A single IV ketamine infusion in Canada typically costs CAD $375 to $1,000. A 6-session induction course runs CAD $2,250 to $5,400 for IV-only protocols, and CAD $4,100 to $8,400 for ketamine-assisted psychotherapy programs that bundle the medication with structured therapy sessions. Spravato (intranasal esketamine) costs roughly CAD $5,000 to $7,000 for a 4-week induction phase without insurance coverage. Provincial health plans do not cover ketamine therapy for psychiatric indications. Most Canadians pay out-of-pocket, with limited private insurance and Workers' Compensation pathways.
Key takeaways
- IV ketamine: CAD $375–$1,000/session; 6-session course CAD $2,250–$5,400.
- Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (with therapist): CAD $685–$1,400/session.
- Spravato (esketamine): CAD $250–$800/session including drug + administration; 4-week induction CAD $5,000–$7,000 without coverage.
- OHIP, MSP, AHCIP, and other provincial plans do not cover ketamine for psychiatric indications. The physician consultation is covered as a standard medical visit.
- Alberta Blue Cross became the first Canadian insurer to cover psychedelic-assisted therapy including ketamine in March 2024.
- WCB Alberta and WSIB Ontario cover ketamine for compensable injury-related TRD or chronic pain with prior authorization.
- The Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC) generally applies to physician-administered ketamine therapy.
What does ketamine therapy cost in Canada in 2026?
Tuition varies by modality, integrated therapy, and provincial market. Verified Canadian ranges as of May 2026:
| Treatment | Per session (CAD) | 6-session course (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| IV ketamine infusion (medical model) | $375–$1,000 | $2,250–$5,400 |
| IM ketamine (no integrated therapy) | $275–$500 | $1,650–$3,000 |
| Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (with therapist) | $685–$1,400 | $4,100–$8,400 |
| Sublingual ketamine (standalone) | $250–$600 | $1,500–$3,600 |
| Spravato (esketamine) | $250–$800 | 4-week induction CAD $5,000–$7,000 (no coverage); CAD $1,700–$3,300 (with insurance) |
| Initial psychiatric assessment | $150–$800 | (covered by provincial plan if delivered by a physician) |
ATMA CENA publishes pricing for its ketamine-assisted therapy programs at ATMA CENA's published pricing page: KAT Psychedelic Pathway from CAD $1,585 initial + $795 per additional session; KAT Psycholytic Pathway from CAD $1,530 initial + $740 per additional session; customized programs CAD $2,325–$6,930. A non-refundable deposit of CAD $300 applies to all programs.
Cost by city — Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton
| City | Typical per-session range (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Toronto | $600–$900 | Highest clinic density; CPSO Out-of-Hospital Premises requirement adds compliance overhead |
| Vancouver | $550–$850 | Strong KAP-integrated options; CPSBC requires accredited non-hospital facilities |
| Calgary | $500–$800 | CPSA-accredited facilities; growing clinic base |
| Edmonton | $500–$750 | Public ketamine program available at Misericordia/Grey Nuns hospitals (AHCIP-covered for eligible TRD patients) |
| Ottawa | $450–$750 | Smaller market |
| Winnipeg | $500–$800 | CPSM-accredited facility requirement; ATMA CENA's NeuroMed member clinic |
| Halifax | $500–$650 (IV) | QEII Health Sciences Centre offers a public hospital ketamine program for eligible patients |
City-level differences reflect overhead, facility accreditation requirements, supply density, and provider mix. The Calgary, Edmonton, and Winnipeg ranges align with ATMA CENA's network pricing.
What's included in the price?
A typical ketamine-assisted therapy session fee covers:
- The clinical team's time during the dosing session (physician or nurse practitioner, plus a regulated mental-health professional in KAP programs)
- Vital-sign monitoring and post-session observation
- The ketamine itself (drug cost is a small fraction of session price; the bulk is clinical time and overhead)
Often billed separately:
- Initial psychiatric assessment (some clinics roll this into a deposit; others bill individually)
- Preparation and integration psychotherapy sessions outside the dosing day
- Compounded ketamine prescription (where the clinic uses a sublingual or oral protocol filled at a separate compounding pharmacy)
- Maintenance sessions after the acute course
Always ask for an itemized quote that breaks down the assessment fee, dosing-session fee, integration session fee, and any add-ons.
