What to Expect from Psychotherapy at BrainStim

If you’re thinking about psychotherapy at BrainStim, it helps to know what the process looks like before you book. This article walks through the steps, how long each part takes, and what to arrange in advance.

How psychotherapy is offered at BrainStim

At BrainStim, psychotherapy is offered as part of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. This is a structured program with preparation before treatment, therapeutic support during the ketamine session, and integration afterwards. Registered Psychotherapists and Registered Clinical Counsellors work with you through the program, and a psychiatrist oversees your treatment plan.

Ketamine has long been approved as an anesthetic. Using it for mental health conditions is considered off-label, which means it is prescribed for something other than its original approved use. Your psychiatrist can explain what this means for you.

Step 1: A call with our team

Your first step is a call with our team. It is informational, so it is not a medical appointment. We explain our services, the intake process and costs, and we may ask a few basic screening questions. You can start by submitting our online form, booking a call through our website, or contacting us by phone or email. Your doctor or another provider can also refer you.

Step 2: Intake sessions

Before treatment begins, you have two intake appointments:

An intake session with a therapist, about 90 minutes.
An intake assessment with a psychiatrist, about 60 minutes.

The psychiatrist decides which treatment path suits you based on your assessment. Please bring your photo ID and your health card to your first appointment.

Step 3: Preparation session

Next comes a preparation session with your therapist, about 60 minutes. This takes place before your ketamine session.

Step 4: The ketamine session

The ketamine session lasts about two and a half hours. You are not left alone at any point during the session.

Plan ahead for your session days: arrange time off work and a ride home.

Step 5: Integration session

An integration session takes place within 48 hours after your ketamine session. It is a therapy session of about 60 minutes.

How many sessions, and how often?

A typical course is six weekly ketamine sessions, with an integration session after each one. Your plan is personalised, so your psychiatrist will tell you what is right for you. Your psychiatrist follows up with you at the start, the middle and the end of your treatment, and more often if needed.

Is it covered by insurance?

Some extended health plans may cover the psychotherapy part of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. BrainStim does not direct-bill private insurance or extended health plans, except for Veterans Affairs Canada patients. After your assessment, once you have a treatment plan, our team can help you confirm your coverage and provide a pre-determination letter with your plan and costs to send to your insurer.

If you are a Veteran, note that VAC currently funds ketamine and esketamine as medication only. It does not reimburse psychotherapy provided as part of that treatment. This is a funding policy, not a clinical recommendation. Our team can discuss options outside VAC coverage.

Do I need a referral?

No. You can refer yourself. A referral from your doctor or nurse practitioner may allow your provincial health plan to cover the psychiatric assessment. Without one, you can pay privately for the assessment, and in most cases we can book it the same week. Wait times can be longer at some clinics, so ask our team.

Ready to learn more?

Book a 15-minute consultation with our team to ask questions about our services, the intake process and costs.

Book your 15-minute consultation

This article is general information and is not medical advice. Only a licensed medical professional can assess your situation. If you are in crisis or having thoughts of suicide, call or text 9-8-8 any time, or call 9-1-1 in an emergency.