Walking through the door for your first PTSD treatment consultation takes courage. You’ll meet with a physician who will review your symptoms, medical history, and previous treatments to determine if you’re a candidate for care. The entire process typically takes 45-60 minutes and is designed to be collaborative, not invasive. You remain in control of what you share, and there’s no pressure to commit to treatment on the spot—though same-day treatment is available if you’re ready and eligible.
Before You Arrive: What to Prepare
Your consultation begins before you walk in the door. Taking a few simple steps beforehand makes the visit more productive and less stressful.
Complete your intake forms. Renew Ketamine & Wellness Center uses an easy-to-use patient portal that allows you to fill out medical history forms from home. This saves time during your visit and gives you space to think through your responses carefully. The forms ask about your symptoms, previous treatments, current medications, and general health history.
Gather your medical records if possible. While not required, having documentation of previous PTSD treatments, medication trials, or relevant medical conditions helps your physician understand what you’ve already tried. If you can’t obtain records, don’t worry—your verbal history is sufficient to start.
Write down your questions. In the moment, it’s easy to forget what you wanted to ask. Keep a list on your phone or bring written notes. No question is too small or “silly”—this consultation is your opportunity to get answers.
Consider what you hope to gain from treatment. Think about what improvement would look like for you. Better sleep? Fewer flashbacks? Reduced hypervigilance? Being able to go to crowded places like Naperville’s downtown festivals without panic? Clear goals help guide treatment planning.
Plan for parking and arrival. Our Naperville location at 55 S Main Street, Suite 240, has ample parking and is conveniently located above Hugo’s Frog Bar & Fish House in downtown Naperville. Give yourself a few extra minutes so you don’t arrive feeling rushed.
The Initial Assessment: What Your Doctor Will Ask
The consultation focuses on understanding your unique experience with PTSD and determining the best treatment approach. Evidence-based PTSD assessment emphasizes collaboration between patient and provider in determining appropriate care (Hamblen et al., 2023).
Your physician—one of the area’s leading emergency room physicians—will ask about several key areas:
Your trauma history. You won’t be required to describe traumatic events in detail unless you choose to. The focus is on understanding when trauma occurred, what types of symptoms developed, and how PTSD has affected your life. If talking about trauma feels overwhelming, you can simply provide general information. The goal is assessment, not therapy, and you control the conversation.
Your current symptoms. PTSD presents differently for everyone. Your doctor will ask about the four main symptom clusters: re-experiencing (flashbacks, nightmares, intrusive memories), avoidance (of trauma reminders, places, situations), negative changes in mood and thinking (hopelessness, emotional numbness, difficulty experiencing positive emotions), and changes in arousal and reactivity (hypervigilance, irritability, sleep problems, being easily startled).
The assessment may include standardized screening tools that help quantify symptom severity. These aren’t tests you can fail—they’re simply structured ways to measure symptoms consistently (Mann et al., 2024).
Previous treatments and outcomes. Understanding what you’ve already tried helps avoid repeating ineffective approaches. Your doctor will ask about prior therapy (CBT, EMDR, other modalities), medications you’ve taken, and how well they worked. Many patients at our Chicagoland locations come to us after traditional treatments haven’t provided sufficient relief—this is common for treatment-resistant PTSD.
Co-occurring conditions. PTSD rarely exists in isolation. Your physician will ask about depression, anxiety, substance use, chronic pain, or other mental and physical health conditions. Comprehensive assessment considers the full picture because co-occurring conditions affect treatment planning and expected outcomes (Lancaster et al., 2016).
Your current life situation. Work stress, family responsibilities, living situation, and social support all impact PTSD symptoms and recovery. Your doctor may ask about these factors to understand your context. For many Chicagoland residents, busy work schedules and family obligations make evening appointments essential—which is why we stay open until 7 PM weeknights.
Medical History Review: Safety First
PTSD treatment requires attention to overall health, not just psychiatric symptoms. Your physician will review:
Current medications and supplements. Bring a list or photos of your medication bottles. Even over-the-counter supplements can interact with treatments, so complete disclosure helps ensure safety.
Medical conditions. Conditions affecting heart, liver, kidneys, or neurological function may influence treatment decisions. Uncontrolled high blood pressure, certain cardiac conditions, or active substance use disorders may need to be addressed before starting some treatments.
Substance use history. Honest disclosure about alcohol and drug use is crucial for safety. Your doctor isn’t there to judge—they need accurate information to provide safe care. Many people with PTSD use substances to cope with symptoms, and this is discussed as a clinical issue, not a moral one.
This thoroughness reflects the emergency medicine training our physicians bring to ketamine therapy. Having treated trauma in ER settings across Chicagoland for years, we understand that psychological and physical health are inseparable.
Treatment Discussion: Understanding Your Options
Once your physician completes the assessment, they’ll discuss whether you’re a candidate for treatment and explain your options. This conversation is educational and collaborative—you’re not being sold a service, you’re being presented with information to make an informed decision.
Candidacy determination. Not everyone is a candidate for every treatment. Your doctor will explain whether ketamine infusion therapy is appropriate based on your symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals. Research indicates ketamine therapy may be particularly beneficial for treatment-resistant cases, though results vary by individual.
How treatment works. Your physician will explain the mechanism—how ketamine affects brain chemistry, promotes neuroplasticity, and may help reduce PTSD symptoms. You’ll learn about the treatment protocol: typically starting with an initial series of infusions, each lasting 45-60 minutes for mood disorders or up to 4 hours for chronic pain conditions.
What to expect during treatment. You’ll receive infusions in a private, comfortable room with a massage chair. Physician monitoring occurs throughout the session using state-of-the-art equipment to ensure safety. Many patients describe the experience as deeply relaxing, though dissociative effects can occur—your doctor will explain what this means and how it feels.
