Ketamine Therapy for Chronic Pain in BC: Clinics, Costs and What to Expect

Last Updated: June 2026

Ketamine therapy has emerged as a treatment option for British Columbians living with chronic pain conditions that have not responded to conventional treatments. Originally used as an anesthetic, ketamine is now offered at specialized clinics across BC for pain management, with sessions typically costing between $400 and $800. This guide explains how ketamine therapy works, which conditions it may address, where to find clinics in BC, and what the treatment process involves.

What Is Ketamine Therapy for Chronic Pain?

Ketamine is a medication that works differently from traditional pain treatments. While opioids target opioid receptors and anti-inflammatories reduce swelling, ketamine primarily blocks NMDA receptors in the brain and spinal cord. This unique mechanism can interrupt pain signaling pathways and may help "reset" sensitized pain circuits in people with chronic pain conditions.

For chronic pain management in BC, ketamine is most commonly administered through intravenous (IV) infusions in supervised clinical settings. Some clinics also offer intramuscular injections or nasal spray formulations, though IV infusions remain the standard approach for pain conditions.

Ketamine therapy is typically considered when other treatments within the Chronic Pain Hub BC spectrum have not provided adequate relief. It is not a first-line treatment and requires careful patient selection by qualified medical professionals.

Conditions That May Respond to Ketamine Therapy

Research and clinical experience suggest ketamine infusions may benefit certain chronic pain conditions. BC clinics commonly treat patients with the following:

Neuropathic Pain Conditions

• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), formerly known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy
• Diabetic neuropathy
• Post-herpetic neuralgia (pain following shingles)
• Peripheral neuropathy from various causes
• Trigeminal neuralgia

Central Sensitization Syndromes

• Fibromyalgia
• Chronic widespread pain
• Central pain syndrome following stroke or spinal cord injury

Other Chronic Pain Conditions

• Chronic migraine and cluster headaches
• Persistent post-surgical pain
• Cancer-related pain (often in conjunction with palliative care teams)
• Chronic back pain with neuropathic components

Response rates vary significantly between individuals and conditions. Some patients experience substantial relief, while others may see minimal benefit. A thorough assessment by the treating physician helps determine candidacy.

Ketamine Therapy Clinics in British Columbia

Several private clinics across BC now offer ketamine infusion therapy for chronic pain. Availability has expanded significantly since 2020, with options in major urban centres.

Greater Vancouver Area

Vancouver: Multiple clinics operate in Vancouver proper, including specialized pain management centres and integrative health clinics. Downtown Vancouver and the Broadway corridor have the highest concentration of providers. Some clinics focus exclusively on ketamine therapy, while others offer it as part of comprehensive pain management programs.

Burnaby: At least two clinics in Burnaby provide ketamine infusions, typically with easier parking access and somewhat lower overhead costs compared to downtown Vancouver locations.

Surrey: Ketamine therapy options in Surrey have grown to meet demand from the South Fraser region. Clinics here often serve patients from Langley, Delta, and White Rock as well.

Richmond: One to two clinics in Richmond offer ketamine services, providing an option for patients in the central metro area.

Vancouver Island

Victoria: The capital region has multiple ketamine therapy providers, serving patients from across southern Vancouver Island. Wait times in Victoria are generally comparable to Vancouver, ranging from two to six weeks for initial consultations.

BC Interior and Okanagan

Kelowna: The Okanagan region has seen increased availability of ketamine therapy, with clinics in Kelowna serving patients from Vernon, Penticton, and surrounding communities. This reduces the need for patients in the Interior to travel to the Lower Mainland.

Fraser Valley

Abbotsford: Ketamine therapy options in Abbotsford provide access for Fraser Valley residents, including those from Chilliwack, Mission, and Maple Ridge areas.

For information about wait times across BC healthcare services, visit our BC Healthcare Wait Times resource.

