ATMA CENA does not operate a clinic in British Columbia. This article is for Victoria and Vancouver Island patients who want an honest map of what's locally available — and how ATMA CENA's coordinated care model can still support care while a Victoria-area therapist remains the primary therapeutic relationship. Victoria has a small but functional ketamine landscape: SABI Mind operates a Victoria location at 847 Fisgard Street, Vancouver Island Ketamine Clinic provides regional service, Field Trip Health offers an at-home model, and Roots to Thrive in Nanaimo (~115 km from Victoria) runs the country's most established group-based KAP program. CFB Esquimalt's military and veteran population makes Veterans Affairs Canada coverage particularly relevant here.
Key takeaways
- ATMA CENA does NOT operate a Victoria or BC member clinic. Victoria patients can still work with ATMA CENA via the coordinated care model — the existing therapist remains the primary therapeutic relationship while ATMA CENA's network provides medical oversight and infrastructure.
- Active Victoria providers include SABI Mind Victoria (847 Fisgard Street), Vancouver Island Ketamine Clinic, and Field Trip Health (at-home delivery on Vancouver Island).
- Roots to Thrive in Nanaimo (~115 km / a short BC Ferries + drive) operates a published group-based KAP protocol grounded in the Vancouver Island University partnership.
- CPSBC published an August 2025 update to its ketamine guidance covering IM, oral, sublingual, and intranasal routes in community settings; off-label parenteral ketamine requires accredited non-hospital medical/surgical facility (NHMSFAP) credentialing.
- BC PharmaCare made a non-benefit decision on Spravato — patients pay privately or seek out-of-province coverage.
ATMA CENA in Victoria: an honest picture
ATMA CENA's corporate clinics are in Edmonton and Calgary, with member clinics across Alberta, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Quebec. ATMA CENA does not operate in BC. The honest framing for a Victoria patient researching ketamine therapy:
- The ATMA CENA information call can help you map options without prescribing them: confirm whether a local provider's model fits your indication, evaluate whether Roots to Thrive's group format is a fit, and discuss whether the coordinated care model — your existing Victoria therapist working with ATMA CENA's medical infrastructure — is the right approach.
- The coordinated care model lets a Victoria-area therapist (RCC, RP, RSW, psychologist) remain your primary therapeutic relationship while ATMA CENA's network provides physician oversight, screening, and dosing infrastructure. ATMA CENA's clinical team will discuss what this looks like in practice.
- Local Victoria options are reviewed below.
What is ketamine-assisted therapy?
Ketamine therapy uses sub-anaesthetic doses of ketamine — a Health Canada-approved anaesthetic — to treat conditions including treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, anxiety, OCD, and chronic pain. Health Canada has approved ketamine as an anaesthetic; psychiatric use is off-label, a legal and common practice in Canadian medicine. Spravato (intranasal esketamine) is Health Canada-approved for treatment-resistant MDD as of May 2020.
When ketamine is paired with structured psychotherapy before, during, and after dosing, the treatment is called ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) or ketamine-assisted therapy (KAT). For the full mechanism breakdown, see What Is Ketamine Therapy?.
How ketamine works
Ketamine acts on the brain's glutamate system through NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptor antagonism, triggering a downstream surge of glutamate, AMPA receptor activation, and BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) release that stimulates synaptogenesis — the formation of new neural connections within 24 to 72 hours of a dose (Lullau et al., 2023). Conventional antidepressants take 4 to 6 weeks to act; ketamine can produce antidepressant effects within 2 to 72 hours of a single IV dose. The Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) places IV racemic ketamine as a third-line treatment for adults with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) (Swainson et al., 2021).
