during the hours of your appointment, but in the days and weeks that follow. For more information, give us a call at 602-833-2829, or request an appointment through our website.