A New Path to Mental Wellness

At the subanesthetic doses used in our program, the treatment attaches to certain receptors (including NMDA receptors) in the brain that affect glutamate signalling. Glutamate is the main excitatory neurotransmitter and is crucial for communication within the brain, creating memories, and neuroplasticity (the ability to create new thought pathways in the brain). The treatment also creates a dissociative effect, separating the patient from themselves and their environment cognitively and emotionally. This effect can allow patients to reflect on their experiences, create new insights, and gain clarity that can decrease depression. These effects in combination create the rapid and highly effective antidepressant effect seen in patients.‍
The treatment also creates a dissociative effect for patients, separating the patient from themselves and their environment cognitively and emotionally. This effect can allow patients to reflect on their experiences, create new insights and gain clarity that can decrease depression.
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These effects in combination create the rapid and highly effective anti-depressant effect seen in patients.

Most antidepressants work by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters (typically serotonin, dopamine, and/or norepinephrine) that regulate and improve mood. However, not all depression is caused by a decrease in these neurotransmitters. Our treatment affects different neurotransmitter pathways, creates a dissociative effect, and has an anti-inflammatory effect that in combination can create rapid and highly effective antidepressant results.

Euthyma's program focuses on treatment-resistant depression (TRD). TRD is defined as clinical depression that persists after two adequate trials of prescription antidepressants (typically at least 6–8 weeks per medication).

Treatment is administered intramuscularly (by needle) in the upper arm, much like a flu shot. Doses are administered by trained Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) with on-call medical doctor supervision.

Yes. The BC College of Physicians and Surgeons (CPSBC) permits the use of this treatment for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) at subanesthetic doses. All sessions are conducted under physician supervision in a clinical setting.

Clinical evidence supports this treatment as an effective approach for TRD. Response rates are approximately 65% and remission rates approximately 35%. Patients are considered to have responded when they see at least a 50% reduction in their depressive symptoms. Patients who do not reach this threshold may still experience meaningful benefit. Remission means depressive symptoms have improved to the point of being minimal or absent, allowing a return to normal or near-normal daily functioning — a higher standard than simply feeling better.
Patients are considered to have responded to the treatment when they see at least a 50% reduction in their depressive symptoms, however; patients who do not see this degree of efficacy may still see benefits from the treatment. Remission means that depressive symptoms have improved to the point that they are minimal or absent, allowing a return to normal or near-normal daily functioning. It is a higher standard than simply feeling better.

Euthyma is a physician-led organization, meaning our Medical Director is also our lead doctor who will approve patients for our program. Our team also includes our Patient Navigator who will be patients’ first point of contact and guide patients through our program. Our staff also includes our dedicated nurses who will be at each treatment session to provide treatment and ensure our patients’ safety and wellness.

Volunteers will also be present during treatment sessions to provide company and support for our patients. Our volunteers are NOT licensed mental health professionals and do NOT provide therapeutic services. Patients are not required to participate with volunteers.

Euthyma uses an eight (8) week treatment program, with treatments happening once per week for a total of eight (8) treatment sessions.

Treatment sessions typically take two (2) hours to complete, with the potential to extend longer depending on how each patient responds to the treatment.

For those looking for more information as a potential patient, please fill out our brief questionnaire in the “Contact Us” section of our website in order to receive more contact information.

For all other inquiries, please contact info@euthyma.org. Please note that patient inquiries will NOT be responded to through this email.

Euthyma welcomes anyone looking to volunteer their time to our cause! For inquiries regarding how to become a volunteer, please contact team@euthyma.org.

For other professionals looking to contribute to our cause, please contact team@euthyma.org.

For inquiries into Euthyma, including our screening process and specific questions regarding our operations, please contact: operations@euthyma.org for more information.

Yes. The medication used in our program is Health Canada–approved with a well-established safety record in clinical medicine. It is administered at low, therapeutic doses in a supervised clinical setting — distinct from any recreational context. All treatment protocols comply with Canadian medical standards and guidelines.

Euthyma is based in downtown Vancouver and sees patients from across the Lower Mainland, including North Vancouver, Burnaby, and the North Shore. Our program is open to adults with treatment-resistant depression who meet our eligibility criteria. If you're unsure whether you qualify, our intake process will help clarify that.

Euthyma operates out of the Euphora clinic space, which is owned and operated by Dr. Aron Heroux. Euthyma uses the clinic space outside of the Euphora business hours.