Revolutionizing Mental Health: Stratford’s New Ketamine Clinic Offers Hope for Treatment-Resistant Depression
- Cadiz Salazar
- Feb 6
- 3 min read
A groundbreaking new clinic in Stratford is providing a fresh approach to mental health treatment—offering ketamine therapy as a potential lifeline for those battling severe depression and suicidal thoughts.
A New Frontier in Mental Health Care
For decades, ketamine has been widely recognized as an anesthetic used before surgeries. However, in recent years, researchers have discovered its remarkable ability to alleviate depression—especially in cases where traditional antidepressants and talk therapy have failed.
“About 15 years ago, experts realized that when used in smaller doses—less than what's required for anesthesia but enough to induce a unique state—it can produce incredible results for depression,” explained Dr. Mark Johnston, psychiatrist at NuVista Psychedelic Medicine.
How Does Ketamine Therapy Work?
At NuVista’s Stratford clinic, patients receive esketamine, a prescription nasal spray called Spravato, which was approved by Health Canada in 2020 specifically for treatment-resistant depression.
After administration, patients relax in a quiet, dimly lit room while medical staff closely monitor their vitals, including blood pressure. Every patient undergoes a thorough mental health evaluation by a psychiatrist to determine their eligibility.
“Ketamine isn’t a one-size-fits-all treatment,” Johnston emphasized. “It’s specifically for those with treatment-resistant depression—meaning they’ve failed at least two antidepressant medications in the past.”
What to Expect During a Session
Brandi Martin, a nurse practitioner at NuVista, describes the nasal spray as simple to use, similar to over-the-counter sprays. A session typically lasts between 30 minutes and two hours, depending on the individual’s response.
“Some people experience flashbacks to past events, while others enter a calm, dreamlike state,” Martin explained. “A few even report mild out-of-body experiences.”
For many, the impact is profound.
A Life-Changing Treatment: One Patient’s Story
Matthew Patterson, a Canadian Armed Forces veteran and former firefighter, knows firsthand how trauma can devastate mental health. After suffering from migraines and personality changes following a serious accident, he tried antidepressants and cannabis, but neither provided the relief he desperately needed.
Then he discovered esketamine therapy.
“It’s changed my life tremendously,” Patterson shared. “I feel like I’m a better dad. I can actually have conversations without getting overly frustrated or shutting down.”
Thanks to his treatments, Patterson has returned to school, reconnected with his ex-wife, and now serves as a veteran ambassador for NuVista, advocating for those who might benefit from ketamine therapy.
Barriers to Access and Long-Term Considerations
While esketamine shows great promise, access remains a significant hurdle. A single session at NuVista’s Stratford clinic costs $1,100, with full treatment plans exceeding $6,000. While veterans and RCMP officers may receive coverage, most patients must pay out-of-pocket.
Experts also urge caution regarding potential side effects. Dr. Tyler Kaster, a psychiatrist and medical head at Toronto’s Temerty Centre for Therapeutic Brain Intervention, notes that while esketamine is effective, it should only be considered after traditional treatments.
“Esketamine can cause increased blood pressure and heart rate, and in extreme cases, it may trigger psychosis,” Kaster warned. “It’s not a first, second, or even third-line treatment—it’s an option, but access and long-term effects remain challenges.”
The Future of Ketamine Therapy
While the long-term effects of ketamine treatment are still being studied, its ability to rapidly relieve symptoms of severe depression offers a beacon of hope.
Health P.E.I. stated that while no psychiatrists in the public health-care system are known to prescribe ketamine therapy, the agency remains open to emerging treatments if they meet approved guidelines.
As more clinics like NuVista open their doors, the conversation around innovative mental health treatments continues to evolve. For many patients, ketamine-assisted therapy isn’t just an alternative—it’s a second chance at life.
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