Ketamine Treatment Program

With donor support, Nova Scotia’s first Ketamine Treatment Program will be established at the QEII Health Sciences Centre — providing life-changing treatment for the estimated 17,000 Nova Scotians living with treatment-resistant depression.

Ketamine is an evidence-based treatment that has been shown to bring remarkable — almost immediate — relief to severe and untreatable cases of depression. But barriers to access are high as it is not publicly funded in Nova Scotia.

WHY YOU'RE NEEDED

Reducing Gaps in Mental Health Care Support

Since March 2023, the Mood Disorders Clinic at the QEII Health Sciences Centre has been providing Ketamine treatment on a compassionate basis to a small, select group of people. On average, one person is receiving Ketamine treatment each week, yet the need is far greater.

With a $370,000 investment from generous QEII Foundation donors, funds will support staffing resources and creating a treatment space at the QEII where patients can receive Ketamine infusions. This will enable the Ketamine program to grow from helping one patient weekly to eight patients each day, reducing the gap in mental health care access for patients.

As part of the QEII Foundation’s $100-million We Are campaign, QEII Foundation donors can help expand Ketamine treatment in the province, enabling the Nova Scotia Mental Health and Addictions team to develop a treatment model, demonstrating its efficacy over the next two years to attract critical government support and long-term sustainability.

A man sits on a bench, in a contemplative state

Your gift today will help people access timely, appropriate treatment that has been out of reach in Nova Scotia — until now. Join us.

DONATE NOW >

WHAT YOU WILL MAKE POSSIBLE

Ketamine is considered the last line of defense for patients living with treatment-resistant depression. And in the most extreme cases, it can reduce suicidal ideations. Every Nova Scotian who could benefit from Ketamine treatment deserves the option.

Here are some of the key benefits when you support this project:

Make health care more equitable and accessible, ensuring Ketamine treatment is available to vulnerable populations who have fewer resources.

Develop a critical care model, that will be the catalyst for a sustainable Ketamine program in Nova Scotia, accessible to every patient who will benefit in the future.

Create a safe space for patients to receive Ketamine treatments in a clinical setting designed for their comfort and care during visits.

Ensure patients have the proper access to treatments to address their primary health concerns, helping to alleviate unnecessary treatments and hospital visits.

Establish a Ketamine program health team dedicated to the delivery and growth of this initiative, ensuring its future success.

Provide hope and relief for patients who have exhausted all other treatment options.

YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN ...

Donor community rallies behind Text4Support, raising over $171K through QEII Foundation’s We Are campaign

Nova Scotia Health opens second rTMS clinic through partnership with the QEII Foundation and Bell Let’s Talk

CTV News Atlantic: How rTMS programs can help treat depression