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The dynamic of a group experience can allow you to go deeper in your healing journey. Group Ketamine-Assisted Therapy combines ketamine therapy, psychotherapy, and community in a safe and supported environment. While going through treatment and healing alone may feel isolating at times, the small, group setting presents an opportunity for you to be seen and understood by others experiencing similar challenges.
As a result of the group structure and in line with our mission to make psychedelic treatments more accessible, we are pleased to be able to offer group ketamine-assisted therapy at a lower price point than many other forms of treatment. To learn more about our Group Ketamine-Assisted Therapy programs, book a free informational call with one of our health navigators.
Ketamine is thought to be particularly effective for treatment-resistant conditions.
In the event of an emergency, it’s crucial to seek help as soon as possible. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, also known as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, is available 24/7 to provide support and resources.
You can access this service by dialing 988 or by calling 1-800-273-8255.
In the case of an immediate danger to yourself or others, calling 911 should be your first course of action.
Group Ketamine-Assisted Therapy takes a holistic approach to treatment.
Ketamine treats depression in a different way than most conventional antidepressants. Ketamine targets the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, which results in increased activity of glutamate in the brain. Researchers believe this causes creation of new connections between neurons which in turn is believed to allow for new creation of positive thought and behaviour patterns in patients treated with ketamine. This is commonly referred to as neuroplasticity.
Combining the structure of therapy with ketamine and the support of a community helps to enhance the therapeutic process. The group dynamic allows you to feel supported and seen, especially by others who are going through something similar. Listening to the unique experiences of others can provide learnings, decrease feelings of isolation, improve empathy and challenge your perspectives, allowing you to go deeper in your own self reflection.
Ketamine is a synthetic medicine classified as a dissociative anesthetic. It is on the World Health Organization’s List of Essential Medicines. It was developed in 1963, approved for use in 1970, and adopted by many jurisdictions because of its rapid onset, proven safety, and short duration of action.
Though ketamine is most commonly used as an anesthetic agent in surgical and emergency department settings due to its good safety profile, it has also been used to manage acute and chronic pain conditions.
In the last two decades, ketamine has been increasingly used to address various mental health conditions, such as depression, substance use disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and other mental health conditions. If you would like to learn more about how ketamine could help you in your healing journey, contact us at 1-833-NUMINUS (686-4687) or book a call.
Groups are for those seeking to improve or maintain their overall sense of wellness. They also work well for those who want to supplement their individual treatment plan with new tools and community support.
Groups should not act as a substitute for intensive work with a mental health professional and should not be used when in crisis. Depending on your goals and needs, it is possible that one-on-one therapy or education may be a better option. To learn more on what could be right for you, book a free informational call with one of our health navigators.
Ketamine can be administered by intramuscular injection (IM) or rapid dissolving tablets. We also offer SPRAVATO® nasal spray. Your team will work with you to determine which option is right for you. Each time ketamine is administered, your response will be closely monitored.
To learn more, contact us at 1-833-NUMINUS (686-4687) or book a call.
The physical and emotional effects of ketamine will differ from person to person; however, common experiences include:
Our rooms for Ketamine Sessions have been intentionally designed to ensure your comfort and support your journey. You may choose to be in a reclined or semi-reclined position, wear eyeshades, and listen to music to enhance the experience. To learn more about our ketamine treatments, contact us at 1-833-NUMINUS (686-4687) or book a call.
To be eligible for ketamine treatment, you must be evaluated by a medical practitioner and not have any contraindications to this therapy, including any medical or other psychiatric illnesses that suggest this treatment might be unsafe. Conditions that may make you ineligible for ketamine treatment include, but are not limited to: a history of psychosis (e.g. hallucinations), mania, untreated hypertension, heart disease or stroke, and seizures. Similarly, severe liver disease, untreated thyroid disorders, or other medical conditions may require management prior to ketamine treatment.
At Numinus, ketamine treatment is only available to individuals between the ages of 14 and 65 in Quebec, Ontario, and British Columbia.
If you believe you may be eligible for ketamine treatment and would like to proceed, contact us at 1-833-NUMINUS (686-4687) or book a call.
Since ketamine is technically being used “off-label” to treat many mental health conditions, some insurance providers may not cover its use. SPRAVATO® is Health Canada approved for depression so may be covered through insurance.