Victoria's ketamine landscape
| Provider | Location | Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| SABI Mind Victoria | 847 Fisgard Street, Victoria V8W 1R9 | IM ketamine + psychotherapy | Multi-clinic SABI network; Victoria opened as part of West Coast expansion |
| Vancouver Island Ketamine Clinic (VIKC) | Mobile / regional service ((289) 696-2077) | KAP for TRD, PTSD, SUD, anxiety, OCD, chronic pain | Confirm location with provider |
| Field Trip Health (Vancouver Island) | At-home delivery; (1-888) 838-6004 | At-home psychedelic-assisted therapy via licensed nurse + virtual therapist | Treats depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD |
| Victoria Wellness | Partnership-based KAT | Confirm partner provider details directly |
Roots to Thrive (Nanaimo) — group-based KAP
Roots to Thrive operates from 900 Fifth Street, Nanaimo, in partnership with Vancouver Island University and Snuneymuxw Community Wellness Centre — about 115 km from Victoria via BC-1 (a 90-minute drive). Roots to Thrive is the country's most published group-based KAP program: 12-week group cohorts (3 IM or sublingual ketamine sessions plus weekly community-of-practice sessions) and a 6-week individual track (3 sessions, $7,500 + tax). The program was originally developed for cancer-care and end-of-life distress and has expanded to mood disorders, trauma, and existential distress. The team has published safety and tolerability data covering hundreds of participants and thousands of KAP sessions.
Public sector
The Royal Jubilee Hospital and Victoria General Hospital under Island Health do not operate dedicated outpatient psychiatric ketamine programs. The closest publicly funded option is the Ketamine Intervention Program at UBC Hospital under Vancouver Coastal Health (Vancouver, ~1.5-hour ferry plus drive). Within BC, the Roots to Thrive partnership is the most active research-clinical bridge for KAP on Vancouver Island.
BC regulatory framework
Federal — Health Canada. Ketamine is a Schedule I controlled substance, prescribed off-label for psychiatric use. Spravato is Health Canada-approved for TRD as of May 2020.
Provincial — College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC (CPSBC). CPSBC published an August 2025 update to its interim guidance on ketamine administration via intramuscular, oral, sublingual, and intranasal routes for mental health conditions and chronic pain in community settings. Key requirements include: practitioners must have the knowledge, skill, and judgment to administer sub-anaesthetic ketamine safely; immediate access to adverse-event management equipment; written informed consent for off-label use; and documented clinical justification. Off-label parenteral ketamine (IV/IM/SQ) in non-hospital settings requires accreditation under BC's Non-Hospital Medical and Surgical Facilities Accreditation Program (NHMSFAP). Intranasal esketamine (Spravato) has separate CPSBC guidance permitting administration in non-accredited clinics by psychiatrists enrolled in the Janssen Journey Program.
BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM). NPs prescribe Schedule I/IA/II drugs subject to BCCNM standards. Specific ketamine scope is set by competency.
BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC). Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCCs) operate within multidisciplinary KAP teams in BC, particularly in preparation and integration roles. RCCs are not authorized to prescribe or administer ketamine.
BC public coverage and insurance
BC PharmaCare — Spravato (esketamine). BC PharmaCare made a non-benefit decision: Spravato is not covered. The Common Drug Review recommended against listing for MDD, citing uncertain meaningful benefit. Spravato access in BC is private-pay or via patient assistance programs.
MSP (BC Medical Services Plan). Covers physician consultations but not ketamine drug or administration for psychiatric indications.
WorkSafeBC. Reviews ketamine claims case-by-case.
Veterans Affairs Canada. Particularly relevant for CFB Esquimalt veterans. VAC covers ketamine drug forms (IV, oral, intranasal, compounded cream) for service-related TRD and chronic pain on a case-by-case basis. VAC does NOT cover ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (the psychotherapy wraparound) at the time of last review.
Private insurance. Coverage varies. Spravato is the form most likely to be covered with prior authorization for documented TRD. Generic IV/IM ketamine for psychiatric use is generally not covered. Alberta Blue Cross's psychedelic-assisted therapy coverage does not extend to BC residents.
For full insurance navigation, see Insurance Coverage for Ketamine Therapy.
What does ketamine therapy cost in Victoria?
| Pathway | Per-session / program cost (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SABI Mind Victoria KAT | Confirm directly with clinic; 0% financing and 10% equitable-access discount available | |
| Roots to Thrive Group | Group pricing not publicly published | Inquire directly |
| Roots to Thrive Individual | $7,500 + tax (6-week, 3-session program) | |
| Field Trip at-home | Confirm directly | |
| ATMA CENA KAT (via coordinated care) | CAD $1,530–$6,930 per program | Routed through ATMA CENA information call |
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 detail, see How to Qualify for Ketamine Therapy in Canada.
