Frequently Asked Questions

There is a large amount of research data and clinical evidence showing that ketamine is highly effective for severe depression, suicidal ideation, and post-traumatic stress disorder. There are also many studies showing that ketamine is very effective for severe anxiety and bipolar disorder, as well as substance abuse. Finally, there is emerging evidence that ketamine can successfully treat obsessive-compulsive disorder. At our clinic, each person undergoes a comprehensive assessment to make sure that this treatment is a good fit.

Ketamine is an anesthetic medication approved for medical use by Health Canada and the FDA since the 1970s. For decades, it has been safely used in hospitals and operating rooms around the world. For over two decades, low-dose intravenous (IV) ketamine infusions have been recognized for their ability to relieve symptoms of mental health and chronic pain conditions. Ketamine has been found to be a fast-acting and effective option for people living with treatment-resistant depression, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Treatment usually involves a series of six IV ketamine infusions over about three weeks, with each session lasting around 60 minutes. At our clinic, we also provide preparation and integration support to help people get the most out of their treatment.

 This is one of the most common questions we get asked. Research studies, along with our own clinical experience, show that more than 80 percent of patients, including those with treatment-resistant depression, experience significant improvement in their symptoms. While no treatment is effective for everyone, the evidence and our patient outcomes demonstrate that most people do respond to IV ketamine therapy.

Ketamine can be given in different ways, including oral, intranasal, and intravenous (IV). At KetaMind Health, we specialize in IV ketamine therapy because it allows for the most precise control of dosing and delivery. IV ketamine has been studied for decades and is considered the safest, fastest-acting, and most effective method for treating mental health conditions. With IV ketamine therapy, our expert providers can closely monitor you and adjust the treatment to give you the best possible outcome.

Depression and anxiety can weaken the connections between brain cells over time. Ketamine helps repair these connections quickly, often within 24 hours, by boosting glutamate, a key brain messenger that stimulates growth and resilience. Unlike traditional antidepressants, it works through different pathways to “reset” brain activity, calm negative thought patterns, and improve mood. Many patients describe it as giving their brain a chance to reboot, creating space for new perspectives and healthier ways of thinking.

Each patient is cared for directly by Dr. Darren Ezer, our medical director, along with our skilled team of experienced nurses. Dr. Ezer is a Royal College anesthesiologist (FRCPC) with more than 20 years of experience and advanced training in ketamine administration. Together, our team has safely administered more than 15,000 ketamine infusions. Dr. Ezer meets with you at every session, carefully monitors your progress, and ensures that you feel safe and supported throughout treatment. Our compassionate nursing team is also by your side at all times, so you can feel confident that you are in expert hands.

You may be a good candidate for ketamine therapy if you are between 18 and 80, have a serious mental health condition, and are able to commit the time and energy to treatment. It’s important to understand that ketamine is not a cure or miracle treatment. The best results happen when patients are open-minded and ready to make positive changes in their lives.

Ketamine is generally not recommended for people with uncontrolled high blood pressure, unstable heart conditions, active psychosis, current substance use disorders, or if you are in the manic phase of bipolar disorder. The best way to know if ketamine is right for you is to meet with our team. We will review your health history together and determine whether ketamine is a safe and appropriate treatment option.

No, you don’t need a referral to have treatment at KetaMind Health. We have in-house psychiatrists and physicians who can assess your needs and determine if the treatment is right for you.

Ketamine is approved by Health Canada as an anesthetic, but it is not officially approved for treating mental health conditions. Physicians in Canada can still legally prescribe and administer it “off-label”. This is common in medicine when strong evidence supports a treatment outside its original approval. Many clinics, including ours, offer IV ketamine off-label as there is extensive research, evidence and clinical experience that show it’s a safe and effective option for those with treatment-resistant mental health conditions and certain types of chronic pain.

No, the treatment is not painful. We start with administering a tiny intravenous needle in the hand or arm, which may cause some discomfort. However, our team is extremely experienced in administering infusions, and most patients are surprised by how painless this process is, even those who are afraid of needles.

Every patient’s ketamine experience is a little different, but there are some common effects you may notice during treatment:

• Mild dissociation: You may feel slightly disconnected from your body or as if your mind has floated above it. Some patients describe this as dreamlike.
• Calm or uplifted mood: Some people feel very relaxed, peaceful, or even joyful during the infusion.
• Heightened senses: Colours may appear more vivid, music may sound richer, and textures may feel more noticeable.
• Strong emotions or memories: At times, past memories or feelings may surface, which can create opportunities for reflection and processing.

These experiences are temporary and closely monitored by our team to ensure your safety and comfort throughout the infusion.