Spravato (esketamine) cost in Canada
Spravato is the only Health Canada-approved ketamine-class drug for a psychiatric indication (treatment-resistant MDD, approved May 2020). It must be administered under direct healthcare supervision in a certified setting through the Janssen Journey program. Pricing structure:
- Drug cost: roughly CAD $273 per 28 mg device list price (CADTH 2020 pharmacoeconomic review). Most sessions use 56 mg or 84 mg = two or three devices.
- Clinic administration fee: typically CAD $100–$300 per session.
- Total per-session out-of-pocket without coverage: CAD $250–$800.
- 4-week induction phase (8 sessions, twice weekly): CAD $5,000–$7,000 without coverage.
With private insurance prior authorization (typical drug plan covers ~80% of drug cost): patient pays roughly CAD $1,700–$3,300 for the induction phase plus uncovered admin fees.
CADTH's Common Drug Review recommended against public reimbursement of esketamine in December 2020 (CDA-AMC). Most provincial drug plans do not list it. Notable exceptions: Yukon government covers esketamine nasal spray; some private plans cover with prior authorization; Veterans Affairs Canada covers as a non-formulary product for service-related TRD.
Is ketamine therapy covered by insurance in Canada?
Provincial public plans
OHIP (Ontario), MSP (BC), AHCIP (Alberta), RAMQ (Quebec), Manitoba Pharmacare, and other provincial plans do not cover ketamine for psychiatric indications, whether IV, IM, sublingual, or Spravato. The physician consultation is covered as a standard medical visit; the drug and administration are not.
Notable exceptions:
- Edmonton public ketamine program (Misericordia + Grey Nuns Hospitals via Covenant Health) covers IV ketamine for eligible TRD patients at no cost (Chrenek et al., 2024).
- Vancouver Coastal Health Ketamine Intervention Program (UBC Hospital) covers IV ketamine for eligible TRD patients with psychiatrist referral.
- QEII Health Sciences Centre (Halifax) operates a public hospital ketamine program.
- Yukon Health covers esketamine nasal spray.
Private insurance
Coverage varies materially by plan. General patterns:
| Insurer | Generic IV/IM ketamine | Spravato |
|---|---|---|
| Alberta Blue Cross | Covered for eligible plans (effective March 2024) | Covered with prior authorization |
| Canada Life (employer + PSHCP) | Generally not covered | Prior authorization (Forms M6453, M7520) |
| Manulife | Generally not covered | Prior authorization (Specialty Drug Care Program) |
| Sun Life | Generally not covered | Prior authorization |
| Green Shield Canada | Generally not covered | Prior authorization |
| Medavie Blue Cross | 100% covered for veterans at CRTCE network clinics | Covered for veterans |
Always verify directly with your plan administrator before assuming coverage.
Workers' Compensation
- WCB Alberta covers IV ketamine and Spravato with prior authorization (Form C1520) for compensable TRD, CRPS, refractory neuropathic pain, and serious injury cases. Initial trial: 6 IV infusions or 4 weeks of Spravato induction. Detailed criteria at wcb.ab.ca.
- WSIB Ontario lists IV ketamine and Spravato on multiple specialty formularies with prior authorization (musculoskeletal, CNS/PNS, psychotraumatic, chronic pain, serious injury) as of June 2023. See wsib.ca.
- WorkSafeBC considers cases on a case-by-case basis; no formal listing.
- WorkSafeNB has a published case-by-case process for compensable TRD.
Veterans Affairs Canada
VAC covers ketamine as a non-formulary product for treatment-resistant MDD and chronic pain in service-connected cases. Routes: IV, oral, nasal spray, compounded cream. In FY2024–25, 433 veterans received an average of CAD $10,109 in coverage (CBC News, June 2025). Access is case-by-case; the treating physician submits a non-formulary request.
For Alberta-specific ATMA CENA insurance and WCB pathways, see Alberta Blue Cross Coverage for Psychedelic Therapy and Workers' Compensation Coverage in Alberta.
What factors affect the price of ketamine therapy?
Five variables move per-session cost:
- Administration route. IV is most clinically intensive (anaesthesiology-style monitoring); IM and sublingual are less labour-intensive per session and typically lower-cost.