Local Victoria practical notes
- Population: Victoria CMA ~441k
- Major hospitals: Royal Jubilee Hospital, Victoria General Hospital, Saanich Peninsula Hospital
- Universities: University of Victoria, Royal Roads University
- Military: CFB Esquimalt — significant active-duty and veteran population; VAC eligibility relevant
- Catchment: Victoria, Saanich, Esquimalt, Oak Bay, Sidney, Sooke, Langford; ferry-accessible Salt Spring and Pender Islands
- Off-island access: BC Ferries Swartz Bay–Tsawwassen (~1.5 hr sailing + Vancouver ground transit); Travel Assistance Program BC offers ferry fare discounts for medical appointments
- Nanaimo access: ~115 km north on BC-1 (~90 min) to Roots to Thrive
- Transit: BC Transit Victoria
- Post-session: 24-hour no-driving rule; arrange a designated driver, rideshare, or transit
Frequently asked questions
Does ATMA CENA have a clinic in Victoria? No. ATMA CENA does not operate a clinic in BC. Victoria patients can still work with ATMA CENA via the coordinated care model — your Victoria therapist remains the primary therapeutic relationship while ATMA CENA's network provides medical oversight and infrastructure.
What is Roots to Thrive's group model? Roots to Thrive (Nanaimo, ~115 km from Victoria) runs 12-week group cohorts that include 3 IM or sublingual ketamine sessions and weekly community-of-practice sessions. The program was originally developed for cancer-care and end-of-life distress and has expanded to mood disorders, trauma, and existential distress. The team has published safety and tolerability data covering hundreds of participants and thousands of KAP sessions. There's also a 6-week individual track (3 sessions, $7,500 + tax).
Does BC PharmaCare cover Spravato? No. BC PharmaCare made a non-benefit decision. Patients pay privately or seek out-of-province coverage.
Does VAC cover ketamine therapy for veterans? VAC covers ketamine drug forms (IV, oral, intranasal, compounded cream) for service-related TRD and chronic pain on a case-by-case basis. VAC does NOT specifically cover ketamine-assisted psychotherapy at the time of last review.
Is there a public hospital ketamine program on Vancouver Island? Royal Jubilee Hospital and Victoria General Hospital under Island Health do not operate a dedicated outpatient psychiatric ketamine program. The Roots to Thrive Nanaimo partnership is the closest research-active KAP option.
How much does ketamine therapy cost in Victoria? Pricing varies by clinic. Roots to Thrive's individual track is $7,500 + tax for a 6-week 3-session program. SABI Mind Victoria publishes that 0% financing and a 10% equitable-access discount are available — confirm program totals at intake.
Do I need a doctor's referral? Most BC private clinics including SABI Mind, VIKC, and Field Trip accept self-referrals. Confirm at intake.
Can I drive after a ketamine session? No. Patients cannot drive for at least 24 hours after a session. BC Transit Victoria, BC Ferries, and rideshare are practical alternatives.
Sources
- ATMA CENA — Find care near you: https://psychedelic.healthcare/find-care/
- CPSBC — Ketamine Administration via IM/Oral/Sublingual/Intranasal Routes (August 2025): https://www.cpsbc.ca/files/pdf/IG-Ketamine-Administration-via-Intramuscular-Oral-Sublingual-Intranasal-Routes.pdf
- CPSBC — Clarification on Intranasal Esketamine: https://www.cpsbc.ca/news/clarification-college-requirements-intranasal-esketamine
- BC PharmaCare — Esketamine (Spravato) decision: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/health/health-drug-coverage/pharmacare/decisions/esketamine_hydrochloride_spravato_dds.pdf
- SABI Mind Victoria: https://www.sabimind.com/victoria
- Roots to Thrive — Group-based KAT clinical protocol: https://rootstothrive.com/
- Vancouver Island Ketamine Clinic: https://vikc.ca/
- Field Trip Health Victoria: https://fieldtriphealth.ca/locations/victoria/
- Veterans Affairs Canada — Mental Health Benefits: https://www.veterans.gc.ca/en/financial-programs-and-services/medical-costs/coverage-services-prescriptions-and-devices/mental-health-benefits
- 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 in this cluster
- 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 Vancouver
- Ketamine Therapy in Kelowna
- Insurance Coverage for Ketamine Therapy
- Find care near you
Last updated: 2026-05-05