When you arrive for your infusion, you’ll be greeted by our team and guided to your own serene private treatment room. You will meet with the anesthesiologist, who will review your treatment plan and answer any questions before treatment begins.

We start by checking your vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels. The doctor or nurse will then place a small IV into a vein in your arm. Ketamine is delivered slowly through the IV, with your starting dose based on your body weight and other factors. 

During the infusion, which lasts about an hour, your vital signs are monitored continuously, and our medical team is always available to support you. The doctor will monitor your progress and may adjust the dose and rate of infusion depending on your response.

Once the infusion is complete, the IV line is flushed with saline to keep you comfortable and hydrated, then removed. You’ll stay in the clinic for 15–30 minutes so our team can ensure you feel settled as the effects wear off.

Before you leave, the doctor or nurse will check in with you again to make sure it’s safe. Because you cannot drive after the infusion, you’ll need to arrange for someone to take you home.

Plan to be at the clinic for about 90 minutes to two hours. The infusion itself takes about 60 minutes, followed by 15 to 30 minutes of monitoring as the effects wear off and our team makes sure you are safe to leave.

Ketamine is considered a fast-acting treatment compared to traditional antidepressants. Some people notice dramatic improvements in mood or thinking within the first or second infusion. For others, the changes build more gradually over several sessions.

It’s common for small shifts in behaviour to appear before mood changes become obvious. For example, you may start getting out of bed more easily, having more energy for daily tasks, or reconnecting with others. For many people, a clear and noticeable lift in mood becomes most apparent between the fourth and sixth infusion.

 We typically recommend a series of six ketamine infusions to start. The exact number you’ll need depends on how you respond. Some people notice meaningful changes by the sixth session but are not quite in remission yet. In those cases, a few additional treatments can be helpful before moving into the maintenance phase. Our team will work closely with you to tailor your plan for the best possible outcome.

Most patients can safely continue their antidepressants or mood stabilizers while receiving ketamine infusions. Some medicines may reduce the effectiveness of ketamine or interact with it, which is why we review your medications before starting treatment. If any adjustments are needed, our medical team will discuss them with you to make sure your treatment is both safe and effective.

 After completing the initial series of ketamine infusions, most people will need ongoing care to maintain their progress. This often includes periodic maintenance infusions, regular therapy, or a combination of both. A smaller number of patients maintain their improvement without further treatment, but this is less common. We will continue to check in with you after your series, monitor your progress, and help you create a plan that best supports your long-term wellbeing.

 Unlike many standard antidepressants, which can cause side effects such as sleep disturbance, weight gain, fatigue, or sexual dysfunction, IV ketamine therapy has not been shown to cause lasting side effects when administered in a medical setting. Research to date suggests that ketamine is safe when used under professional supervision. The most common effects, such as dizziness, or nausea, typically occur only during or shortly after the infusion and resolve within hours. We can provide medication to manage these effects if they occur.

After completing the initial six infusions, most people return for a maintenance or “booster” session within two to four weeks. From there, sessions are usually spaced every three to eight weeks, depending on how you respond. Some patients may need them more often at first, while others can go longer between treatments.

If you already have a therapist, that’s excellent. You can and should continue working with them. Integration therapy is a bit different, as it focuses specifically on the unique experiences, insights, and emotions that may surface during ketamine treatment. It’s best when patients also have access to a therapist who is specially trained in ketamine integration, since they understand how to work with these experiences most effectively. We can coordinate care with your therapist  to ensure you’re fully supported throughout treatment.

Yes. When ketamine is administered by an anesthesiologist in a controlled medical setting, it is recognized to be very safe. It has been used in countless hospitals worldwide since 1970, and is still the medication of choice for sedating young children because of its strong safety profile.

Our team at KetaMind Health has safely delivered thousands of infusions. During every session, our compassionate medical team monitors you with hospital-grade equipment. We are always by your side to ensure that you are physically safe and emotionally supported throughout the entire process.

Ketamine, when used in low doses under medical supervision, is not considered addictive. At KetaMind Health, we have treated thousands of patients and have not seen anyone develop an addiction to ketamine in this setting.

Yes, we do. These infusions are provided by our affiliated clinic, the Jacobs Pain Centre (INSERT LINK). For those specifically seeking ketamine for chronic pain, you need to obtain a referral from your doctor. These can be sent to:

Jacobs Pain Centre
📍 8920 Woodbine Avenue, #102, Markham, ON, L3R 9W9
📞 905-305-9484
📠 905-305-7381

To begin the process, please schedule a free 20-minute phone consultation . During the consultation, an experienced nurse will discuss the treatment process, answer any questions you have, and inform you of the next steps.