Ketamine-Assisted Therapy in Calgary

Ketamine is a medication that has been safely used in medicine for over 50 years primarily as an anesthetic. In lower doses, it has been found to have powerful effects on mood and thought patterns.

Research shows that ketamine can:

• Reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD

• Support emotional healing by disrupting rigid, negative thought loops

• Increase neuroplasticity, meaning the brain’s ability to form new connections

Ketamine acts on the brain's glutamate system to promote neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to form new connections. When combined with psychotherapy, this can reduce rigid thought patterns linked to depression, anxiety, or trauma, making it easier to access new perspectives and emotional breakthroughs.

At Bloom Institute, ketamine is administered in a safe, supportive environment by Psychiatrists and trained professionals who guide you through the experience with care.

Ketamine-Assisted Therapy (KAT) is a treatment approach that combines the medical effects of ketamine with psychological support from trained therapists.

Key Elements of KAT:

●  Set (Mindset): An individual’s mental and emotional state going into treatment plays a vital role in shaping the experience. Preparation sessions help clients understand what to expect, explore their intentions, and cultivate an open, curious mindset.

●  Setting (Environment): Sessions take place in a calm, comfortable, and supportive clinical environment. Safety and comfort are essential for fostering a positive and meaningful experience.

●  Trained Providers: Our multidisciplinary team—including physicians, therapists, nurses, and paramedics—provides guidance and support before, during, and after each session. This collaborative approach ensures that clients receive comprehensive care tailored to their needs.

●  Preparation:  Before treatment begins, clients participate in preparation sessions designed to build a trusting therapeutic relationship and establish a foundation for the work ahead. These sessions offer psychoeducation about the KAT process, clarify personal intentions, and address expectations to help clients feel grounded and ready for the experience.

●  Integration: After each session, clients engage in integration therapy to process and make sense of their experiences. This phase focuses on applying new insights to daily life and strengthening emotional regulation tools and strategies, supporting ongoing growth and stability beyond treatment.

In Alberta, strict eligibility criteria are in place to ensure patient safety and optimize outcomes. Our KAT therapies are supervised by a psychiatrist and follow the current Alberta Health and CPSA regulatory guidelines. To be considered for KAT, individuals must meet the following requirements:

Eligibility Criteria (per Alberta Health Services):

●  Diagnosis of a treatment-resistant mental health condition, such as:

○  Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

○  Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

○  Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

○  Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

○  Bipolar Depression

●  Inadequate response to at least two evidence-based treatments, such as:

○  Two or more antidepressant medications, OR

○  One medication and one structured psychotherapy (e.g. CBT, DBT), OR

○  Two structured therapy modalities

●  Must be under the care of a psychiatrist or physician who can provide a referral.

●  Age 18 or older

Each case is reviewed individually by our clinical team to ensure suitability and safety.

Please note that Bloom Institute reserves the right to decline treatment following the initial medical and/or psychiatric intake for individuals deemed ineligible due to medical or mental health considerations.

Ketamine-assisted therapy is not suitable for everyone. Some conditions or circumstances increase the risk of complications or reduce the likelihood of benefit.

Exclusion Criteria:

●  Uncontrolled medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, cirrhosis, renal failure, moderate-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), hydrocephalus, brain mass, glaucoma

●  Current substance use disorder (excluding nicotine or caffeine)

●  History of psychosis, schizophrenia, or active mania

●  History of dissociation

●  Pregnancy or breastfeeding

●  Active suicidal ideation with a plan or recent suicide attempt (requires stabilization first)

●  Unstable psychiatric conditions that require acute inpatient care

●  Neurocognitive disorders, such as dementia

●  Traumatic brain injury with symptoms

Our team conducts a thorough screening process to prioritize client safety. If ketamine-assisted therapy isn’t appropriate, other evidence-based treatment options include antidepressant medications, mood stabilizers, therapy, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).

While ketamine is generally safe when administered in a medical setting, it does carry some risks and side effects, such as:

●  Nausea or loss of appetite

●  Increased blood pressure or heart rate (transient)

●  Disorientation or confusion during sessions

●  Headache or pressure in the eyes

●  Dizziness or blurred/double vision

●  Excitability/agitation or anxiety

●  Bruising at the injection site

●  Fatigue 

Our clinic follows best practices in ketamine administration, including thorough medical screening, continuous monitoring, and psychological support to minimize these risks.

A psychedelic dose is a high dose of ketamine, administered by intramuscular injection, that puts you in a full, non-ordinary state of consciousness. During this time, you will be resting with eye shades and curated music while the ketamine opens up different neuropathways and allow you a different level of internal experience. As ketamine is a dissociative drug, you may feel some disconnection which enables you to view yourself through a different lens.

A psycholytic dose is a lower dose of ketamine, administered intranasally, that allows you to experience a non-ordinary state of consciousness while also able to stay in the present moment and consciously process with your therapist. This allows you to step away from your ingrained defenses to access and address material that may have been too challenging to face in traditional therapy, allowing you the space to safely observe and process this material.

Group Program – 9 Weeks | $4,995

Includes: 4 psychedelic doses + 4 psycholytic doses
Our most cost-effective and highly recommended option, the group program offers the added therapeutic benefit of shared experience. While the cost of therapy and monitoring is shared among group members, many participants report that the greatest value comes from the deep sense of connection fostered in group work. Ketamine is known to enhance feelings of connectedness, making group-based dosing and therapy especially impactful.