Expected timeline and outcomes. While some patients report feeling better within hours of their first infusion, most complete a series of treatments for optimal results. Up to 70% of patients experience improvements in PTSD symptoms, though individual results vary. Your doctor will be transparent about realistic expectations—no treatment works for everyone, and ketamine therapy is not a cure but rather a tool to support recovery.
Complementary approaches. Ketamine therapy works best as part of a comprehensive approach. Your physician may discuss how to coordinate with your existing therapist or psychiatrist, or recommend additional resources to support recovery. We believe in a multi-faceted approach to wellness, addressing the needs of mind, body, and soul.
Addressing Your Concerns: The Questions Everyone Asks
During consultations at our Naperville, Palos Hills, and Loves Park locations, certain questions come up consistently. Here are the answers:
“Will I have to relive my trauma?” No. Ketamine infusion therapy doesn’t require you to talk through traumatic experiences or do exposure work during treatment. Some patients find that enhanced neuroplasticity after treatment makes subsequent therapy more effective, but that’s your choice.
“How much does it cost?” We provide transparent, upfront pricing with no surprise costs. During your consultation, you’ll receive a clear breakdown of treatment costs. Many patients find the per-treatment payment structure helpful because there are no strings attached—if you decide not to continue, you can stop at any time. While many insurance plans don’t cover ketamine therapy for PTSD, we provide documentation you can submit for potential reimbursement.
“What if I have a bad reaction?” Safety is our top priority. You’re monitored by a physician throughout every treatment. Adverse reactions are rare, and when they occur, they’re typically mild and short-lived. Your doctor will review potential side effects and contraindications during your consultation.
“Do I have to decide today?” Absolutely not. Many patients schedule a consultation to gather information and take time to consider their options. That said, if you feel ready and you’re determined to be a good candidate, same-day treatment is available at your convenience.
“What if it doesn’t work for me?” Not every treatment works for every person—medicine involves trial and careful observation, not guarantees. Your response will be monitored throughout the treatment series. If you’re not experiencing benefits, your physician will discuss adjusting the protocol or exploring alternative approaches.
After the Consultation: Next Steps
At the end of your consultation, you’ll have a clear understanding of your options and next steps. There’s no pressure to make an immediate decision.
If you’re determined to be a candidate and want to proceed, you can:
Schedule your first treatment for the same day (if time permits) or a future appointment that fits your schedule. With locations in Naperville, Palos Hills, and Loves Park, plus evening hours until 7 PM on weekdays and Sunday availability, we work around your life.
Take time to think. Some people need time to discuss options with family, arrange time off work, or simply process the information. You can call back when ready.
Ask follow-up questions. If you think of additional questions after leaving, our team is available by phone at 630-475-1855.
Three Things to Remember
- You’re in control of this process. A consultation is an assessment and educational session, not a commitment. You decide what you share, what questions to ask, and whether to proceed with treatment. Patient autonomy is fundamental to ethical care.
- Your symptoms are taken seriously. If you’ve been struggling with PTSD—especially if previous treatments haven’t worked—you deserve care that addresses treatment resistance. Research supports the effectiveness of innovative approaches for individuals who haven’t responded to conventional interventions, though individual results vary (Hamblen et al., 2023).
- Preparation reduces anxiety. Many people report that their consultation was much less stressful than anticipated. Knowing what to expect—and that you won’t be pressured or judged—allows you to focus on getting the information and support you need.
Making the Call
For many people, the hardest part isn’t the consultation itself—it’s making the decision to schedule it. The phone call feels like admitting you need help or acknowledging that previous treatments haven’t been enough.
But here’s the reality: seeking a consultation is a sign of strength, not weakness. It means you’re actively working toward relief rather than passively accepting suffering. It means you recognize that treatment-resistant PTSD isn’t a personal failure—it’s a clinical challenge that deserves an appropriate clinical response.
Chicagoland’s prominence of mental health challenges reflects a national trend. The emotional and mental suffering taking place in our community—and throughout the country—continues to grow. But so does our understanding of effective treatments. Every consultation is an opportunity to connect with care that may offer the relief you’ve been seeking.
Your Next Step
If you’re reading this because you’re considering a consultation, you’ve already taken an important step. The next one is simple: call 630-475-1855 to schedule your appointment. Our team will answer your preliminary questions and find a time that works for your schedule.
During that call, you can ask about:
- Available appointment times (including evening hours)
- Which location is most convenient for you
- What to bring to your consultation
- Parking and directions
- Any other concerns or questions
The consultation itself is straightforward, professional, and designed to give you the information you need to make an informed decision about your care. Whether PTSD has affected you for months or decades, understanding your treatment options is the first step toward potential recovery.
Will ketamine be your reset button? Find out by requesting a consultation at Renew Ketamine & Wellness Center—Chicagoland’s leading provider of ketamine therapy for treatment-resistant PTSD and other mood disorders.
References
Hamblen, J.L., et al. (2023). The Management of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Acute Stress Disorder: Synopsis of the 2023 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and U.S. Department of Defense Clinical Practice Guideline. Annals of Internal Medicine, 176(4), 532-541. https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/M23-2757
Lancaster, C.L., et al. (2016). Posttraumatic stress disorder: Overview of evidence-based assessment and treatment. Focus, 14(3), 288-299. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5126802/
Mann, S.K., Marwaha, R., & Torrico, T.J. (2024). Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559129/
Renew Ketamine & Wellness Center provides comprehensive PTSD consultations and treatment at our Naperville, Palos Hills, and Loves Park locations. Our emergency medicine physicians offer patient-focused care with transparent pricing and flexible scheduling. Call 630-475-1855 to schedule your consultation. Evening appointments available until 7 PM weeknights.
