What to Expect at Your New Pathways Assessment—and How to Prepare

Taking that next step after your free consultation with New Pathways Clinic can feel like a big moment. You’ve decided to explore ketamine therapy, and now it’s time for your full clinical assessment. This is where we slow down, learn more about you, and help determine whether ketamine is the right treatment path.

At New Pathways, we want you to feel confident and informed throughout the process.

This article will walk you through what the assessment looks like and how to prepare.

What Is Our Initial Assessment?

After your free consultation, the next step is a full two-hour assessment with one of our trained providers. This is where we begin building a complete picture of your mental and physical health, your treatment history, and your goals for the future. 

Some patients meet with us in person at our clinics (in Cleveland, Columbus, or Cincinnati or via telehealth); others choose a secure telehealth appointment. Either way, the goal is the same: to ensure you get personalized, safe, and effective care.

The assessment is not a test or a checklist. It’s a conversation. You’ll talk with someone who listens closely, asks thoughtful questions, and helps you understand the potential of ketamine therapy and whether it fits your specific needs.

How to Prepare for Your Appointment

There’s nothing you need to memorize or study ahead of time. But it can help to spend a little time reflecting on your journey so far. 

We’ll want to understand how long you’ve been struggling with your mental health, what kinds of treatments you’ve tried in the past, and how those experiences have gone. You might think about what first triggered your symptoms. Was it a time of major stress or sudden change? Have things improved at times and then gotten worse again?

It’s also helpful to come prepared to discuss your health history, including any mental health diagnoses, current medications, and especially any antidepressants you’ve taken in the past—along with an estimate of when you were on them. You don’t need to bring full medical records, but having this information ready helps us tailor your care, particularly if you’re considering options like Spravato.

Most importantly, bring your questions. This is your time to ask anything that’s on your mind, big or small.

What Happens During the Assessment

The first part of the assessment focuses on getting to know you—not just as a patient, but as a person. 

We’ll talk through your mental health story, what brings you to New Pathways, and what you’re hoping to achieve. This helps us understand your goals, your struggles, and how ketamine might fit into your larger treatment plan.

We’ll also explain how ketamine works, both in the brain and in practice. You’ll learn how it interacts with neural pathways, why it can work so quickly, and what kind of results are possible. We want you to understand the science behind the treatment and feel confident about what’s ahead.

If your visit is in person, we’ll walk you through what your treatment experience will look like, from what the room feels like to how you’ll be monitored during and after each session. If you’re joining via telehealth, we’ll still cover everything you need to know so there are no surprises on your first day.

We’ll also spend time reviewing important safety information and discussing what to expect in the hours and days after treatment. Some people feel tired or disoriented. Others feel lighter or more open. 

Every experience is different, and we’ll help you know what to look for.

Why This Step Matters

This assessment isn’t just about gathering information. It’s about building trust. It’s your chance to meet the team, understand the process, and share your story in a space that’s supportive, compassionate, and judgment-free.

It also helps us make sure ketamine is the right tool for you. Not every person is a good fit for this kind of treatment, and we take that seriously. Our job is to make recommendations in your best interest, always grounded in science, safety, and compassion.

Looking Ahead

If you’re feeling nervous before your assessment, that’s okay. But know this: you’re not expected to have all the answers. You’re not here to impress anyone. You’re here to take care of yourself.

This step is about learning, reflecting, and making a thoughtful decision about your care. And we’ll be with you every step of the way.