Ketamine Clinics Toronto

Ketamine Clinics Toronto

What are ketamine clinics Toronto? 

Ketamine is an anaesthetic medication commonly used before and after surgery. Recently, it has become popular as a means to treat mental health conditions. It is believed to work by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain which then provide relief for mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, chronic pain, suicidal ideation as well as addictions. In March 2019, Esketamine Spravato, a nasal spray, was approved by the Food and Drug Administration(FDA) to treat depression in adults in conjunction with the first-line oral antidepressants.Over the last few years, clinics have opened across the USA which offer Ketamine for therapeutic purposes. In 2020, a clinic opened in Toronto, offering one of the first psychedelic-enhanced psychotherapies in Canada.

Ketamine clinics are typically run by anesthesiologists who have been trained to comply with the safe clinical use of Ketamine. Furthermore, these clinics are staffed by psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and/or registered nurses. 

The approach to providing Ketamine treatment may vary depending on the clinic. It can be administered through IV, IM, PO infusions, by an oral ,as well as by Spravato. Ketamine clinics often focus on the treatment of treatment-resistant depression, but also offer relief for PTSD, OCD, anxiety. In Canada, there are no established protocols for using the anesthetic for chronic pain management or addiction treatment. However, the government plans to introduce such treatments based on successful practice in the US.

Is ketamine therapy legal in Toronto?

Ketamine treatment has legitimate uses and is provided in one clinical setting. This anesthetic is controlled under Schedule I of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act..

What is ketamine therapy in Toronto or ketamine-assisted psychotherapy? (KAP)

Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy(KAP) is an alternative to traditional psychotherapy that incorporates the administration of the anesthetic. KAP in Toronto is only available at one clinic — Field Trip Health. Their treatment protocol for KAP consists of 4 to 6 sessions which usually run for 2 hours each. It best fits patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) who have not responded to other treatment options at least two times. They plan to expand their treatment options for other medical and mental health conditions in the near future.

In Toronto, Ketamine treatment is only available to those patients who have been directed by their doctors or psychiatrists.

What are the Best Ketamine Clinics in Toronto? 

There is one Ketamine clinic in Toronto:

Field Trip Health

• Managed by Dr. Michael Verbora, Medical Director.
• This Ketamine clinic offers IM infusions and oral anesthetic for treatment-resistant depression (TRD), anxiety, OCD, and PTSD. 
• They also offer KAP for TRD only.
• The cost per infusion and oral anesthetic is $400 each plus $200 per psychotherapy session.
• Servicing Toronto.

How is this list of ketamine clinics chosen? 

This Ketamine clinic in Toronto is verified and recommended by the American Society of Ketamine Physicians.

What treatments do Ketamine Clinics provide in Toronto 2020?

The Ketamine clinic in Toronto only provides IM infusions, and a lozenge for treating mental health conditions. Clinics may also offer mindfulness, self-care, and personalized integration activities to the treatment protocol for the highest healing effect. 

Ketamine for depression 

The following studies have been conducted:

• Behind the Buzz: How Ketamine Changes the Depressed Patient's Brain, 2019
• Ketamine Stirs Up Hope—and Controversy—as a Depression Drug, 2018

Ketamine for anxiety 

The following studies have been conducted:

• Improvement in suicidal ideation after ketamine infusion: Relationship to reductions in depression and anxiety, 2014
• Safety and efficacy of maintenance ketamine treatment in patients with treatment-refractory generalised anxiety and social anxiety disorders, 2018

Ketamine for PTSD

The following studies have been conducted:

• Synaptic Loss and the Pathophysiology of PTSD: Implications for Ketamine as a Prototype Novel Therapeutic, 2017
• Efficacy of intravenous ketamine for treatment of chronic posttraumatic stress disorder: a randomized clinical trial, 2014

Ketamine for OCD 

The following studies have been conducted:

• Effects of ketamine in treatment-refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder, 2012
• Glutamatergic agents for OCD and related disorders, 2015

Ketamine for bipolar disorder

The following studies have been conducted:

• Rapid infusion of esketamine for unipolar and bipolar depression: a retrospective chart review, 2017
• Replication of ketamine's antidepressant efficacy in bipolar depression: a randomized controlled add-on trial, 2012

Ketamine for chronic pain 

The following studies have been conducted:

• The Effect of Ketamine Infusion in the Treatment of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: a Systemic Review and Meta-analysis, 2018
• Ketamine produces effective and long-term pain relief in patients with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type 1, 2009

Ketamine assisted therapy or psychotherapy

KAP is currently available in one Ketamine clinic in Toronto, Field Trip Health. Their KAP protocol consists of 4 to 6 sessions which run for 2 hours. Their KAP is only offered to patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) who have been previously referred by their doctors or psychiatrists.