Contact us to help verify and explain your insurance benefits. In addition to insurance, we accept MasterCard, Visa, most health savings (HSA) cards, and cash payments. In the case we cannot accept your insurance, receipts can be provided to be submitted to your insurance company as an out-of-network provider.
For pricing information, contact us at 1-833-NUMINUS (686-4687) or book a call.
To learn more about ketamine treatment and psychedelic therapies, visit our blog.
There are many research articles that you may also find helpful:
Efficacy of Ketamine in the Treatment of Substance Use Disorders: A Systematic Review
A Retrospective Analysis of Ketamine Intravenous Therapy for Depression in Real-World Care Settings
A Randomized Trial of an N-methyl-D-aspartate Antagonist in Treatment-Resistant Major Depression
Toward Specific Ways To Combine Ketamine and Psychotherapy in Treating Depression
With any group setting, there’s no guarantee of absolute confidentiality, except for by the practitioner. At the beginning of every group session, we will cover ground rules for client privacy. Members make a verbal agreement to maintain confidentiality. This ensures an environment of safety and mutual respect.
Members are encouraged to share, but only at their comfort level.
Our team will take a comprehensive approach to your care, collaborating with other health care providers to provide you with the best outcomes. Here is what you can expect from Group Ketamine-Assisted Therapy:
You'll undergo a thorough intake to ensure the group is the right fit for you and your goals. We often offer Group Ketamine-Assisted Therapy that covers specific themes (like dealing with grief) or for certain conditions (like chronic illnesses).
Once you're welcomed into the group, the therapist will establish the rules of engagement, ensuring a safe, confidential, and respectful environment.
The key to successful ketamine treatment is careful preparation and intention setting. You’ll get to know the group and work through intention setting together. Through this process we build a trusting and comfortable container.
You will undergo a set number of ketamine sessions involving the administration of medicine (either via intramuscular injection, intravenous infusion, oral lozenge, or nasal spray). All group participants will be wearing an eye mask and headphones to encourage introspection. These experiences may be blissful or challenging, mild or intense, depending on where you are in your healing journey. Though everyone is in the same room together, each individual’s experience is unique. Whatever the nature of your experience, you and your peers will have the full support and guidance of our expert team.
Integration helps to ensure the learnings you gained in your psychedelic experience are translated into your daily life and well-being. Your Integration group therapy sessions, led by our therapists, will take place in the days following your ketamine treatment. Sharing with others who’ve gone through a similar experience and witnessing their transformation can help expedite your own growth.
Healing is not linear. Sometimes we transform and sometimes we peel back an important layer, only to reveal deeper work to undertake. Reconnecting can mean pursuing additional treatment, joining one of our ongoing integration groups, or even taking what you have learned and using it to better connect with yourself and the people in your life.
When delivered intravenously or as a lozenge, ketamine is used “off label” meaning that the FDA has not approved its use to treat mental health conditions. Spravato® (esketamine) is approved for treatment resistant depression. Common side effects of ketamine include dizziness, nausea and vomiting. Ketamine raises heart rate and blood pressure, which can increase the risk of stroke or heart attack. People under the influence of ketamine may have difficulty standing up and be confused about their surroundings. Ketamine can cause vivid dreams or hallucinations, which may be intense and terrifying, and a feeling like the mind is separated from the body. Ketamine has been reported to cause apnea and respiratory depression as well as laryngospasm. Like all anesthetics, ketamine prevents users from feeling pain and, if injury occurs, a person may not know it. Frequent use of ketamine may cause bladder problems. Ketamine is also thought to increase the risk of psychosis and seizures. Ketamine is a controlled substance because there is a risk for abuse and physical and psychological dependence. The side effects above are not the only effects you may experience. In addition, there can be various other side effects. Tell the doctor right away if you notice worsening depression/other psychiatric conditions, unusual behavior changes (including possible suicidal thoughts/attempts), or other mental/mood changes (including new/worsening anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, irritability, hostile/angry feelings, impulsive actions, severe restlessness, very rapid speech). Refer to the medication's official prescribing information. Always consult a physician or qualified health professional on any matters regarding your mental health or on any opinions expressed within this article.