- Whether psychotherapy is bundled. KAP programs include preparation, dosing-session therapist support, and integration — that adds 60–100% to a medical-model fee.
- Clinical team credential level. Psychiatrist-led programs cost more than physician-led or NP-led programs.
- Facility overhead. CPSA, CPSM, CPSBC, and CPSO accredited non-hospital facilities have substantial fixed costs (anaesthesiologist on-call, ACLS-certified staff, monitoring equipment) reflected in session pricing.
- Province and city. Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary command higher rates than smaller markets; clinic density and overhead vary.
Hidden costs to plan for
- Initial psychiatric assessment (CAD $150–$800; covered by provincial plan if delivered by a physician)
- Preparation and integration sessions (CAD $150–$300/hour; may be covered by extended health benefits if delivered by a registered psychologist)
- Maintenance sessions after the acute course (CAD $375–$1,000/session; typically every 1–3 months)
- Travel and accommodation if the clinic is not in your home city
- Time off work for sessions and post-session recovery (no driving for 24 hours)
- Designated driver every session
- Compounded prescription filled at a separate pharmacy (sublingual/oral protocols)
- GST/HST on therapy fees depending on the provider's structure
Is ketamine therapy tax-deductible in Canada?
This is general information, not tax advice. Consult a Canadian tax professional.
The Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC) generally applies to ketamine therapy expenses on personal tax returns:
- Physician fees for ketamine administration are eligible medical expenses under ITA Section 118.2 (CRA — Lines 33099 and 33199).
- Prescription drugs (Spravato dispensed by a pharmacist, compounded ketamine from a compounding pharmacy) are eligible.
- Psychotherapy sessions delivered by a registered psychologist qualify in all provinces; sessions delivered by a registered psychotherapist qualify in Ontario; check provincial rules elsewhere.
The METC is the lesser of 3% of net income or CAD $2,890 (2026 figure). Federal credit rate is 15%; provincial rates range from 5.05% (BC, Ontario) to 15% (Quebec). Combined relief on eligible expenses above the threshold typically falls between ~19.5% and ~29.5% depending on province.
Health Spending Accounts (HSAs) track METC eligibility. If an expense qualifies for the METC, it is generally eligible for an HSA. You cannot double-claim — an expense reimbursed through an HSA cannot also be claimed on the METC.
Self-employed clinicians and incorporated business owners may have access to additional structures (PHSPs, corporate HSAs) that turn after-tax medical costs into pre-tax expenses; ask your accountant.
How to afford ketamine therapy
Several pathways exist for patients without comprehensive insurance:
- Medicard offers medical financing with 1–5 year terms; Toronto Ketamine Clinic and several other Canadian providers accept it.
- Beautifi offers 0% interest medical financing; SABI Mind and others accept it.
- Clinic-specific payment plans (varies by provider).
- HSA / Health Care Spending Account if your employer offers one.
- Spravato Cost Support Program through Janssen for eligible patients.
- Public programs in Edmonton (Misericordia/Grey Nuns), Vancouver (UBC Hospital), and Halifax (QEII) for eligible TRD patients with psychiatrist referral.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a single ketamine infusion cost in Canada? CAD $375–$1,000 depending on province and clinic. Toronto and Vancouver tend to the higher end; Edmonton and Calgary the lower end of the range.
How much does a 6-session induction protocol cost? CAD $2,250–$5,400 for IV-only protocols. CAD $4,100–$8,400 for ketamine-assisted psychotherapy programs that include preparation and integration sessions.
Does OHIP cover ketamine therapy? No. OHIP covers the physician consultation but not the ketamine drug or administration for psychiatric indications.
Does any provincial plan cover ketamine? Edmonton's Misericordia/Grey Nuns public ketamine program covers IV ketamine for eligible TRD patients at no out-of-pocket cost. The Vancouver Coastal Health Ketamine Intervention Program at UBC Hospital does the same. QEII Health Sciences Centre (Halifax) operates a similar public hospital program. Otherwise, provincial plans do not cover ketamine for psychiatric use.
Is ketamine therapy tax-deductible? Generally yes. Physician-administered ketamine therapy and prescription drugs typically qualify for the Medical Expense Tax Credit. Confirm with a Canadian tax professional based on your situation.
