Vancouver patients have access to ketamine therapy through both a publicly funded hospital program and several private clinics. Vancouver Coastal Health operates the Ketamine Intervention Program at UBC Hospital — the only publicly funded ketamine program in BC. Private options include Numinus, Qi Integrated Health, Field Trip Health, and others. ATMA CENA does not operate a corporate or member clinic in British Columbia. This guide covers Vancouver's ketamine landscape honestly — what's available locally, who qualifies for each option, costs, and the BC regulatory framework.
Key takeaways
- ATMA CENA does not have a clinic in British Columbia. This article is an honest guide to Vancouver's local options, including BC providers ATMA CENA does not operate.
- Vancouver Coastal Health's Ketamine Intervention Program at UBC Hospital is publicly funded for treatment-resistant depression — psychiatrist referral required.
- Private options in Vancouver include Numinus, Qi Integrated Health, Field Trip Health, and others. Pricing typically CAD $499–$1,400+ per session.
- CPSBC requires IV ketamine in CPSBC-accredited non-hospital facilities; community settings permitted for IM/oral/sublingual/intranasal under August 2025 interim guidance.
- For BC clinicians: ATMA CENA's training program and coordinated care model are available regardless of clinic geography.
ATMA CENA has no Vancouver clinic — and what that means for you
ATMA CENA operates corporate clinics in Edmonton and Calgary plus a member-clinic network across Alberta, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Quebec. ATMA CENA does not have a corporate or member clinic in British Columbia as of May 2026. We will not pretend otherwise.
What this article is for: an honest, current map of Vancouver's ketamine therapy landscape — including providers ATMA CENA does not operate. The goal is to help BC patients understand their actual local options and to flag pathways (coordinated care, training) where ATMA CENA's network can intersect with BC clinical practice.
The Vancouver Coastal Health Ketamine Intervention Program (VCH KIP)
VCH operates the Ketamine Intervention Program at UBC Hospital — Canada's longest-running publicly funded ketamine program for treatment-resistant depression alongside Edmonton's Misericordia/Grey Nuns program.
| Location | Detwiller Pavilion, UBC Hospital, 2255 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC |
| Cost | $0 (MSP-covered for eligible patients) |
| Indication | Treatment-resistant major depressive disorder only |
| Eligibility | Adults within VCH catchment with documented antidepressant failures |
| Access | Psychiatrist referral required — not self-referral |
| Modality | IV/subcutaneous racemic ketamine, medical model |
| Therapy included | No structured psychotherapy component |
| Capacity | Limited; wait times apply |
VCH has also extended program access to Squamish General Hospital for patients in the Sea-to-Sky corridor. The program is medical-model — IV ketamine infusions with monitoring, but without bundled preparation or integration psychotherapy.
If you have severe TRD, an existing psychiatrist, and can wait for capacity, the VCH program is often the appropriate first option to discuss with your psychiatrist.
For more on the program: vch.ca/ketamine-intervention-program.
Private ketamine clinics in Vancouver
For patients who do not qualify for VCH or need faster access, several private clinics serve the Greater Vancouver area:
- Numinus Vancouver (2555 Commercial Dr) — multi-modal: IM, oral lozenge, IV, and Spravato (esketamine). Structured prepare-experience-integrate model. KAT sessions from approximately CAD $925.
- Qi Integrated Health (1764 W 7th Ave, Kitsilano) — multidisciplinary wellness clinic operating since 2006. PsyQi program: medically supervised KAT including 6-week structured track.
- Field Trip Health Vancouver (1450 Creekside Dr) — IM ketamine + KAP. Operating status post-2023 corporate restructuring should be verified directly.
- Empower Health Vancouver — sublingual or IM, 4-stage model (intake, preparation, KAT sessions, integration).
- An Elegant Mind Counselling — sublingual/IM with Registered Clinical Counsellor; pricing approximately CAD $964–$1,379 per session all-in.
- Wave Vancouver Ketamine Clinic — IV ketamine, anaesthesia-led; approximately CAD $499 per infusion.
- Roots to Thrive (Nanaimo, Vancouver Island) — non-profit group KAP model; CAD $3,200 + GST for the group program. Serves Vancouver Island patients primarily.
Private KAT in Vancouver typically runs CAD $499–$1,400+ per session depending on modality, integration, and clinical team. The Ketamine Therapy Cost in Canada page has the full pricing breakdown.
How does ketamine work?
Ketamine acts on the brain's glutamate system through NMDA receptor antagonism, triggering AMPA receptor activation, BDNF release, and synaptogenesis — the formation of new neural connections within 24 to 72 hours. Conventional antidepressants take 4 to 6 weeks to act on serotonin and norepinephrine; ketamine can produce antidepressant effects within 2 to 72 hours of a single IV dose (Lullau et al., 2023). The Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments places IV racemic ketamine as a third-line treatment for adults with TRD (Swainson et al., 2021). For the full mechanism explanation, see What Is Ketamine Therapy?.
