Edmonton is one of the few Canadian cities where ketamine therapy is available through both a publicly funded hospital program and private clinics. Covenant Health's Misericordia and Grey Nuns Hospitals have operated a publicly funded IV ketamine program for treatment-resistant depression since 2015, with more than 10,000 infusions delivered. ATMA CENA operates a corporate clinic at 5555 Calgary Trail NW providing ketamine-assisted psychotherapy with structured preparation and integration. This guide explains both pathways, who qualifies for each, costs, and how to start.
Key takeaways
- Edmonton has Canada's most established public ketamine program — Misericordia and Grey Nuns Hospitals via Covenant Health, AHCIP-covered for eligible TRD patients.
- The public program requires psychiatrist referral and is limited to TRD with documented antidepressant failures; it does not include integrated psychotherapy.
- ATMA CENA's Edmonton corporate clinic is at 5555 Calgary Trail NW; phone (780) 245-2362.
- ATMA CENA's ketamine-assisted psychotherapy combines preparation, dosing, and integration — a different model from medical-only IV ketamine.
- Alberta Blue Cross has covered psychedelic-assisted therapy including ketamine for eligible plans since March 2024.
Edmonton's two pathways at a glance
| Misericordia / Grey Nuns (Covenant Health) | ATMA CENA Edmonton | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Publicly funded hospital program | Private clinic, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy |
| Cost | $0 (AHCIP-covered for eligible patients) | CAD $1,530–$6,930 depending on pathway |
| Access | Psychiatrist referral required | Self-referral accepted |
| Indication | Treatment-resistant depression only | TRD, PTSD, anxiety, OCD, chronic pain |
| Therapy included | Medical-model IV ketamine; no integrated psychotherapy | Preparation + dosing + integration psychotherapy |
| Modalities | IV ketamine | KAP (psychedelic and psycholytic dosing) |
| Patient pool | Ultra-resistant TRD (mean 8.1 prior antidepressants in early cohort) | Broader range; clinical assessment determines fit |
| Wait time | Variable; psychiatrist-gated | Most patients first session within 2–4 weeks |
Both are legitimate Edmonton options. The right one depends on your diagnosis, prior treatment history, access to a psychiatrist, and whether you want integrated psychotherapy as part of treatment.
The Misericordia / Grey Nuns public ketamine program
Covenant Health operates Edmonton's public ketamine program at two hospital sites: Misericordia Community Hospital and Grey Nuns Community Hospital. The program has run since 2015 and is one of the longest-operating publicly funded ketamine services in Canada.
Who qualifies: Adults with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder — failure of at least two adequate antidepressant trials at therapeutic dose. The early cohort had failed an average of 8.1 prior antidepressant trials and 90% had failed electroconvulsive therapy (Chrenek et al., 2024). The program serves an ultra-resistant population.
Access: Psychiatrist referral required. Patients without an existing psychiatrist need to obtain one through their family physician's referral first. There is no self-referral pathway.
Protocol: IV ketamine 0.5 mg/kg over 40 minutes; 8 infusions twice weekly during the acute phase; step-down to maintenance dosing where indicated. Sessions occur in the hospital neuromodulation suite with dedicated nursing staff.
Cost: Covered under AHCIP for eligible patients — no out-of-pocket cost for the infusions themselves.
Limitations: The program is medical-model — no integrated preparation or integration psychotherapy. It treats TRD only; PTSD, anxiety, OCD, and chronic pain are not in scope. Capacity is limited and wait times apply.
If you have severe TRD, an existing psychiatrist, and no urgent need for integrated psychotherapy, the public program is often the appropriate first option to discuss with your psychiatrist.
ATMA CENA's Edmonton clinic
| Address | 5555 Calgary Trail NW, Edmonton, AB T6H 5P9 |
| Phone | (780) 245-2362 |
| Hours | Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Services | Ketamine-Assisted Therapy (KAT) — psychedelic and psycholytic dosing modes; rTMS; general therapy; psilocybin and MDMA via Health Canada SAP |
| Regulatory | CPSA-accredited; CAP-affiliated |
| Conditions treated | Depression, PTSD, anxiety, addiction, chronic pain, eating disorders, ADHD |
ATMA CENA's KAT model uses a three-phase structure: preparation sessions before dosing, the dosing session itself, and integration sessions after. This addresses the durability question raised by Wilkinson et al. (2017), which showed that adding 12 weeks of CBT after a 4-session IV ketamine course extended antidepressant durability — relapse occurred in only 25% of responders by week 8 versus 55–89% in comparable open-label ketamine-only protocols.
For broader Edmonton clinic services beyond ketamine, see our Edmonton clinic page.
