In this post:
- Why Ketamine Stood Out from the Start
- A Natural Progression to Psychiatric Care
- Comfort Meets Science: The Nurse Practitioner’s Role
- Avesta’s Custom Mind-Body Approach
- The Heart of Healing
Arielle Brooks didn’t set out to become a ketamine therapy clinician. In fact, this skilled nurse practitioner brushed up on the basics before her Avesta interview, knowing only what she’d learned in emergency rooms—ketamine as a sedative, not a therapeutic breakthrough. But as Arielle stepped into the world of ketamine-assisted care, she quickly recognized its potential to ease depression, chronic pain, and mental health issues in ways few medications could. Arielle saw something special and knew she wanted to be part of it.
This article introduces nurse practitioner Arielle and follows her journey from ER medicine to ketamine therapy, where she now plays a central role in helping Avesta’s patients feel safe, seen, and supported through every step of treatment.
Why Ketamine Stood Out from the Start
Arielle came to Avesta Ketamine and Wellness (Avesta) with a strong clinical background and a growing interest in the mental health field. What stood out wasn’t just how well ketamine treatment worked, but how quickly.
“The effects on the brain and how it can improve your mood and energy level, reduce anxiety, and help with PTSD—that was a whole other ball game,” Arielle says.
Compared to medications that take weeks to kick in, Arielle noticed ketamine offered fast-acting relief and a clear feedback loop.
“With ketamine, most people notice improvement in mood within six infusions. Many have a response after just two,” Arielle explains.
“It’s also very easy to fine-tune. We always start with the research-effective dose and then adjust up or down depending on the person’s needs. We don’t have to wait a month to know if something’s working. We see patient benefits in real time. That’s incredibly rewarding. The patients are so thankful. That’s what I love about my work here.”
A Natural Progression to Psychiatric Care
Arielle picked up ketamine administration quickly, but what truly set her apart was how effortlessly she made patients feel safe and supported. Her calm presence and ability to connect with others made her a natural fit at Avesta.
Those qualities took shape early in her career. In the high-pressure environment of the ER, Arielle learned how to stay grounded in moments of crisis. But while she thrived under pressure, she often felt limited by the lack of time to build real relationships.
Her next role gave her that chance. At a clinic for eating disorders, Arielle worked closely with patients on a weekly basis and collaborated with the psychiatrist on optimizing protocols.
“We worked with all types of different eating disorders, not just the typical ones most people are familiar with, like anorexia or bulimia,” she says. “That was my first taste of working in psychiatry, and I loved being able to sit down with patients and talk through their progress.”
That experience helped solidify her path.
“Before coming to Avesta, I was already thinking that maybe I should go back to school and expand my knowledge and abilities surrounding mental health as a psychiatric nurse practitioner,” she says.
At Avesta, she now brings all of those experiences together—clinical skill, emotional steadiness, and a deep commitment to patient trust.
“Patients often tell me that my ability to stay calm is one of my greatest strengths, especially during challenging infusions,” Arielle says. “Some patients panic, and as a provider, they look to me for reassurance. The trust and connection I build with them really ease their worries. That’s where I feel I thrive.”
Comfort Meets Science: The Nurse Practitioner’s Role
As a nurse practitioner at Avesta, Arielle is often the primary point of contact for patients before, during, and after their ketamine infusion sessions. She manages everything from adjusting dosage to tracking therapeutic outcomes, all while ensuring patients feel heard and cared for.
“Before we even begin the infusion, I review how the last session went,” Arielle says. “We talk about any updates, like new medications, changes in mood or energy, or anything else that might influence the treatment that day.”
Medication interactions
Some medications can interfere with ketamine’s effectiveness for depression or pain, which is why Arielle reviews each patient’s regimen carefully. These may include SSRIs, anti-seizure drugs, or opioids, which can either blunt ketamine’s impact or increase sedation-related risks.
“After reviewing their medications, I might recommend pausing one before treatment,” Arielle says. “I also coordinate with their psychiatrist or primary care provider to find the best way for them to stay on necessary medications while still benefiting from ketamine therapy.”
Setting intentions
Before each session, Arielle takes time to help patients set an intention—a simple but meaningful part of the process.
“An intention doesn’t have to be profound or lengthy,” she says. “It can be a word, a phrase, or a single sentence. Something like ‘relax,’ ‘release,’ or ‘feel acceptance.’”
Arielle believes that anchoring the experience with a clear intention helps guide patients through what she describes as a deeply personal and transformative journey.
Observing the infusion and following up
Arielle stays close during each session, checking in regularly and monitoring patients with care, even if she’s not in the room the entire time.
“We pay close attention,” she says. “The rooms are so quiet I can hear a pin drop.”
She places equal importance on post-infusion follow-ups. This is when she asks key questions to guide future sessions, such as:
- Did the infusion feel comfortable?
- Were you ever anxious or afraid?
- Were there any negative thoughts?
These answers help her fine-tune dosage and infusion rate. More importantly, Arielle works to ensure every patient feels safe throughout the process.
“Patients should never feel like they might see or hear something that could scare them,” she says.
Avesta’s Custom Mind-Body Approach
Arielle resonates deeply with Avesta’s commitment to tailoring each treatment plan to the individual. Here, she found her calling in the mind-body aspect of ketamine therapy, where clinical precision meets emotional presence, and where collaboration is key.
She regularly consults with Avesta founder Dr. Eshkevari and other team members if a patient doesn’t respond as expected. Their support is just a call or message away.
“Everyone’s biochemistry is so different,” she says. “While we follow a protocol, nothing is cookie-cutter. Most people start with six infusions, but some may need 12 before they notice a response. We adjust because everyone responds differently.”
That same individualized approach applies to the treatment environment. Arielle believes comfort comes not just from dosing decisions, but from giving patients input and control over their experience. Do they want the lights off? A favorite playlist? Essential oils or a heated blanket?
“I have a patient whose eye mask has Bluetooth headphones built in so he can hear his music, which I think is awesome,” she says. “The smallest details can make the biggest difference. I tell every patient: your peace is what matters most.”
The Heart of Healing
For Arielle, those small details, like quiet rooms, thoughtful check-ins, and personalized touches, add up to something much larger. They create the conditions for trust and healing.
She approaches every session with the same intention she asks of her patients: presence. And at Avesta, that presence is backed by a team that values knowledge, experience, compassion, and individualized support.
In Arielle’s hands, ketamine therapy feels less clinical and more human. For patients navigating uncertainty, that makes all the difference.
Considering ketamine therapy? Avesta welcomes you to explore your options in a supportive, personalized setting. Schedule a consultation to learn more and see if it feels like the right fit.
