Why is Ketamine Therapy so expensive?
Medication vs Treatment Model
Ketamine itself is quite inexpensive. Cost comes from the service delivery model. In Alberta, Ketamine use for psychiatric purposes requires medical oversight and psychological support. Each session involves a clinician (psychiatrist, medical doctors, nurses, anesthesiologist, therapists ) often for hours at a time in one appointment.
Clinic Overhead is very costly as the requirements for licensing and accreditation is extensive and more intricate than any other medical clinics in Alberta. Specialized equipment and supplies are required. Comfortable therapeutic “setting” to support altered states of consciousness is a must. (if you’ve ever been to our clinic you’ll see why). Staff are also highly trained in upwards of $10,000 PER area of specialized medicine training. In addition, our administrative costs of coordinating a safe and cohesive treatment program is of utmost importance.
Regulatory and Liability costs are extensive due to the drug scheduling of the medicine being stored and utilized. This includes licensing, accreditation, commercial plus professional liability and malpractice insurance being more costly than the average professional insurance.
Lack of Insurance coverage in Alberta is another area of barrier. While there has been growth in this area, most of the fees still remain to be operated on a fee-for-service basis, passing the full costs on to clients. Most insurance companies require dosing occurs in the presence of medical staff at an approved hospital, accredited medical facility, facility of a licensed service provider or within a setting approved by the prescribing physician in cases of palliative and or hospice care (ie: the patients home) for coverage.
YES! we hear you and agree with you, this service should be covered by Alberta Health Care in full. We work diligently to try our best to make it more accessible through group therapy models, Compassionate Care and provincial advocacy.
How does Psynery Centre’s Ketamine Program compare to other clinics across Alberta in cost?
Psynergy’s program is easily $1-2,000 less than every other clinic in Alberta making it the most affordable. Psynergy is always working hard to reduce barriers while being able to cover basic required costs to ensure safety, responsible, excellent care.
Is Ketamine Addictive?
Yes. And it can cause life threatening conditions. It is for this reason that Ketamine is only offered on site under continuous monitoring and supervision. This eliminates the possibility of patient misuse or abuse as it is not left in the care of the patient. It is compounded or ordered and stored at our partner pharmacy Southview Pharmacy until delivery day of treatment. Psynergy Centre also offers specialized addiction support for those who have struggled with ketamine addiction. It is never recommended that individuals obtain and receive ketamine anywhere other than a an approved medical or pharmacological facility.
Is Ketamine Legal?
Yes; only with the appropriate prescription and under strict medical monitoring in a regulated clinical setting. Legal ban on hallucinogensnwas lifted and medical use of specific substances has been authorized. Ketamine is a schedule 1 drug under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. It is NOT legal to possess ketamine without a current prescription in your name; or administer, distribute out of an authorized setting.
What are other ways to obtain Ketamine medication for treatment and what are the requirements?
Alberta has several intricate routes of regulated access to ketamine therapy. See the link here for specific descriptors. https://www.alberta.ca/external/news/health-fs-psychedelic-assisted-therapy.pdf
Have more questions about our Ketamine Program? email us at: [email protected] to book a free info call with our Medical Office Assistant for more info.
Have Complaints or Concerns?
All licensed psychedelic drug treatment service providers in the province are required to have a complaint process.
If you have concerns about the services you or someone else is receiving from a psychedelic drug treatment service provider, contact the service provider first.
If your concern or complaint is left unresolved, contact Compliance and Monitoring for assistance with:
- requirements within the Mental Health Services Protection Act, Mental Health Services Protection Regulation, or Psychedelic Drug Treatment Service Standards not being followed.
- an unlicensed service provider providing psychedelic drug services.
Complaint resolution process
When you contact Compliance and Monitoring:
- a complaints officer will collect the necessary details to follow up on your concern – so have as much of the following information available as possible:
- name and address (including municipality) of the facility or service provider
- a brief summary of your concern or complaint and when it occurred
- names, titles and contact numbers of people you have spoken to about your concern or complaint (for example, the manager, senior manager or board member) and their involvement in trying to resolve it
- an assessment on the risks associated with your complaint will be completed:
- it may result in an investigation or contacting other relevant authorities
- a letter with the outcome of your complaint will be sent to you following the assessment
- personal and health information is managed in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and the Health Information Act.