Depression – Ketamine Ottawa

Treatment-Resistant Depression

When antidepressants haven’t been enough

Founded by physicians who recognized the unmet need for innovative, evidence-based treatments in Ottawa’s mental health landscape. Our mission is to provide safe, effective ketamine-assisted therapy to those who need it most.

70%

Response rate in TRD patients

24–72hrs

Typical onset of relief

2x

Effective after 2 failed antidepressants

Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is defined as major depressive disorder that has not responded to at least two adequate trials of antidepressant medication. It affects an estimated 30% of people diagnosed with depression. For these individuals, the standard toolkit — SSRIs, SNRIs, augmentation strategies — offers diminishing returns. The human cost is enormous: years of suffering, impaired function, and elevated suicide risk. Ketamine has emerged as one of the most significant advances in psychiatry in decades. By acting on the glutamate system rather than serotonin, it produces antidepressant effects through an entirely different mechanism — with a speed and response rate that no other available treatment can match.

How ketamine helps with treatment-resistant depression

Ketamine blocks NMDA glutamate receptors, triggering a rapid increase in synaptic connections in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus — brain regions central to mood regulation. This process, known as synaptogenesis, is believed to reverse the neuronal atrophy associated with chronic depression. The result is antidepressant effects that emerge within hours, independent of serotonin.

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What to expect — your treatment path

Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation to confirm TRD diagnosis and treatment appropriateness

Initial course of 6 IV infusions over 2–3 weeks

Most patients notice improvement by session 2–3

Response is assessed using validated depression rating scales (PHQ-9, MADRS)

Maintenance infusions every 4–8 weeks as needed

Response is assessed using validated depression rating scales (PHQ-9, MADRS)

The evidence base

Multiple randomized controlled trials, including landmark studies by Zarate et al. (2006) and a Lancet Psychiatry meta-analysis (2015), confirm ketamine’s rapid antidepressant effects with 60–70% response rates in treatment-resistant populations. It is the most evidence-supported rapid-acting treatment for TRD currently available.

Common questions about ketamine for treatment-resistant depression

How quickly will I feel better?

Many patients report noticeable mood improvement within 24–72 hours of their first or second infusion. The full benefit of the initial treatment course typically develops over 2–3 weeks.

Do I need to stop my antidepressants?

In most cases, no. Ketamine can be administered alongside most antidepressant medications. Our physician will review your medications at consultation and coordinate with your prescribing doctor if adjustments are needed.

Is ketamine legal for this use in Canada?

Is this a cure for depression?
Ketamine is not a cure, but it is a highly effective treatment for many patients with TRD. Many achieve sustained remission with maintenance infusions. We recommend integrating ketamine with psychotherapy for optimal long-term outcomes.

Ready to explore treatment for treatment-resistant depression?

Our clinical team will review your history and answer your questions — confidentially and with no obligation.