Costs of Ketamine Therapy in BC

Ketamine therapy for chronic pain is not covered by the BC Medical Services Plan (MSP) when provided at private clinics. Patients should budget for the following costs:

Per Session Costs

Insurance Coverage

Most extended health insurance plans do not cover ketamine infusions for chronic pain. However, some patients have successfully obtained coverage through:

• Workers' Compensation Board (WorkSafeBC) for work-related injuries, subject to approval
• ICBC claims for motor vehicle accident injuries, with prior authorization
• Veterans Affairs Canada for eligible veterans
• Some private disability insurance policies on a case-by-case basis

Patients should contact their insurance provider directly to inquire about potential coverage before beginning treatment.

What to Expect During Ketamine Treatment

Initial Assessment

Before receiving ketamine therapy, patients undergo a comprehensive evaluation. This typically includes:

• Review of complete medical history and current medications
• Assessment of previous pain treatments and their effectiveness
• Physical examination
• Psychological screening (ketamine affects mood and perception)
• Discussion of realistic expectations and potential risks
• Baseline vital signs and, in some cases, laboratory tests

The Infusion Experience

A typical ketamine infusion session for chronic pain follows this general process:

1. Arrival and preparation: You will be seated in a comfortable reclining chair in a calm, monitored environment. An IV line is placed, and baseline vital signs are recorded.
2. Infusion period: The ketamine is administered slowly over 40 minutes to 4 hours, depending on the protocol. During this time, you may experience altered perception, visual changes, and a sense of disconnection. Most patients describe these effects as tolerable when in a supportive setting.
3. Monitoring: Medical staff monitor vital signs, comfort level, and response throughout the infusion. Adjustments to the infusion rate may be made based on your response.
4. Recovery: After the infusion ends, you will remain at the clinic for 30 to 60 minutes until effects subside sufficiently. Most cognitive effects resolve within one to two hours.

You must arrange transportation home, as driving is not permitted on the day of treatment.

Treatment Protocols

Initial treatment typically involves a series of infusions rather than a single session. Common protocols include:

• Six infusions over two to three weeks (often administered every two to three days)
• Four infusions over two weeks
• Booster or maintenance infusions every four to eight weeks, based on response

Response assessment occurs throughout the treatment series and guides decisions about continuing therapy.

Potential Side Effects and Considerations

Ketamine therapy carries potential side effects and is not appropriate for everyone. Common effects during and shortly after infusions include:

• Dissociation (feeling detached from surroundings)
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness
• Elevated blood pressure and heart rate
• Visual disturbances
• Fatigue following treatment

Ketamine may not be suitable for individuals with certain conditions, including uncontrolled hypertension, certain psychiatric conditions, history of substance use disorder, and pregnancy. The treating physician will review contraindications during the assessment process.

Integrating Ketamine Therapy with Other Treatments

Ketamine therapy works best as part of a comprehensive pain management approach rather than a standalone treatment. Many BC clinics recommend combining ketamine infusions with:

• Physical therapy and exercise programs through Rehabilitation Hub BC resources
• Psychological support, including cognitive behavioral therapy for pain
• Appropriate medication management
• Lifestyle modifications

Coordinating care between your ketamine provider, family physician, and other specialists helps optimize outcomes.

How to Access Ketamine Therapy in BC

The pathway to ketamine therapy typically involves:

1. Referral: While some clinics accept self-referrals, many prefer or require a referral from your family physician or pain specialist.
2. Initial consultation: Contact the clinic to schedule an assessment. Wait times for initial appointments range from two to eight weeks at most BC clinics.
3. Medical records: Prepare documentation of your pain history, previous treatments, and relevant test results.
4. Financial planning: Confirm costs and payment options with the clinic before committing to treatment.

For general health questions while exploring treatment options, contact HealthLinkBC (8-1-1), available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Questions to Ask Ketamine Clinics

When researching ketamine therapy providers in BC, consider asking:

• What are the qualifications and experience of the medical staff?
• What monitoring equipment and emergency protocols are in place?
• What is the total cost for the recommended treatment protocol?
• What is the clinic's experience treating your specific condition?
• How are treatment outcomes measured and tracked?
• What follow-up care is provided?

Taking time to research providers helps ensure you receive safe, professional care.

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