Clinical Services
A Path to Better Mental Health with Psychotherapy
BrainStim’s Registered Psychotherapists and Registered Clinical Counsellors provide psychotherapy as part of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, alongside psychiatrist-led assessment and treatment planning for depression, anxiety, trauma and other mental health challenges.
Compassionate
What is Psychotherapy?
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is a structured program with preparation before treatment, therapeutic support during the ketamine session, and integration afterwards.
Our Registered Psychotherapists / Registered Clinical Counsellors provide personalized psychotherapy in a supportive environment designed to foster healing and personal growth. Meet our clinical team on each clinic’s location page.
We tailor each treatment plan to individual needs, whether you are navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, or other mental health challenges. Your therapist will work with you to explore coping strategies and set goals.
YOUR TREATMENT JOURNEY
What to Expect
A clear look at each step, from your first conversation with our team through ongoing follow-up.
Before your first visit
At BrainStim, psychotherapy is offered as part of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. You begin with a call with our team, then an intake session with a therapist (about 90 minutes), an intake assessment with a psychiatrist (about 60 minutes), and a preparation session with a therapist (about 60 minutes).
During your appointment
During your ketamine session you are not left alone at any point. After the session, you have an integration therapy session.
How long it takes
The integration session is about 60 minutes and takes place within 48 hours after your ketamine session. A typical course is six weekly ketamine sessions, each followed by an integration session.
Right after
Arrange time off work and a ride home for your session days.
Next steps
Your psychiatrist follows up with you at the start, the middle and the end of your treatment, and more often if needed.
How psychotherapy works at BrainStim
Who provides it
Registered Psychotherapists and Registered Clinical Counsellors provide psychotherapy at BrainStim. It is offered as part of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy.
Concerns commonly discussed
Our therapists work with people living with depression, anxiety and trauma, among other mental health challenges. Your therapist works with you to explore coping strategies and set goals.
How your plan is decided
Your psychiatrist assesses what is suitable for you, and your plan is personalised. A typical course is six weekly ketamine sessions, each followed by an integration session.
Virtual or in person
Virtual care is available where applicable at all of our locations. Our team can tell you which parts of your plan can be done virtually.
How progress is reviewed.
Your psychiatrist follows up with you at the start, the middle and the end of your treatment, and more often if needed.
Care varies from person to person.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens in my first session?
Your first therapy session is an intake session with a therapist, about 90 minutes. You also have a psychiatrist intake assessment (about 60 minutes) and a preparation session with your therapist (about 60 minutes) before your ketamine session.
How long are sessions?
The intake session is about 90 minutes. The psychiatrist assessment and the preparation session are each about 60 minutes. The ketamine session is about 2.5 hours, and the integration session is about 60 minutes.
How often will I come in?
A typical course is six weekly ketamine sessions, each followed by an integration session. Your plan is personalised.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can refer yourself by submitting our online form, booking a call through our website, or contacting us by phone or email. Doctors and other providers can also refer you. 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.
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.
Does Veterans Affairs Canada cover the therapy?
VAC currently funds ketamine and esketamine as medication only. It does not reimburse psychotherapy provided as part of that treatment, including preparation and integration sessions. This is a funding policy, not a clinical recommendation. Our team can discuss options outside VAC coverage.
*All content on this website is not medical advice and should not be considered as such. Only a licensed medical professional familiar with you and your medical history can provide medical advice and diagnosis.
