Ketamine Therapy for Anxiety in Ottawa: How It Works & What to Expect
An evidence-based guide for patients exploring new treatment options in Ottawa
Anxiety disorders are among the most prevalent mental health conditions in Canada and worldwide. For many, traditional treatments like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) offer relief. But for up to 40% of patients, these methods fall short—leaving individuals with persistent anxiety, panic, or fear that interferes with daily life.
Enter ketamine: a fast-acting, research-supported therapy that is transforming how we treat treatment-resistant anxiety.
What Makes Ketamine Therapy Different?
Ketamine, originally developed as an anesthetic, works on a different neurotransmitter system than most antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications. While SSRIs affect serotonin, ketamine primarily targets the glutamate system, specifically the NMDA receptors, influencing how the brain forms and reorganizes neural connections.
Mechanism of Action:
NMDA Receptor Blockade: Ketamine blocks NMDA receptors, increasing glutamate and activating AMPA receptors, which enhances communication between neurons.
Increased Neuroplasticity: It boosts brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), promoting neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to form new pathways.
Fast Onset: Most patients experience symptom relief within hours to days, compared to weeks with SSRIs.
🧠 A 2020 review in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that ketamine has “rapid and robust” effects on mood and anxiety through glutamate-mediated pathways.
Anxiety Disorders Ketamine May Help Treat
Ketamine is currently being explored for a variety of anxiety-related conditions:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Chronic worry, sleep disturbance, restlessness
Studies suggest significant symptom reduction within 24–72 hours of treatment
(Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, 2021)
Social Anxiety Disorder
Fear of social judgment or embarrassment
Ketamine has been shown to reduce avoidant behavior and increase social comfort.
Panic Disorder
Recurrent, intense episodes of fear with physical symptoms
Ketamine’s calming dissociative effects may interrupt the panic cycle.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Repetitive, intrusive thoughts and behaviors
Ketamine may reduce compulsions and obsessive thinking by modulating glutamate imbalance (Journal of Affective Disorders, 2022)
Benefits of Ketamine for Anxiety
✅ Fast-Acting Relief
Relief can begin within hours—particularly important for those in crisis or with suicidal ideation.
✅ Effective for Treatment-Resistant Anxiety
Patients who haven’t responded to multiple medications or therapies often show improvement with ketamine.
✅ Fewer Side Effects than SSRIs
Many patients report fewer cognitive and sexual side effects compared to traditional medications.
✅ Supports Psychotherapy
When combined with therapeutic support (known as ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, or KAP), ketamine helps unlock deeper emotional processing.
What to Expect at Flow State Therapy
At Flow State Therapy in Ottawa, ketamine sessions are clinician-guided, personalized, and trauma-informed. Here's how we guide clients through the experience:
1. Medical Consultation
A Nurse Practitioner (NP) evaluates your health, treatment history, and symptoms to determine if ketamine therapy is appropriate.
2. Treatment Format
We offer oral and intranasal ketamine—safe, effective options that don’t require IV infusion:
Oral (Lozenge/Tablets): Gentle onset, commonly used for both therapy-led and maintenance sessions.
Intranasal: Slightly faster onset and convenient administration in a clinic setting.
3. The Session
Nurse-led sessions (maintenance support)
Therapist-led sessions (KAP, to explore deeper emotional roots)
Sessions last approximately 90 minutes with supportive care throughout.
4. Integration Therapy
After each session, our clinicians help you reflect, process, and apply insights—an essential part of creating lasting change.
5. Follow-Up and Maintenance
A series of 4–6 sessions is often recommended initially, followed by tailored maintenance sessions depending on symptom relief.
Risks and Considerations
Ketamine therapy is generally safe when administered by qualified professionals, but some temporary side effects may include:
Mild dissociation or dizziness
Nausea
Increased heart rate or blood pressure during sessions
We monitor vitals throughout and provide a calm, supportive environment to ensure safety.
Is Ketamine Right for You?
While ketamine is not a one-size-fits-all solution, it may offer hope for those who haven’t found relief through conventional anxiety treatments. If you're struggling with anxiety in Ottawa and are exploring new options, ketamine therapy could be a life-changing next step.
Why Flow State Therapy?
🌿 Personalized, trauma-informed care
🧠 Psychotherapy integration for deeper healing
🔄 Flexible maintenance and therapy-led options
🧘 Welcoming, spa-inspired environment for comfort and safety
🌍 Services available in both English and French
Ready to Learn More?
Schedule an information call with our team to explore if ketamine therapy is right for you. We’re here to answer your questions, support your healing, and walk with you every step of the way.
📍 Located in downtown Ottawa
📞 Call: 613-670-6629
📧 Email: hello@flowstatetherapy.ca
🌐 Visit: flowstatetherapy.ca