British Columbia's regulatory framework
Two layers govern Vancouver ketamine clinics:
Federal — Health Canada. Ketamine is a Schedule I controlled substance, prescribed off-label for psychiatric use. Spravato is Health Canada-approved for treatment-resistant MDD.
Provincial — CPSBC. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC operates two parallel frameworks:
- IV ketamine for mood disorders must be administered in a CPSBC-accredited non-hospital medical/surgical facility by a physician with anaesthesia training (critical care, emergency medicine, or family practice anaesthesia). See CPSBC IV Ketamine Standard.
- IM, oral, sublingual, and intranasal ketamine in community settings is governed by CPSBC's August 2025 interim guidance. Verbatim: "Ketamine assisted therapy is currently an uninsured service." Physicians must obtain documented informed consent and ensure treatment is justified by the patient's condition.
For non-physician clinicians: BCACC October 2024 guidance permits Registered Clinical Counsellors to participate in preparation, in-session support, and integration within sanctioned clinical-trial or SAP-context teams under prescriber oversight; RCCs cannot apply for or administer ketamine independently. BCCSW guidance permits RSWs to provide preparation and integration counselling.
BC public coverage and insurance
MSP: Covers physician consultations and the VCH Ketamine Intervention Program for eligible TRD patients with psychiatrist referral. Does not cover private-clinic ketamine drug or administration for psychiatric use.
BC PharmaCare: Issued a Do Not Reimburse decision for Spravato (esketamine), citing CADTH's recommendation against public reimbursement. Spravato is not on the standard PharmaCare formulary; Plan G (psychiatric medications) excludes it. See BC PharmaCare Spravato decision.
Pacific Blue Cross: No published ketamine coverage policy as of May 2026. Verify with your specific plan.
WorkSafeBC: Reviews ketamine claims case-by-case; no formal listed benefit. Patients with compensable injuries should consult their case manager.
Veterans Affairs Canada: Covers ketamine as a non-formulary product for service-related TRD or chronic pain on a case-by-case basis.
The practical result: most Vancouver patients pay out-of-pocket for private ketamine therapy. The VCH program is the only zero-cost pathway, and only for eligible TRD patients with psychiatrist referral.
What does ketamine therapy cost in Vancouver?
| Provider | Per session (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| VCH Ketamine Intervention Program | $0 | MSP-covered for eligible TRD patients; psychiatrist referral required |
| Wave Vancouver Ketamine Clinic | ~$499 | IV ketamine, anaesthesia-led |
| Numinus Vancouver | ~$375 (medical session) / ~$925 (full KAT) | Multi-modal |
| Qi Integrated Health | Contact for pricing | Sublingual/IM with structured therapy |
| An Elegant Mind | ~$964–$1,379 all-in | Sublingual/IM with RCC integrated |
| Empower Health | Contact for pricing | Sublingual/IM, 4-stage model |
| Roots to Thrive (Nanaimo) | Group: $3,200 + GST | 12-week group program; Vancouver Island |
| Spravato (esketamine), induction | $250–$800/session | $5,000–$7,000 for 4-week induction without coverage |
For the full Canadian pricing breakdown, see Ketamine Therapy Cost in Canada.
Who is a candidate?
Most Canadian ketamine programs use the following inclusion criteria:
- Adults 18 or older
- Diagnosis of TRD (failure of 2+ adequate antidepressant trials), 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, see How to Qualify for Ketamine Therapy in Canada.
The VCH program has narrower criteria (TRD only with psychiatrist referral). Vancouver private clinics generally accept self-referrals and serve a broader range of indications.
For BC clinicians: ATMA CENA's training and coordinated care network
ATMA CENA has no BC clinic, but ATMA CENA's training program and coordinated care model are available to BC clinicians regardless of geography:
Training: ATMA CENA's psychedelic therapy training programs (clinician training information) are open to BC clinicians. The Clinical Pathway is appropriate for BC psychologists (CHCPBC), Registered Clinical Counsellors (BCACC), and other regulated mental-health professionals practising in BC. Training completion does not require BC clinic geography.
Coordinated care: The coordinated care model lets a trained therapist remain the primary therapeutic relationship while ATMA CENA provides medical oversight and dosing infrastructure. Coordinated care currently operates through ATMA CENA clinic locations. BC clinicians who complete training are positioned to integrate KAT into their practice as ATMA CENA expands and to work within existing BC clinical settings that meet their college's requirements.
For BC patients whose therapist is interested: A trained BC therapist working with a BC prescriber is one configuration the coordinated care model can support. The ATMA CENA information call is the best starting point for figuring out whether this fits your situation.
