Ketamine Ottawa

Clinical Treatment Centre

What to Expect

What to expect, step by step

We believe informed patients have better outcomes. Here is an honest, detailed walk-through of every stage of care — from your first inquiry through ongoing maintenance.

01

Initial Inquiry

Submit a brief inquiry through our website or by phone. A member of our clinical team will respond within 1–2 business days to answer your initial questions and discuss whether ketamine therapy may be appropriate.

02

Medical Consultation & Screening

A comprehensive evaluation conducted by our physician includes a full medical history review, psychiatric assessment, and physical examination. We assess your suitability for treatment, review your medications, and discuss realistic expectations.

03

Pre-Treatment Preparation

Once approved for treatment, you’ll receive detailed preparation instructions and consent documentation. We’ll review any medication adjustments with you and your prescribing physician and answer remaining questions.

04

Your First Infusion

You’ll relax in a private, comfortable treatment room. The IV infusion itself lasts approximately 40–60 minutes at a carefully calibrated sub-anesthetic dose. A physician or registered nurse is present throughout.

05

Initial Treatment Course

Most patients undergo a series of 6 infusions over 2–3 weeks. This induction course allows the neuroplastic effects to build and stabilize. Response is assessed after each session using validated clinical rating scales.

06

Ongoing Care & Maintenance

Following the initial course, your clinical response is evaluated and a maintenance plan is developed. Many patients benefit from periodic maintenance infusions every 4–8 weeks. We remain in close communication with your broader care team throughout.

What does the infusion experience feel like?

Ketamine infusions at sub-anesthetic doses produce a mild dissociative state. Patients typically remain conscious and aware but experience a sense of detachment from their surroundings. Many describe the experience as dreamlike, floating, or deeply relaxing.

Perceptual changes may include altered sense of time, mild visual or auditory distortions, and a feeling of mental spaciousness. These effects are temporary and fully resolve within 30–60 minutes after the infusion ends.

Our clinical team creates a calm, comfortable environment — soft lighting, a reclining chair, and the option for music or silence. You are never left alone and can communicate with staff at any point during your session.

It is normal to feel emotionally tender or reflective after sessions. Many patients find it helpful to have journal nearby for post-session integration. We recommend resting for the remainder of the treatment day.

Important: what ketamine therapy is not

Ketamine therapy administered in our clinic is not recreational use. It is a carefully titrated, medically supervised treatment delivered under strict clinical protocols. Our dosing, monitoring, and follow-up standards reflect the most current peer-reviewed evidence and professional guidelines.

Have questions about the process?

Our team is happy to walk you through anything before you make a decision.