We understand that some clients may initially feel hesitant about being in a vulnerable state with others. However, we take great care to create a safe, respectful, and confidential environment. Based on our team’s experience, clients often express deep appreciation for the group dynamic and the unique healing it provides.

Program structure:

•  Weeks 1–3: One 2-hour group session per week focused on preparatory work to help establish psychological safety (“set”) and build the therapeutic alliance. 

•  Weeks 4–7: Two group sessions per week. One involves a psychedelic dose (intramuscular ketamine), and the other a psycholytic dose (lower-dose intranasal ketamine with therapy). Psychedelic sessions typically occur on Monday or Tuesday; psycholytic sessions on Wednesday or Thursday.

• Weeks 8–9: One 2-hour group session per week focused on integration, helping participants process insights and apply them to everyday life.

All sessions in this program are conducted in a group format.

Hybrid Program – 9(+) Weeks | $6,071

Includes: 4 psychedelic doses (group) + 4 psycholytic doses (individual)
The hybrid program mirrors the group program in structure and content, but blends group and individual care. All sessions are conducted in a group setting, however psycholytic therapy sessions will be conducted individually. This option allows for a degree of cost savings while still offering personalized attention during therapy. 

This program offers a middle path — combining the benefits of shared psychedelic experience with individualized therapeutic support.

Custom Program – 9(+) Weeks | $7,100

Includes: All sessions individual (4 psychedelic + 4 psycholytic doses)
This fully individualized option follows the same overall structure as the group program but is tailored entirely to one-on-one sessions. It's ideal for those who prefer a private therapeutic setting or need maximum scheduling flexibility.

Purchasing this program as a package offers savings compared to booking sessions individually.

Continuing Care - Individual Sessions

Individual ketamine sessions — booked outside of a full program — are best suited for clients who have prior experience with ketamine-assisted therapy or are transitioning from another clinic and seeking maintenance care. 

Please note: If transferring care from another provider, clients must either provide documentation or undergo a full psychiatric and medical intake, including a new referral.

Pricing:

•  Single psychedelic dose (intramuscular): $800

  *requires integration session or psycholytic dose session added separately

•  Single psycholytic dose (intranasal): $600

• Dosing pair (1 psychedelic + 1 psycholytic): $1,400

◦  To be booked as: psychedelic dose first, followed by psycholytic dose

All patients must be referred using our referral form by a psychiatrist, family physician, or nurse practitioner who is able to oversee their care and provide ongoing supervision following the completion of ketamine-assisted therapy. Referrals are first reviewed through an initial screening process to determine basic eligibility. If appropriate, the patient will then be scheduled for a psychiatric assessment with one of our psychiatrists and a medical assessment with a family physician. These intake appointments are covered by Alberta Health Services, meaning there is no cost to the patient.

To respect our physicians’ time, we require a credit card on file when booking these appointments. A $150 fee will be charged for no-shows or cancellations made with less than 24 hours’ notice. Exceptions may be made in cases of extenuating circumstances, assessed individually.

Following the assessments, our team reviews each case collaboratively. If the patient is deemed eligible and safe to proceed with ketamine-assisted therapy (KAT), they may begin the booking process. For our 9-week programs, a 50% deposit is required at the time of booking, with the remaining balance due at the program’s midpoint. For individual packages or single sessions, full payment is required in advance to confirm scheduling.

We understand that life can be unpredictable, and sometimes plans need to change. If you need to reschedule your session, please let us know at least 48 hours in advance so we can accommodate your request.

Requests made with less than 48 hours’ notice will incur a $100 rescheduling fee. This policy helps us honor the time reserved for your care, as each session involves coordination between your therapist and a medical professional (nurse or paramedic) to ensure your safety and support.

We do recognize that unexpected circumstances can occur, and we’re happy to review these situations on a case-by-case basis.

Group sessions:
Because group sessions run as scheduled for all participants, they unfortunately can’t be rescheduled. However, if you miss a group session, you have the option to book an individual session to make up for it by covering the cost difference. This allows you to stay on track and continue participating in your group sessions.

We take great care to ensure that every client is fully prepared for treatment through our detailed intake process. This helps confirm safety criteria, set clear expectations, and review any alternative options before moving forward.

Because your appointment time, medicine, and care team are reserved specifically for you, we ask that you commit to your scheduled session.

Individual Appointments

• Cancellations made with less than 48 hours’ notice are not eligible for a refund, as time and resources have already been allocated for your care.

• Missed appointment or late cancellation fees vary by appointment type:

  • Non-psychedelic individual therapy session: $150 rebooking fee if cancelled with less than 48 hours’ notice or missed.

  • Psychiatric or medical consults: $300 rebooking fee if cancelled with less than 48 hours’ notice or missed.

  • Individual high- or low-dose sessions: $200 rebooking fee if cancelled with less than 48 hours’ notice or missed.

Group Programs

• Cancellations made less than one week before the FIRST scheduled session are not eligible for a refund, due to the nature of the booking and shared costs between participants.

• If the first appointment is more than one week away, a full refund (minus a $45 processing fee) will be provided.

• After this time frame, group sessions are non-refundable, as another participant will no longer be able to take that spot.

Please note that sessions that have been attended are non-refundable.