How does ketamine work?
Ketamine acts on the brain's glutamate system. The primary mechanism is antagonism at NMDA receptors, which triggers a downstream surge of glutamate, activates AMPA receptors, and stimulates BDNF release and synaptogenesis — the formation of new neural connections within 24 to 72 hours of a dose. Where conventional antidepressants take 4 to 6 weeks to act, ketamine can produce antidepressant effects within 2 to 72 hours of a single IV dose (Lullau et al., 2023). For the full mechanism explanation, see What Is Ketamine Therapy?.
Alberta's regulatory framework
Three layers govern Edmonton ketamine clinics:
Federal — Health Canada. Ketamine is a Schedule I controlled substance, prescribed off-label for psychiatric use. Spravato (intranasal esketamine) is Health Canada-approved for treatment-resistant MDD as of May 2020.
Provincial — CPSA March 2026 guidance. CPSA's Ketamine Prescribing, Administration and Oversight Expectations requires IV ketamine for psychiatric indications to be prescribed by a psychiatrist or physician in consultation with a psychiatrist, and administered in a CPSA-accredited non-hospital facility. PAPT using ketamine must be in a CPSA-accredited facility regardless of route. SQ/IM/oral/sublingual/intranasal routes may be administered in community settings.
Provincial — Mental Health Services Protection Regulation. Sets the framework for psychedelic drug treatment services in Alberta.
Insurance, WCB, and AHCIP coverage
AHCIP: Covers physician consultations and the Misericordia/Grey Nuns hospital program for eligible TRD patients. Does not cover private-clinic ketamine drug or administration for psychiatric use.
Alberta Blue Cross: Covers psychedelic-assisted therapy including ketamine for eligible plans (effective March 2024). Many Edmonton employers offer ABC as a benefits plan — verify with your administrator. See Alberta Blue Cross Coverage for Psychedelic Therapy.
WCB Alberta: Covers IV ketamine and Spravato with prior authorization (Form C1520) for compensable TRD, CRPS, refractory neuropathic pain, and serious injury cases. Detail at wcb.ab.ca. For ATMA CENA's WCB pathway, see Workers' Compensation Coverage in Alberta.
Veterans Affairs Canada: Covers ketamine as a non-formulary product for service-related TRD or chronic pain on a case-by-case basis.
What does ketamine therapy cost in Edmonton?
| Treatment | Per session (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Public IV ketamine (Misericordia/Grey Nuns) | $0 | AHCIP-covered for eligible TRD patients with psychiatrist referral |
| ATMA CENA KAT Psychedelic Pathway | $1,585 initial + $795/additional | Includes preparation, dosing, integration |
| ATMA CENA KAT Psycholytic Pathway | $1,530 initial + $740/additional | Includes preparation, dosing, integration |
| ATMA CENA Customized KAT | $2,325–$6,930 | 2–8 medicine sessions with mixed modalities |
| The Sitting Room (Edmonton) — sublingual KAP | $685/session | Booked individually; medical screening covered by AHCIP |
| Spravato (esketamine) | $250–$800/session | 4-week induction CAD $5,000–$7,000 without coverage |
For the full Canadian pricing breakdown, see Ketamine Therapy Cost in Canada.
Who is a candidate?
Most Edmonton clinics use the following inclusion criteria:
- Adults 18 or older
- Diagnosis of TRD (failure of 2+ adequate antidepressant trials), MDD with suicidal ideation, bipolar depression with mood-stabilizer coverage, PTSD, anxiety disorders, OCD, or chronic pain
- Medically stable; able to provide informed consent
Absolute contraindications: active psychosis, uncontrolled severe hypertension, severe cardiovascular disease, current pregnancy, anaphylactic reaction to ketamine, active manic episode. For full eligibility detail, see How to Qualify for Ketamine Therapy in Canada.
The public Misericordia/Grey Nuns program has narrower criteria — TRD only, with psychiatrist referral. ATMA CENA's private clinic accepts a broader range of indications and self-referrals.
What to expect during a session at ATMA CENA
Patients arrive at the Calgary Trail NW clinic having fasted (typical for IV protocols) or eaten lightly per program instructions. Vitals are checked. The clinical team administers the dose — IV, IM, or sublingual depending on protocol. The acute experience typically lasts 45 to 90 minutes. The therapist or nurse stays with the patient throughout.
After the dosing window, patients rest for 30 to 60 minutes (longer for Spravato — Health Canada requires a minimum 2-hour observation). Patients cannot drive for at least 24 hours and need an escort home.
