In this post:
- A Ground-Level View of Transformation
- Preparing Patients for Ketamine Infusions
- What Judy Wishes People Knew About Ketamine
- Why Avesta Feels Like Home
- Judy’s Advice to the Ketamine Curious
Nurse Practitioner Judy Li worked on the hospital front lines throughout the pandemic before joining Avesta Ketamine and Wellness (Avesta). As a traveling nurse, she navigated multiple emergency rooms and witnessed patients in both medical and psychiatric crises.
“I saw a lot of people struggling with suicidal thoughts or manic episodes,” Judy says. “But the ER environment wasn’t conducive to mental health. It never felt like I was truly helping.”
That realization led Judy to Avesta, where she works as a Nurse Practitioner administering ketamine to people with mental health and chronic pain conditions.
“When I learned about the clinic’s high efficacy rate, I thought ‘this is what I’ve been looking for’,” she said. “A place where people actually get better
Here, Judy shares her path to Avesta, her perspective on ketamine healing, and how she ensures every patient gets one-on-one care.
A Ground-Level View of Transformation
Judy joined Avesta in January 2025 and sees patients at its Bethesda and Columbia, Maryland, clinics. She meets with them before infusions to review how they’re doing and follows up afterward to check in on their experience.
Some arrive cautious, skeptical, or nervous. Others feel hopeless after having exhausted every conventional treatment option. Almost undoubtedly, all leave transformed.
One of Judy’s recent patients hadn’t received a ketamine infusion in years. Then, after just one session, the patient told Judy the experience reminded her that everything would be okay.
“She felt a oneness with the universe,” Judy recalled. “And that’s something I hear a lot—patients say they feel whole again, or like they’re seeing their lives from a new angle. Ketamine helps them reframe what they’ve been carrying for so long.”
Another patient told Judy that each infusion reminded him he was on the right path. It helped him trust his decisions, even ones he had once questioned.
Still, Judy doesn’t romanticize ketamine therapy.
“For some people, it brings up memories they haven’t thought about in years,” she said. “It can be intense. It’s not always easy.”
But breakthroughs often arise when confronting challenging material. “I think digging deep and facing repressed trauma during ketamine infusions is a therapy in itself.”
Preparing Patients for Ketamine Infusions
Ketamine therapy asks patients to surrender to an altered state of consciousness. Many feel uneasy about that idea, and Judy often picks up on their anxiety the moment they arrive.
“That first infusion can be scary,” she said. “Especially for people who’ve never experienced anything psychedelic.”
To ease anxiety before ketamine infusions, Judy:
- Offers detailed preparation and explains what to expect
- Shares grounding tools and simple sensory techniques
- Teaches patients how to set positive intentions
- Encourages them to return to the present by wiggling fingers or toes
- Guides them back to their breath during overwhelming moments
- Reminds them they are safe—and not alone
Personalizing care for each patient
If someone is still feeling anxious, Judy makes personalized adjustments.
“Generally, we start a standard ketamine dose per kilogram,” she explains. “But if someone’s had a bad experience or is really nervous, I might reduce the dose slightly or slow the rate. Every patient reacts differently, so we try to customize it each time.”
She also offers supplementary interventions: “Occasionally, I’ll add magnesium to help decrease anxiety and reduce muscle tension. Some patients really notice the difference.”
Avesta’s ketamine clinics also use a call bell system during infusions, which gives patients an added sense of security. “I’ve only had a handful of people ever press the bell,” Judy said. “But it’s comforting to know it’s there.”
When patients do experience distress, Judy doesn’t view it as a failure. She sees it as a signal to recalibrate and fine-tune care. One patient, overwhelmed during her second infusion, chose to stop early. At her next visit, Judy lowered the dose and slowed the rate. Every infusion since has been calm and constructive.
“That experience helped us determine what worked best for her,” Judy said. “Now she’s in a much better place.”
What Judy Wishes People Knew About Ketamine
Despite growing awareness, ketamine therapy still carries a stigma and an access problem.
When Judy tells friends or extended family about her work, she’s often met with raised eyebrows.
“Some ask if I just get people high all day,” she said. “Or they call it a horse tranquilizer. There’s a lot of misunderstanding.”
But she doesn’t judge those reactions. Instead, she educates.
“I think it’s fair to have those opinions because people do misuse ketamine sometimes. However, it’s extremely safe and effective in clinical settings, especially how we administer it at Avesta. People don’t leave here addicted. They leave with insight, clarity, and relief.”
Still, Judy acknowledges that ketamine therapy isn’t accessible for everyone, yet. Insurance coverage remains limited, and many patients pay out of pocket. She hopes that growing research and advocacy will make the treatment more affordable and mainstream.
“We’re still in the early stages,” she said. “But the more people share their ketamine healing stories, the more access will hopefully expand.”
Why Avesta Feels Like Home
Judy hopes expanded ketamine access will help more people find meaningful relief.
“Patients at Avesta are seen and heard. They’re treated like humans, not cases,” she said. “And I finally feel like I’m helping people get better, not just survive.”
Judy feels most excited about what lies ahead. She looks forward to Avesta expanding its reach, especially the Columbia ketamine clinic, which currently operates two days a week. She’s also intrigued by emerging research on ketamine for eating disorders and hopes to support more patients navigating those challenges in the future.
Judy’s even considered trying ketamine therapy herself, though professional ethics prevent her from receiving treatment at Avesta.
“If I ever do it, it’ll probably be through another clinic,” she said. “But honestly, after seeing how professionally and compassionately Avesta operates, I can’t imagine going anywhere else.”
Judy’s Advice to the Ketamine Curious
To anyone considering ketamine therapy, Judy offers this:
“If you’re here, it probably means you’ve tried everything else, anda. And you’re still looking for relief. Ketamine isn’t a cure-all, but. But it can be a powerful tool for breaking patterns of depression, anxiety, and pain.”
And to anyone considering Avesta?
“You’ll be cared for,” she said. “You’ll be supported by people who actually want to help. You’ll have a safe space to explore what’s coming up for you. And you just might find that everything is going to be okay.”
Wherever you are, you’re welcome to explore. You don’t have to decide anything today. But if you have questions or want to take the next step, Avesta is here. Reach out when you’re ready.