Practical notes for Vancouver patients
- 24-hour no-driving rule applies to all ketamine sessions. TransLink SkyTrain and bus are options, but a designated driver or rideshare is the clinical recommendation post-session.
- VCH UBC Hospital location is in Point Grey — accessible via UBC bus services and TransLink. Plan an escort for return travel.
- Private clinics in central Vancouver (Commercial Drive, Kitsilano) are SkyTrain/bus accessible. Wave Vancouver and other anaesthesia-led IV clinics may be in different neighbourhoods — verify.
Frequently asked questions
Does ATMA CENA have a clinic in Vancouver? No. ATMA CENA operates corporate clinics in Edmonton and Calgary plus a member-clinic network across Alberta, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Quebec. There is no ATMA CENA BC clinic as of May 2026.
Is ketamine therapy covered by MSP or PharmaCare? MSP covers physician consultations and the VCH Ketamine Intervention Program for eligible TRD patients with psychiatrist referral. BC PharmaCare does not cover Spravato (Do Not Reimburse decision) or generic ketamine for psychiatric use.
How do I access the VCH Ketamine Intervention Program? Discuss with your psychiatrist. The program requires psychiatrist referral within the VCH system. Eligibility is treatment-resistant major depressive disorder with documented antidepressant failures.
What's the difference between the VCH program and a private Vancouver clinic? VCH is medical-model IV ketamine, MSP-covered, TRD-only, psychiatrist-gated. Private clinics offer broader modalities (IM, sublingual, oral, Spravato), self-referral access, treat a wider range of indications, and operate as private-pay with varying integration of psychotherapy.
How long does a ketamine session last in Vancouver? The acute experience typically lasts 45 to 90 minutes. Full session including monitoring is 90–120 minutes for IV; Spravato requires a minimum 2-hour observation per Health Canada. Patients cannot drive for 24 hours afterwards.
Is ketamine legal in Canada for therapy? Yes. Ketamine is a controlled substance under the CDSA, legally prescribed by physicians and nurse practitioners. Off-label psychiatric use is permitted. Spravato is Health Canada-approved for treatment-resistant MDD.
Can I get ketamine therapy for anxiety or PTSD in Vancouver, or only for depression? The VCH program treats TRD only. Private Vancouver clinics treat a broader range — anxiety, PTSD, OCD, chronic pain — case-by-case based on clinical assessment.
I'm a BC therapist — can I offer ketamine therapy through ATMA CENA? ATMA CENA's training program is available to BC clinicians regardless of geography. The coordinated care model currently operates through ATMA CENA clinic locations. Discuss with your training advisor during the information call.
Where is the VCH Ketamine Intervention Program located? Detwiller Pavilion, UBC Hospital, 2255 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver. Also extended to Squamish General Hospital for Sea-to-Sky corridor patients.
Sources
- ATMA CENA — Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy: https://psychedelic.healthcare/
- ATMA CENA — find care near you: https://psychedelic.healthcare/find-care
- ATMA CENA — Psychedelic Therapy Training: https://psychedelic.healthcare/clinician-resources
- Vancouver Coastal Health — Ketamine Intervention Program: https://www.vch.ca/en/service/ketamine-intervention-program-treatment-resistant-depression
- CPSBC — IV Ketamine for Mood Disorders Standard: https://www.cpsbc.ca/files/pdf/NHMSFAP-AS-Intravenous-Use-of-Ketamine-for-the-Treatment-of-Mood-Disorders.pdf
- CPSBC — IM/Oral/Sublingual/Intranasal Ketamine Interim Guidance (August 2025): https://www.cpsbc.ca/files/pdf/IG-Ketamine-Administration-via-Intramuscular-Oral-Sublingual-Intranasal-Routes.pdf
- BC PharmaCare — Esketamine (Spravato) Decision: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/health/health-drug-coverage/pharmacare/decisions/esketamine_hydrochloride_spravato_dds.pdf
- BCACC — Health Canada Guidelines on Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy (October 2024): https://bcacc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Health-Canada-Guidelines-on-Psychedelic-Assisted-Therapy-2024.pdf
- BCCSW — Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy Practice Guidance: https://bccsw.ca/for-registrants/standards-scope-of-practice/practice-guidance/practice-guidance-document-for-registrants-psychedelic-assisted-psychotherapy/
- Health Canada DPD — Spravato: https://health-products.canada.ca/dpd-bdpp/info?lang=eng&code=98903
- CADTH / CDA-AMC — Esketamine Reimbursement Review: https://www.cda-amc.ca/esketamine-hydrochloride
- 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
- Ketamine Therapy in Edmonton
- Ketamine Therapy in Toronto and the GTA
- Find care near you
- Psychedelic Therapy Training in Canada
Last updated: 2026-05-05