Edmonton practical note: Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) and the Capital Line LRT serve South Edmonton Common, walking distance from the 5555 Calgary Trail NW location. For winter sessions (November–March), allow extra travel time and consider snow conditions when arranging the post-session driver.
Frequently asked questions
How does the Misericordia/Grey Nuns public ketamine program work? Covenant Health operates the program at two Edmonton hospital sites. Eligibility: adults with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder, accessed via psychiatrist referral. Protocol: IV ketamine 0.5 mg/kg over 40 minutes, 8 infusions twice weekly during the acute phase. Cost: AHCIP-covered for eligible patients — no out-of-pocket cost.
Do I need a psychiatrist referral for ATMA CENA? No. ATMA CENA accepts self-referrals. The public Misericordia/Grey Nuns program does require psychiatrist referral.
How much does ketamine therapy cost in Edmonton? Public program: $0 (AHCIP-covered for eligible TRD patients). Private KAT at ATMA CENA: CAD $1,530–$6,930 depending on pathway. The Sitting Room (sublingual KAP): CAD $685/session. Spravato 4-week induction: CAD $5,000–$7,000 without insurance coverage.
Where is ATMA CENA's Edmonton clinic? 5555 Calgary Trail NW, Edmonton, AB T6H 5P9. Phone (780) 245-2362. Hours Monday–Friday 8:30 AM–5:00 PM.
Is the public program better than private KAT? Different. The public program is medical-model IV ketamine for TRD only — no integrated psychotherapy. ATMA CENA's KAP includes preparation and integration sessions, treats a broader range of indications, and accepts self-referrals but is private-pay. The right fit depends on diagnosis, access to a psychiatrist, and whether you want bundled psychotherapy.
What if I don't have a psychiatrist?
Can I drive after a ketamine session? No. Patients cannot drive for at least 24 hours after a session. Arrange a designated driver or rideshare in advance.
Is ketamine therapy covered by Alberta Blue Cross? Alberta Blue Cross covers psychedelic-assisted therapy including ketamine for eligible plans (effective March 2024). Verify with your specific plan administrator.
What conditions besides depression do you treat? TRD, MDD with suicidal ideation, bipolar depression (with mood-stabilizer coverage), PTSD, anxiety disorders, OCD, chronic pain (CRPS, neuropathic). ATMA CENA's private clinic covers a broader range than the public program, which is TRD-only.
Sources
- ATMA CENA — Edmonton Clinic: https://psychedelic.healthcare/psychedelic-therapy-edmonton/
- ATMA CENA — Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy (pricing): https://psychedelic.healthcare/
- Covenant Health — Misericordia and Grey Nuns Ketamine Program: https://covenanthealth.ca/news-and-events/news/ketamine-used-to-treat-depression-at-the-misericordia-and-grey-nuns-hospitals
- CPSA Ketamine Prescribing Guidance (March 2026): https://cpsa.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/CPSA_Ketamine-Guidance_March-2026.pdf
- CPSA PAPT Facility Accreditation: https://cpsa.ca/facilities-clinics/accreditation/psychedelic-assisted-psychotherapy/
- Alberta MHSP Regulation 114/2021: https://www.canlii.org/en/ab/laws/regu/alta-reg-114-2021/latest/alta-reg-114-2021.html
- Health Canada DPD — Spravato: https://health-products.canada.ca/dpd-bdpp/info?lang=eng&code=98903
- WCB Alberta — Ketamine and Esketamine: https://www.wcb.ab.ca/about-wcb/procedures-manual/pharmaceutical-ketamine-and-esketamine.html
- PsyCan — Alberta Blue Cross Coverage Announcement: https://psychedelicscanada.org/media/2024/04/psycan-welcomes-expansion-of-insurance-coverage-for-psychedelic-assisted-therapy-in-alberta
- Chrenek C, et al. (2024). Edmonton community ketamine program. Front Psychiatry. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1283733/full
- Wilkinson ST, et al. (2017). CBT after ketamine. Psychother Psychosom. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5516265/
- Lullau APM, et al. (2023). Antidepressant mechanisms of ketamine. Front Neurosci. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnins.2023.1223145/full
- Swainson J, et al. (2021). CANMAT racemic ketamine recommendations. Can J Psychiatry. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33174760/
Related articles
- Ketamine Therapy in Canada
- What Is Ketamine Therapy?
- Ketamine Therapy Cost in Canada
- How to Qualify for Ketamine Therapy in Canada
- Ketamine Therapy for Depression
- Ketamine Therapy in Calgary
- ATMA CENA Edmonton Clinic — full services
- Alberta Blue Cross Coverage for Psychedelic Therapy
- Workers' Compensation Coverage for Psychedelic Therapy in Alberta
Last updated: 2026-05-05