First Responders Program
First Responders
Toronto Ketamine Clinic recognizes the service of first responders and offers a 10% fee reduction for eligible individuals accessing our IV ketamine treatment program.
This program is intended to support access to care for first responders who are exploring physician-led treatment options within a regulated clinical setting. Eligibility, suitability, and treatment decisions are determined by a qualified clinician following an individual medical assessment.
Important notes
- The fee reduction applies only to the IV ketamine program
- It does not apply to intranasal ketamine or ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP)
- Participation in the program does not guarantee treatment, as ketamine may not be appropriate for all individuals
For additional information about eligibility and program details, please contact our clinic.
First Responders Contact Form
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Contact Us
Ketamine Therapy – General Information
If you are a first responder seeking information about ketamine treatment options offered at Toronto Ketamine Clinic, you may complete the contact form below. A member of our team will follow up to provide general information and next steps.
Completion of this form does not constitute medical advice or confirm eligibility for treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is ketamine?
Ketamine is a prescription medication that has been used in medical settings for decades. In certain clinics, it may be administered at sub-anesthetic doses under physician supervision as part of a broader treatment plan.
Is ketamine approved by Health Canada for depression?
Ketamine is approved in Canada as an anesthetic. Its use for mental health conditions is considered off-label, meaning it may be prescribed by a qualified clinician based on clinical judgment and individual assessment.
Who may be considered for IV ketamine treatment?
Individuals may be considered following a comprehensive medical and psychiatric assessment. Ketamine is not suitable for everyone, and eligibility depends on medical history, current medications, and other clinical factors.
Does the First Responders Program guarantee access to treatment?
No. Participation in the program does not guarantee treatment. All patients must undergo appropriate screening, and treatment decisions are made by the treating clinician.
What are some potential risks or side effects?
As with any medical treatment, ketamine may be associated with side effects or risks. These can include changes in blood pressure, nausea, dissociation, or psychological discomfort during or after treatment. Your clinician will review potential risks in detail during assessment.
Is ketamine a stand-alone treatment?
Ketamine is typically offered as part of a broader care plan. Some patients may also engage in psychiatric follow-up, psychological support, or other therapies as recommended by their care team.
Does the discount apply to all ketamine services?
No. The First Responders Program applies only to IV ketamine treatment and does not extend to intranasal ketamine or ketamine-assisted psychotherapy.
🇨🇦 In Ontario / Canada
- OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan) typically does not cover ketamine infusions for depression, though initial physician or psychiatrist consultations may be OHIP-covered in some cases.
- Private extended health insurance (e.g., employer benefits or personal plans) may offer partial reimbursement depending on the individual plan’s terms, but many insurers still treat ketamine infusions for depression as “experimental” or “off-label” and may not cover them.
- Coverage (if any) often depends on:
- Whether the plan has mental health benefits that include off-label treatments
- Whether the provider codes the service in a way the insurer accepts
- Plan limits, deductibles, and whether the clinic bills the insurer directly Always contact your insurer to confirm specific coverage for your plan.
🇺🇸 In the United States (for context)
- Many commercial insurers generally do not cover IV ketamine infusions for depression because they are considered “investigational” or off-label.
- Some insurers do cover Spravato® (esketamine nasal spray) — an FDA-approved ketamine derivative — under specific conditions (e.g., prior treatment failures, certified clinic).
- Rare exceptions exist (e.g., certain plans, VA coverage), but they are not the norm.
First Responders & Insurance
- Being a first responder does not automatically guarantee that an insurer will cover ketamine infusions for depression.
- Coverage still depends on individual insurance policy terms, medical necessity criteria, and whether the treatment is considered an eligible benefit.
- Some extended health plans may provide partial reimbursement for out-of-network services after submitting claims, deductibles, and benefit allowances — but this varies by plan.
What This Means in Practice
- In Ontario and most of Canada, ketamine infusions for depression are usually not routinely covered by public insurance and may require out-of-pocket payment or reimbursement requests through private benefits.
- First responders with extended health benefits might be able to submit claims for partial reimbursement, but coverage is not guaranteed and should be confirmed directly with the insurance provider.
- Some plans or specific situations (e.g., veterans’ benefits or specialized employer programs) might offer exceptions — contact your benefits administrator to check.
Tips to Explore Coverage
- Call your insurer directly and ask about ketamine infusion coverage under your plan, including requirements for prior authorization and medical necessity documentation.
- Ask your clinic if they can provide detailed billing codes and “superbills” that you can submit for reimbursement.
- Review your benefits booklet or member portal for mental health and off-label treatment policies.
