How Long Do the Effects of Ketamine Last? What to Know About Staying Well
One of the most common questions I hear is: “How long will this last?” Whether you're considering ketamine-assisted therapy or you've already begun, it's a natural thing to wonder.
The honest answer? It depends—but that’s not a cop-out. It actually opens up a conversation about what staying well really means.
The Immediate Effects: What Happens Right After a Session
In the hours after a ketamine session, many people report a sense of spaciousness, emotional relief, or clarity. Physically, the body may feel relaxed or heavy. Mentally, things might feel quiet or more open than usual. These acute effects usually taper off within 4 to 6 hours.
You won’t be “high” after that—this isn’t about escapism. But something will have shifted, and often, that shift creates a valuable window. It's during this window that your mind is more flexible, and your body may feel safer to soften. That’s part of what makes integration so important.
The Ongoing Impact: How the Changes Unfold Over Time
Beyond the immediate experience, ketamine can create lasting change—especially when combined with therapy. Some people feel relief from symptoms like depression, anxiety, or emotional numbness for several days or even weeks after just one session. Others need multiple sessions to begin noticing change.
There’s no universal timeline, because your nervous system, history, and current life context all play a role. But what we do know is that ketamine supports neuroplasticity—your brain’s ability to rewire. And that rewiring doesn’t stop when the session ends.
Staying Well Isn’t Just About the Medicine
Here’s where the real work happens: in the days and weeks that follow. That’s when we ground the experience through somatic therapy, movement, journaling, or simply taking time to be with what came up.
Think of the session as the opening, and integration as the path you walk afterward.
That path might include:
Talking through insights that surfaced
Paying attention to what your body is holding or releasing
Noticing old patterns that feel less sticky
Making new choices from a clearer, more connected place
How Often Do You Need Sessions?
Some people do a short series—like six sessions over a few weeks—and feel significantly better. Others return for occasional “booster” sessions to reconnect with the space they opened. It’s not about becoming dependent; it’s about staying engaged with your healing in a way that supports your life.
Together, we’ll decide what frequency supports your growth without rushing or forcing anything.
You’re Not Starting Over After Every Session
One important thing I always remind clients: even if a low mood creeps back in, you're not back at square one. The shifts that happen during ketamine-assisted therapy are often subtle and deep. They build over time, like layers. You might not notice the full effect until something hard happens—and you respond differently.
That’s the sign of change: not perfection, but more space between stimulus and reaction. More gentleness. More choice.