Psychedelic Therapy
for Pain Management
Guided by values of integrity, inclusivity, and accessibility, we strive to create a supportive environment where every patient can access their inner strength and find their natural flow. We are so proud to be part of the community and to be able to bring Medically Assisted Psychotherapy for Pain Management to Ottawa, Canada.
Overview
At FlowState Therapy, we provide Medicall assisted therapy for pain management in Ottawa/Gatineau as a powerful treatment option for those dealing with chronic pain conditions. Psychedelics have shown efficacy in reducing pain that is resistant to traditional treatments, offering a new avenue for relief. From neuropathic pain to migraines and fibromyalgia, our approach targets both the physical and emotional aspects of pain, providing fast-acting relief for improved quality of life.
How it works
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The journey begins with a 15-20 minute information call. This is an opportunity for potential clients to ask questions about how psychedelic therapy for pain management works and discuss their specific pain condition. During this call, they can share details of their medical history, current treatments, and pain symptoms to assess suitability for psychedelic therapy.
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Nurse Practitioner Consultation:
If psychedelic therapy seems appropriate, the next step is a comprehensive consultation with a Nurse Practitioner (NP). During this session:
A full medical and pain assessment is conducted to understand the type and severity of pain, along with any coexisting health conditions.
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Booking the First Sessions:
After the Np Consultation a client The typical course includes:
4-6 sessions scheduled over a few weeks, tailored to the client’s specific needs and response to treatment.
An individualized plan is created based on the type of pain, its intensity, and the client’s medical background.
How is it administered? What does it feel like?
In clinical settings, certain therapies may involve expanded states of consciousness, sometimes brought on through legally prescribed interventions. These experiences are typically supported in a safe, structured environment and may involve oral, intranasal, or other medically approved forms of administration, depending on the context.
People often describe a shift in perception, increased emotional openness, and a stronger connection between mind and body. These states can support therapeutic breakthroughs, helping clients access emotions or insights that might feel out of reach in ordinary consciousness. A trained therapist is present to guide the process, ensuring safety, grounding, and integration throughout.
Preparation Phase
Before engaging in sessions designed to support chronic pain, our team—led by a Nurse Practitioner—conducts a comprehensive evaluation to understand the full scope and impact of your experience.
Detailed Pain History: We explore how your pain began, what influences it, and how it’s changed over time. This helps us recognize patterns and identify where deeper therapeutic work may be most effective.
Current Symptoms & Treatment Goals: We discuss how pain affects your mood, sleep, movement, and emotional health. Together, we define your goals—such as reducing pain intensity, improving daily function, or lessening emotional distress—so that your care is personalized and purpose-driven.
Session Preparation & Intention Setting: Clients are guided through what to expect during expanded-state sessions, including grounding techniques and reflective intention-setting to help frame the experience in a way that supports emotional and physical relief.
Experiential Phase
This phase is designed to create a safe, structured environment for altered states of awareness that may support pain relief and emotional processing.
Supportive Environment: Sessions take place in a calm, private space designed to foster safety and relaxation. Clients are monitored and supported throughout by our clinical team to ensure comfort and security.
Expanded Awareness & Pain Detachment: During the session, clients may experience a shift in awareness that allows pain to feel more distant or diffuse. Many describe sensations such as:
A softening or “lifting” of pain
Deep relaxation and nervous system relief
New perspectives on the experience of chronic pain
Therapeutic Presence: A member of our team remains present or nearby throughout the session, offering support as needed and helping to anchor the experience with a focus on safety and emotional regulation.
Integration Phase
The integration phase is essential for helping clients carry forward the insights and relief experienced during the session into everyday life.
Post-Session Reflection: After the session, clients engage in a guided conversation to help process the experience. We explore any shifts in physical sensation, emotional release, or new perspectives on pain.
Daily Application & Coping Strategies: Clients are supported in applying what they've learned to their routines—whether through mindfulness practices, movement, breathwork, or other personalized strategies that promote resilience and comfort.
Ongoing Care & Adjustment: Integration also includes clinical check-ins and treatment adjustments to ensure sustained progress. The goal is to build long-term tools for navigating chronic pain with greater ease and self-understanding.
What happens during a Psychedelic Session session?
After treatment
Post-Treatment Review
Following the initial sessions, a review is conducted to evaluate progress. The team assesses changes in pain levels, functionality, and emotional well-being. This review helps to determine whether additional sessions are needed or if adjustments to the treatment plan should be made
Maintenance Sessions
While many clients find significant relief after the initial series of sessions, some may require maintenance treatments: These maintenance sessions are usually spaced out over weeks or months, depending on how the client responds and the longevity of pain relief experienced. Maintenance can help sustain improvements, allowing for ongoing support and adaptation of the treatment to the client’s changing needs.
Tailored to Individual Needs
Every client’s journey is unique, and medically assisted therapy process is customized to address their specific pain condition, overall health, and therapy goals. Open communication and regular assessments ensure the treatment evolves to provide optimal pain relief and support.
Chronic pain is complex—and often deeply connected to emotional and psychological patterns. Psychedelic-assisted therapy is an emerging modality that may support individuals living with long-standing pain conditions by creating space for new perspectives, emotional release, and nervous system regulation.
If you’ve experienced conditions like fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain, migraines, or complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)—and have tried other approaches without lasting relief—this therapy may offer a new direction.
This work may be particularly well suited for people who:
Have ongoing pain that hasn’t responded well to conventional medications or interventions
Are navigating both physical pain and the emotional toll that often comes with it
Are seeking a therapeutic approach that addresses the mind-body connection holistically
Are curious about innovative models of care informed by psychedelic science and integrative therapy
Psychedelic-assisted therapy is not for everyone, and it’s important to begin with a comprehensive evaluation. At Flowstate, our team will review your health history, pain experience, and treatment goals to help determine whether this approach is a good fit for your needs.
We welcome clients from Ottawa, Gatineau, and across Canada who are seeking a new path forward in their pain management and emotional well-being.
Is Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Right for You?
We work with you and your insurance company to get you the best coverage possible.
Insurance Coverage
Some insurers we’ve worked with:
Veterans Affairs and PCVRS
Canada Life
Medavie Blue Cross
Sunlife
Green Shield
Equitable Life of Canada
Pacific Blue Cross
Manulife
And more!
Meet the Team
Our team is made up of dedicated mental health professionals who are passionate about helping you experience meaningful change and improved well-being. With diverse backgrounds in psychotherapy, medicine, and holistic care, our therapists and medical staff bring years of experience to support your journey. At FlowState Therapy, we believe in personalized, compassionate care, and we're here to guide you every step of the way.
The
Clinic
A beautiful and carefully designed space. A true retreat in the heart of Ottawa’s Downtown district.
We are consciously working on opening our space to our community for workshops, support groups and events to support mental health and wellness in Ottawa.