How much does Spravato cost? CAD $250–$800 per session including drug and administration. A 4-week induction phase (8 sessions) costs CAD $5,000–$7,000 without coverage; CAD $1,700–$3,300 with typical private drug plan coverage after prior authorization.
Will Alberta Blue Cross cover my ketamine therapy? Alberta Blue Cross became the first Canadian insurer to cover psychedelic-assisted therapy including ketamine in March 2024. Coverage applies to specific plans; verify with Alberta Blue Cross member services and the clinic. See Alberta Blue Cross Coverage for Psychedelic Therapy.
Will WCB cover ketamine therapy? WCB Alberta and WSIB Ontario both cover ketamine and Spravato for compensable injuries that result in TRD, CRPS, or chronic pain. Prior authorization is required.
Can my employer's health plan cover Spravato? If your plan includes specialty drug coverage and Spravato is on the formulary, prior authorization is typically required. Common criteria: TRD diagnosis, documented failure of two prior antidepressants, prescriber agreement to in-clinic administration with oral antidepressant adjunct.
What's the cheapest way to access ketamine therapy in Canada? Public hospital programs (Edmonton, Vancouver, Halifax) for eligible TRD patients. After that, off-label IV or sublingual ketamine at private clinics tends to be lower-cost than KAP programs that bundle psychotherapy.
Sources
- ATMA CENA — Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy (KAT pricing): https://psychedelic.healthcare/
- ATMA CENA — Alberta Blue Cross Coverage: https://psychedelic.healthcare/
- ATMA CENA — Workers' Compensation Coverage Alberta: https://psychedelic.healthcare/
- Health Canada Drug Product Database — 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
- CDEC Recommendation — Esketamine (NCBI): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK572049/
- WCB Alberta — Ketamine and Esketamine Procedure: https://www.wcb.ab.ca/about-wcb/procedures-manual/pharmaceutical-ketamine-and-esketamine.html
- WSIB Ontario — Ketamine and Esketamine Formulary Decision: https://www.wsib.ca/en/drug-formulary-listing-decision-ketamine-and-esketamine
- CRA — Medical Expense Tax Credit (Lines 33099/33199): https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/topics/about-your-tax-return/tax-return/completing-a-tax-return/deductions-credits-expenses/lines-33099-33199-eligible-medical-expenses-you-claim-on-your-tax-return.html
- CRA — Income Tax Folio S1-F1-C1 (Medical Expense Tax Credit): https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/technical-information/income-tax/income-tax-folios-index/series-1-individuals/folio-1-health-medical/income-tax-folio-s1-f1-c1-medical-expense-tax-credit.html
- CRA RC4065 — Medical Expenses 2025: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/forms-publications/publications/rc4065/medical-expenses.html
- BC PharmaCare — Esketamine Decision: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/health/health-drug-coverage/pharmacare/decisions/esketamine_hydrochloride_spravato_dds.pdf
- PsyCan — Alberta Blue Cross Coverage Announcement: https://psychedelicscanada.org/media/2024/04/psycan-welcomes-expansion-of-insurance-coverage-for-psychedelic-assisted-therapy-in-alberta
- PR Newswire — ATMA CENA Celebrates Alberta Blue Cross Coverage: https://www.atmajourney.com/alberta-blue-cross-covers-pat/
- CBC News — Veterans Ketamine Therapy (June 2025): https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/veterans-ketamine-therapy-1.7559186
- Chrenek C, et al. (2024). Edmonton community ketamine program. Front Psychiatry. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1283733/full
- HSA BC — 2025–2029 PD Funds (collective agreement context): https://hsabc.org/news/professional-development-funds-under-2025-2029-hspba-collective-agreement
Related articles
- Ketamine Therapy in Canada
- What Is Ketamine Therapy?
- How to Qualify for Ketamine Therapy in Canada
- Ketamine Therapy for Depression
- Ketamine Therapy in Calgary
- Ketamine Therapy in Edmonton
- Insurance Coverage for Ketamine Therapy
- Alberta Blue Cross Coverage for Psychedelic Therapy
- Workers' Compensation Coverage for Psychedelic Therapy in Alberta
Last updated: 2026-05-05