Ketamine Therapy
for Pain Management
Guided by values of integrity, inclusivity, and accessibility, we strive to create a supportive environment where every patient can access their inner strength and find their natural flow. We are so proud to be part of the community and to be able to bring Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy for Mental Health to Ottawa, Canada.
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Overview
At FlowState Therapy, we provide ketamine therapy for pain management in Ottawa/Gatineau as a powerful treatment option for those dealing with chronic pain conditions. Ketamine has shown efficacy in reducing pain that is resistant to traditional treatments, offering a new avenue for relief. From neuropathic pain to migraines and fibromyalgia, our approach targets both the physical and emotional aspects of pain, providing fast-acting relief for improved quality of life.
How it works
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The journey begins with a 15-20 minute information call. This is an opportunity for potential clients to ask questions about how ketamine therapy for pain management works and discuss their specific pain condition. During this call, they can share details of their medical history, current treatments, and pain symptoms to assess suitability for ketamine therapy.
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Nurse Practitioner Consultation:
If ketamine therapy seems appropriate, the next step is a comprehensive consultation with a Nurse Practitioner (NP). During this session:
A full medical and pain assessment is conducted to understand the type and severity of pain, along with any coexisting health conditions.
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Booking the First Sessions:
After the Np Consultation a client The typical course includes:
4-6 sessions scheduled over a few weeks, tailored to the client’s specific needs and response to treatment.
An individualized plan is created based on the type of pain, its intensity, and the client’s medical background.
How is the ketamine administered? How does it feel?
Ketamine is administered either orally or intranasally in a safe, monitored setting. It works by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain, such as glutamate, creating rapid mood changes, enhancing neuroplasticity, and supporting a mind-body connection that allows for breakthroughs in therapy . Research indicates that ketamine can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety significantly faster than traditional antidepressants, often within a few hours . Our clients frequently report feeling more connected, open, and capable of processing emotions they previously found difficult to access during regular therapy.
What happens during the ketamine session?
Preparation Phase
In preparation for ketamine therapy, our team, led by a Nurse Practitioner (NP), conducts a comprehensive pain evaluation to understand the full scope and impact of your pain. This includes:
Detailed Pain History: Discussing the onset of pain, contributing factors, triggers, and how it has evolved over time. This helps identify patterns and potential areas where ketamine therapy may be most effective.
Current Symptoms & Treatment Goals: We explore not only the physical sensations but also how pain affects your mood, sleep, daily activities, and emotional well-being. We set goals for pain reduction and improved quality of life, helping to shape a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.
Personalized Session Planning: Clients are guided through what to expect, focusing on setting the right intention to help frame the experience positively. Whether your goal is to reduce pain intensity, increase functionality, or lessen the emotional burden of chronic pain, this step ensures you are mentally and emotionally prepared.
Active Treatment Phase
TThe active treatment phase is designed to offer a safe and controlled therapeutic experience:
Administration & Monitoring: Ketamine is administered by a trained nurse through oral dissolving tablets or intranasal spray, as determined by your specific needs. The nurse closely monitors your vital signs, comfort, and pain response throughout the session.
Therapeutic Setting & Support: Sessions take place in a calm, private room designed to make you feel comfortable and relaxed. The environment is purposefully therapeutic, helping to foster a sense of safety. Your team is present for part of the session to provide emotional support and reassurance. During this time, clients often describe sensations such as:
Reduced Pain Perception: Pain may feel distant or muted, allowing you to detach from chronic discomfort.
Deep Relaxation & Relief: Many clients experience deep relaxation, often feeling a “lightness” or "unburdening" of pain and emotional stress.
Altered Awareness & Insight: You may gain new perspectives on your pain, making it easier to develop coping strategies and detach from the emotional distress associated with chronic pain.Integration Phase
Integration Phase
The integration phase is crucial for translating the benefits of ketamine therapy into everyday life:
Reflective Discussion: Once the ketamine effects have subsided, a follow-up discussion is conducted to help you process the session’s experience. The nurse or therapist will guide you in exploring any relief felt during the session, new insights about your pain, or shifts in your emotional state.
Applying Insights to Daily Life: The team will work with you to integrate these experiences into practical approaches for managing pain, enhancing daily functionality, and improving emotional well-being. This phase may involve teaching coping techniques, mindfulness practices, or pain management strategies.
Continuous Support for Lasting Relief: The integration period allows for adjustments to be made based on your response to treatment, ensuring that each session builds on the last for lasting benefits. This collaborative approach aims to empower you to better manage your pain and improve your quality of life beyond the treatment room.
After treatment
Post-Treatment Review
Following the initial sessions, a review is conducted to evaluate progress. The team assesses changes in pain levels, functionality, and emotional well-being. This review helps to determine whether additional sessions are needed or if adjustments to the treatment plan should be made
Maintenance Sessions
While many clients find significant relief after the initial series of sessions, some may require maintenance treatments: These maintenance sessions are usually spaced out over weeks or months, depending on how the client responds and the longevity of pain relief experienced. Maintenance can help sustain improvements, allowing for ongoing support and adaptation of the treatment to the client’s changing needs.
Tailored to Individual Needs
Every client’s journey is unique, and the ketamine therapy process is customized to address their specific pain condition, overall health, and therapy goals. Open communication and regular assessments ensure the treatment evolves to provide optimal pain relief and support.
Is Ketamine for pain right for you?
Ketamine therapy can be an effective option for individuals struggling with chronic pain conditions that have not responded well to traditional treatments.
If you experience neuropathic pain, migraines, fibromyalgia, or complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and have tried other pain medications, therapies, or interventions without significant relief, ketamine may offer a new pathway to reduce pain sensitivity and enhance your quality of life.
This treatment is particularly helpful for those who:
Have persistent pain that has been unresponsive to conventional therapies like opioids, antidepressants, or anticonvulsants.
Are seeking rapid relief from pain symptoms, as ketamine’s effects often occur quickly compared to many traditional pain medications.
Experience not only physical pain but also emotional distress and mental health challenges linked to their chronic condition. Ketamine has a unique dual action in reducing pain perception and supporting emotional well-being.
However, ketamine therapy is not for everyone. The best way to know if it’s right for you is to undergo a comprehensive evaluation with a healthcare professional who can assess your pain condition, medical history, and overall health. Your nurse practitioner or physician will help determine if ketamine is a safe and appropriate option to add to your pain management plan.
If you're ready to explore a tailored approach that addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of chronic pain, ketamine therapy could be a promising step forward.
We welcome patients from Ottawa/Gatineau and across Canada to explore this therapeutic modality and start their journey toward healing and wellness.
We work with you and your insurance company to get you the best coverage possible.
Insurance Coverage
Some insurers we’ve worked with:
Veterans Affairs and PCVRS
Canada Life
Medavie Blue Cross
Sunlife
Green Shield,
Equitable Life of Canada,
Pacific Blue Cross
Manulife
And more!
Meet the Team
Our team is made up of dedicated mental health professionals who are passionate about helping you experience meaningful change and improved well-being. With diverse backgrounds in psychotherapy, medicine, and holistic care, our therapists and medical staff bring years of experience to support your journey. At FlowState Therapy, we believe in personalized, compassionate care, and we're here to guide you every step of the way.
The
Clinic
A beautiful and carefully designed space. A true retreat in the heart of Ottawa’s Downtown district.
We are consciously working on opening our space to our community for workshops, support groups and events to support mental health and wellness in Ottawa.
Schedule a Call
We offer a free 15 minute consultation to learn more about our treatments.
Get in touch.
We can’t wait to hear from you!