Everything you need to know before your first session.

A straightforward guide to the PMC Psychedelic treatment experience — from your first consultation through your ongoing care.

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How treatment is structured.

Most patients start with Spravato. Here is how the schedule works.

Weeks 1–4

Twice per week

2 hrs per session

Month 2

Once per week

2 hrs per session

Maintenance

As needed

Personalized schedule

Sessions run approximately 2 hours each. The time commitment is real, but most patients tell us it stops feeling like a burden once they start noticing results.

Wondering about Ketamine IV Infusion? That schedule is different — typically 6 infusions over 2 to 3 weeks.

How to prepare.

A little preparation goes a long way. Here is what to do before your first visit.

Logistics

Arrange a ride home. You cannot drive after a session.
Plan for 2 to 2.5 hours per visit and arrive on time.
Avoid eating a heavy meal in the 2 hours before your appointment.
Bring headphones if you like to listen to music during sessions.

Medical

Have a list of your current medications ready for your first visit.
Let Dr. Rueda's team know about any changes to your health since your evaluation.
Do not stop any current medications without speaking to your prescribing doctor first.

Mindset

There is no specific way you need to feel going in — just come as you are.
Some patients feel anxious before their first session. That is completely normal.
Dr. Rueda's team will walk you through everything when you arrive.

What happens during a session.

Check in with our clinical team. Blood pressure is taken before every session.
For Spravato: you self-administer the nasal spray in a comfortable recliner under direct medical supervision.
For Ketamine IV: a small IV catheter is placed and the infusion begins. You rest quietly while the medication is delivered over 50 minutes.
You remain at the clinic for the remainder of the 2-hour monitoring period.
At the end of the session, a staff member clears you to leave. Your ride home picks you up.

Some patients experience mild dissociation or dreamlike sensations during the session. This is normal and resolves during the monitoring period.

What to expect after you leave.

Do not drive for the rest of the day.
Avoid alcohol and major decisions for 24 hours after a session.
Some patients feel tired or emotionally tender after their first few sessions. Both are normal.
Many patients notice their first meaningful improvement within 24 to 48 hours of an early session.
Journaling or quiet reflection after sessions can support the integration process.

Want support between sessions? Learn about our integration and supportive care approach.

Quick answers.

You can drive yourself to the clinic. You cannot drive yourself home after a session. Please arrange a ride, rideshare, or have someone pick you up. This is an FDA requirement for Spravato, not just a preference.

Experiences vary. Many patients feel a mild shift in perception — dreamlike, slightly detached, or deeply calm. Others feel very little during the session itself and notice changes in mood hours or days afterward. There is no single "right" experience.

Contact our office as soon as possible to reschedule. Consistency matters, especially during the induction phase. Missing sessions can affect your response, so we try to rebook quickly.

Many patients notice improvement within 24 to 48 hours of one of their first sessions. Others experience gradual change over the first 2 to 3 weeks. Results vary by individual and condition.

Yes. Many patients bring a family member or friend for their first session. They can wait in our reception area. You may not bring anyone into the treatment room during the session itself.

More questions? Visit our full FAQ page or call the clinic directly at 914-928-2913.

From a patient.

“I was nervous going into my first Spravato session. I had no idea what to expect. The staff walked me through every step and I felt completely safe the whole time. By my third session I could already feel a difference.”

— J.M. ·

Port Chester, NY

Get Started

Ready to take the first step?

Book a consultation with Dr. Rueda's team. We will walk you through the process, answer your questions, and verify your insurance before your first visit.