The Field Trip Health’s KAP works as follows:

Consultation

1. The patient visits the clinic and meets the team of psychiatrists and therapists who guide them through what they should expect during the sessions.

Preparation

1. The patient fills out a questionnaire on their mental health condition, and undergoes a physical and lifestyle assessment to ensure they are fit for KAP.
2. The clinician builds the individual psychedelic treatment plan which is available for access through their online portal. 
3. The patient is asked to work through some exercises at home to understand the process and benefits which they will get during the KAP.

Treatment

1. The patient starts their Ketamine treatment. This consists of  the administration of anesthetic and 2-hour sessions of psychotherapy.
2. The psychotherapist helps the patient to reframe their negative thought patterns.

Integration

1. Following the sessions of Ketamine treatment, the patient and their psychotherapy team regularly meet at the clinic setting to process the  experience and build a behavior-focused action plan for integrating new insights into everyday life. 
2. They may also incorporate meditation and mindfulness programs to deepen the self-awareness of the patient. The patient receives additional therapeutic exercises to practice at home.

Beyond

1. After Ketamine treatment is over, the clinic offers resources to continue the wellness journey. If needed, the patient may be virtually connected to the psychotherapy team to receive support.

Ketamine clinics may also provide additional mental health services, such as:

• Psychiatry
• EMDR
• TMS
• Holistic and alternative treatments

What happens during the sessions in Ketamine Clinics Toronto?

Ketamine treatment may vary, as each protocol is tailored individually. The sessions start with the briefing from the clinician who ensures the patient is ready and feels comfortable. The therapist and/or a registered nurse checks the patient’s vitals and prepares the monitoring equipment. If the patient is suitable, the patient receives IV, IM infusion, a lozenge or a nasal spray Spravato depending on the clinic protocol. Ketamine clinics may occasionally provide an eye mask and noise-canceling headphones with introspective music or meditations for the session. The patient is accommodated in a reclining chair for the utmost relaxation and relaxes into the 2-hour experience. All sessions of Ketamine treatment are monitored by the clinician who ensures the patient does not experience fear and/or anxiety attacks or any other unwanted sensations. After the session, the patient spends time recovering and discussing the experiences with the psychotherapist. 

How long is a typical session for IV?

The IV sessions  usually take 2 to 3 hours, plus at least 20 minutes for recovery.

How long is a typical session for intramuscular? 

The IM sessions usually take 2 to 3 hours, plus at least 20 minutes for recovery.

What will I feel during the session in Ketamine Clinics Toronto? 

Feelings and experiences may vary from patient to patient. Some report a feeling of disconnection from reality, euphoria, heaviness in their limbs, or extreme sedation, while some may experience like they are traveling outside their bodies. The patient may find these sensations overwhelming and difficult, however, the clinician is always there to calm down the patient or incorporate changes to the treatment protocol. The patient always receives the lowest dosage of anesthetic.

How much do Ketamine infusions cost in Toronto 2020? 

The Field Trip Health clinic charges $400 per infusion and oral anesthetic plus $200 per psychotherapy session.

How can I find Ketamine Clinics in Toronto if I can be eligible for insurance coverage?

Ketamine treatment is not currently covered under OHIP or any other public health option in Canada. Contact your preferred clinic to learn the eligibility for co-pays or discounts.

Does Ketamine therapy intervene with my current treatment plan in Toronto 2020?

Ketamine treatment may intervene with your current treatment plan. You should disclose the full list of medications, health supplements, herbs prior to starting the treatment. Inform the clinician if you take MAIO’s, SSRIs, relaxants, and opioids, as such interactions may cause severe side effects.

What are the main risks of Ketamine treatment in Toronto?

Like all medications, Ketamine may cause side effects. The most common side effects during the sessions include:

• impaired balance and coordination;
• drowsiness;
• blurred speech;
• anxiety;
• nausea.

These side effects are usually short-term and have the nature to vanish within 10-15 minutes after the session is over.

Ketamine clinics restrict the patients from driving after each session, as the anesthetic may impair driving ability and concentration. A friend or relative should drive the patient back home.

What to look for in a good Ketamine clinic Toronto?

Please refer to our in-depth article about Ketamine therapy for more information

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