Ketamine therapy is providing significant relief for Nova Scotians suffering from severe, treatment-resistant depression, as highlighted by patient Sherri Topple. While effective and safe in medically controlled environments, the treatment is not publicly funded in Nova Scotia, leading to accessibility issues and high costs for patients like Lisa Herritt.
'I have a life back': How ketamine therapy is helping these Nova Scotians find relief from depression
Nova ScotiaQueen Elizabeth II Health Sciences CentreDr. Abraham NunesRecessions and depressionsHealthDepressionPublic health
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Ketamine therapy is providing significant relief for Nova Scotians suffering from severe, treatment-resistant depression, as highlighted by patient Sherri Topple. While effective and safe in medically controlled environments, the treatment is not publicly funded in Nova Scotia, leading to accessibility issues and high costs for patients like Lisa Herritt.
Trending- 1 March 2023: Nova Scotia's health authority began administering ketamine therapy.
- 2 2023: Lisa Herritt began ketamine therapy. Matthew Perry died from ketamine overdose.
- 3 January: Sherri Topple completed a clinical trial and received five doses.
- 4 June 3, 2025: CBC News publishes article highlighting the therapy's impact and funding issues.
- Improved quality of life for patients
- High out-of-pocket costs for patients
- Limited access to treatment
- Calls for public funding and expansion of the program
What: Ketamine therapy is helping Nova Scotians find relief from severe depression, but its lack of public funding creates accessibility issues.
When: Published 2025-06-03. Patients have received therapy since March 2023. Sherri Topple completed a trial in January. Lisa Herritt started in 2023. Matthew Perry died in 2023.
Where: Nova Scotia, Canada (specifically QEII Health Sciences Centre, Halifax, Dalhousie University).
Why: Traditional medications and therapies have failed for some patients with severe depression, making ketamine a last resort that has shown remarkable effectiveness. However, it's not publicly funded due to resource limitations and government policy.
How: Ketamine, a fast-acting anesthetic, is administered at low doses in medically supervised environments. A pilot project is being funded by the QEII Foundation to expand the program, but stable government funding is needed for broader accessibility.