Psychedelic assisted-therapy is a form of therapy that involves the use of psychedelic medicines such as psilocybin, MDMA, and ketamine for the purpose of facilitating mental wellness, therapeutic breakthroughs, and insight.
While still largely restricted to research settings, psychedelic-assisted therapy is a broad term that encompasses a number of different approaches and protocols using psychedelic medicines, and involves protocols and practices that have been studied since the 1950s. Though psychedelics like LSD showed promise as therapeutic agents in those early years, a period of prohibition starting in the 1960s and through the early 2000s significantly hindered the research and development of these modalities.
The last decade has seen a significant body of encouraging research supporting the efficacy of psychedelic-assisted therapy for a number of mental health issues, especially depression, anxiety, addiction, and trauma. Though most psychedelics are still regulated substances, the legal and medical landscape is changing quickly, and more treatment options are starting to become available to the general public.
Except for ketamine, which is legal in a medical setting, most psychedelic substances are regulated and can only be legally accessed through clinical trials or through special government approvals. However, the social and political climate around psychedelic medicines is changing as research continues to demonstrate clear benefits to those suffering with mental illness.
It is important for medical and public health care practitioners to provide information about ways of reducing harm for persons who use substances. We are aware that psychedelic use is increasing, and that many people require support.
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 as a treatment for 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.
Our ketamine treatments are flexible. They are designed to meet your individual needs and goals to best support your healing journey.
Your ketamine experience can range from:
- Three sessions with two practitioners which include preparation and integration sessions
- A single treatment session, including preparation and integration. You may choose to engage in healing without a therapist.
- 12 Spravato® Sessions that last 120 minutes each. Spravato is a branded form of ketamine available for clients with treatment-resistant depression.
During ketamine sessions, short-term changes in your state of consciousness can help you feel connected with your inner healing capacity and enhance your ability to meaningfully engage in therapy. You may be able to process strong emotions and memories that may otherwise be too painful or difficult to access. The experience can help you experience personal breakthroughs that may resolve some of the root causes of mental health conditions.
To determine the best ketamine treatment for you, contact us at 1-833-NUMINUS (686-4687) or book a call.
Ketamine can be administered by intramuscular injection (IM), nasal sprays, and rapid dissolving tablets. Your medical team will determine which ketamine option and dosage is the best for you.
The physical and emotional effects of ketamine will differ from person to person; however, common experiences include:
- Altered states of consciousness and feeling separated from reality
- Disruption of negative feelings
- A dream-like or “floating” sensation
- Relaxation of ordinary concerns and usual mindset
- A sense of euphoria
- A dream-like or “floating” sensation
- An altered sense of time (losing track of time; time slowing down or speeding up)
- Diminished or altered body sensations; some people may have an “out-of-body” experience, where awareness of the physical body is reduced
- Tunnel vision, or seeing things through a fog
- Pain reduction
- Mild changes in perceptions of sounds and sights
It is also possible to have uncomfortable feelings as suppressed traumas arise. Safety and care are the top priorities of our team members, and your practitioners will be there to support you as you navigate any challenging experiences.
Our rooms for ketamine dosing 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.
At Numinus, ketamine treatment is only available to individuals 15 and older in Quebec, Ontario, British Columbia, Arizona, and Utah.
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, and stroke. Similarly, severe liver disease, untreated thyroid disorders, or other medical conditions may require management prior to ketamine treatment.
If you believe you are eligible for ketamine treatment and would like to proceed, contact us at 1-833-NUMINUS (686-4687) or book a call.
Psychedelic harm reduction and integration (PHRI) is a therapeutic framework and psychoeducation for addressing various kinds of psychedelic use. It brings together harm reduction practices around substance use more generally, and an emphasis on the importance of “integration” work around psychedelic use more specifically.
It does not involve the use of any psychedelic medicines; rather, it represents the support that a therapist or coach might provide to an individual who has had or intends to have psychedelic experiences on their own, outside of therapy. For example, an individual who is exploring the use of psilocybin mushrooms may seek the support of an integration specialist to help them plan for experiences they undertake on their own, to minimize risks and increase the likelihood of positive outcomes.
PHRI therapists do not refer clients to underground therapists, and are in no way involved with the sourcing of psychedelic substances, nor do they conduct therapy while individuals are under the influence of psychedelics.
At Numinus, we are proud to offer trauma-informed, person-centred therapy. We offer a range of services, including:
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Couples therapy
- Adult and child psychiatric services
- TMS
- Medication management
To browse our full list of services, visit our therapy page.
The benefits of group therapy and group education are well-researched. Group therapy fosters recovery and improves mental health through decreased isolation, improved problem-solving and accountability, and greater empathy. Research suggests groups may be suitable for several mental health conditions including emotional trauma, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and ADHD.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive treatment option that uses gentle magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain known to be underactive in those diagnosed with depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and other related conditions. Visit our TMS page for more information.
Medication management is a crucial aspect of mental health care that offers a caring and tailored approach to managing psychotropic medications. You will be in the capable hands of a highly qualified practitioner who will assess your individual needs, create a bespoke medication plan, and provide ongoing support to ensure the safe and successful use of medications for your mental health concerns, including mood disorders, anxiety, depression, and ADHD.
SPRAVATO® is a branded form of ketamine.
SPRAVATO® can be administered through the nose, while most other ketamine treatments must be administered through injections.
For information about any Numinus service, contact us at 1-833-NUMINUS (686-4687) or book a call.
