Ketamine Ottawa

Clinical Treatment Centre

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Frequently Asked Questions

About Ketamine Therapy

What is ketamine therapy?
Ketamine therapy refers to the medical use of sub-anesthetic doses of ketamine to treat conditions including treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, anxiety, OCD, chronic pain, and other mental health conditions. It is administered intravenously (IV) in a controlled clinical setting under physician supervision.
Traditional antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs) target the serotonin system and typically require 4–8 weeks to produce effects. Ketamine acts on the glutamate system — a fundamentally different mechanism — and often produces measurable relief within 24–72 hours. It is particularly effective for patients who have not responded to multiple other treatments.

Yes. Ketamine is a licensed medication in Canada used as a surgical anesthetic since 1970. Its use for psychiatric and pain indications is “off-label,” which means it is used in a way not originally approved — a common and legal medical practice when supported by clinical evidence. Esketamine (Spravato), a ketamine-derived nasal spray, has received regulatory approval in Canada for treatment-resistant depression.

Ketamine has a history of illicit recreational use, which is entirely different from clinical use. In our clinic, ketamine is administered intravenously at carefully calibrated doses, in a medical setting, under direct physician supervision, following thorough screening and with continuous monitoring. The clinical context, dose, route, and intent are fundamentally different from recreational misuse.

Candidacy & Eligibility

Who is a good candidate for ketamine therapy?
Ideal candidates are individuals who have not achieved adequate relief from at least two adequate trials of first-line treatments (e.g., antidepressants, therapy), and who are diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, anxiety disorders, OCD, bipolar depression, or chronic pain conditions such as CRPS or fibromyalgia. A thorough medical evaluation is required before treatment.


Ketamine therapy is contraindicated in individuals with active or poorly controlled psychosis, certain cardiovascular conditions (uncontrolled hypertension, unstable angina), active substance use disorder (particularly dissociatives), recent intracranial pressure elevation, or active mania. Pregnancy is also a contraindication. A full medical screening is conducted before any treatment is initiated.

A formal referral is not strictly required, though it is strongly encouraged. Having your family physician or psychiatrist involved enables coordinated care, facilitates medication management, and ensures continuity in your broader care plan. With your consent, we send progress notes to your referring clinician after each session.

Ketamine has a history of illicit recreational use, which is entirely different from clinical use. In our clinic, ketamine is administered intravenously at carefully calibrated doses, in a medical setting, under direct physician supervision, following thorough screening and with continuous monitoring. The clinical context, dose, route, and intent are fundamentally different from recreational misuse.
In most cases, ketamine therapy can be administered alongside existing medications. Our physicians will review your current prescriptions during the consultation. Certain medications may require adjustment in coordination with your prescribing physician. We do not make unilateral medication changes without your consent and your physician’s knowledge.

The Treatment Process

What does a ketamine infusion session feel like?
At sub-anesthetic doses, ketamine produces a mild dissociative state. Patients typically remain conscious and able to communicate, but experience a dreamlike sense of detachment, altered perception of time, and deep relaxation. Some describe visual or auditory sensations. These effects are entirely temporary and resolve within 30–60 minutes after the infusion ends.
A typical initial treatment course consists of 6 infusions over 2–3 weeks. Following this, clinical response is assessed and a maintenance plan is developed — often 1 infusion every 4–8 weeks. The number of sessions required varies by individual and condition. Some patients achieve sustained remission with fewer sessions; others benefit from a longer course.
Plan to be at the clinic for approximately 2–3 hours per session. The infusion itself lasts 40–60 minutes, followed by a 30–60 minute recovery and observation period. You will not be able to drive yourself home; please arrange transportation in advance.
Many patients notice improvements in mood, sleep, or pain within 24–72 hours of their first or second infusion. Full therapeutic effects often develop over the course of the initial 6-session treatment series. Results vary by individual — some patients respond rapidly and dramatically; others experience more gradual improvement.
In most cases, ketamine therapy can be administered alongside existing medications. Our physicians will review your current prescriptions during the consultation. Certain medications may require adjustment in coordination with your prescribing physician. We do not make unilateral medication changes without your consent and your physician’s knowledge.

Safety

Is ketamine therapy safe?
When administered in a controlled clinical environment by trained physicians at appropriate doses, ketamine has a well-established safety profile built on over 50 years of medical use. We conduct comprehensive screening before treatment, perform continuous vital signs monitoring during each session, and maintain full emergency protocols. Adverse events in this clinical context are rare.
Recreational ketamine abuse carries addiction risk. However, clinical use at sub-anesthetic doses, in a supervised medical setting, with infrequent scheduled sessions, presents minimal addiction risk. We screen carefully for substance use history and monitor all patients for any signs of dependency. We do not provide ketamine to patients with active or recent substance use disorder.
Common transient effects during the infusion include: dissociation, mild perceptual changes, nausea, increased blood pressure, and dizziness. These effects typically resolve within 1–2 hours after the session. Rare but serious side effects include elevated blood pressure requiring medication, and in very rare cases, psychological distress. All patients are monitored continuously and our team is trained to manage any adverse response.

Cost & Insurance

How much does ketamine therapy cost?
An initial consultation ranges from $250–$350. Individual infusion sessions range from $450–$600. A full 6-session induction course typically ranges from $2,400–$3,200. Detailed pricing is discussed at your consultation. Please see our Cost & Insurance page for full information.
No. OHIP does not currently cover ketamine infusions for psychiatric or pain indications. These sessions are billed directly to the patient.
Coverage under private extended health benefits varies significantly by plan. Some plans reimburse part or all of the cost under physician services or specialist fees. We provide detailed clinical receipts and supporting documentation to facilitate your insurance claim. We recommend contacting your insurer directly before beginning treatment.

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