Dimensions Algonquin Highlands

Dimensions is a mental health and well-being centre on 40 private acres by Maple Lake in the Algonquin Highlands of Ontario, Canada, about three hours from Toronto. It runs clinical programmes, cohort programmes for first responders and veterans, short well-being retreats and private group stays.

Approach

Clinical work is delivered by registered psychotherapists and other regulated health professionals, through individual, group and somatic psychotherapy, plus massage, acupuncture, yoga and breathwork. The chief medical officer is Dr D.J. Cook, head of neurosurgery at Queen’s University. Christopher Dawson, who earlier founded the Edgewood Health Network, set up the centre with Andrew Galloway and David Heden. Dimensions has also offered an ASCEND retreat built around one cannabis ceremony, but its current website does not mention cannabis or any other psychedelic.

Who it is for

The clinical programmes are for PTSD, anxiety, depression and other lasting mental health problems, and the first responder stream serves veterans and police officers. Well-being retreats are for one or two people, and group stays suit teams and practitioners. The centre states that it is not a hospital, emergency service or withdrawal management facility and cannot help people in acute crisis.

Practical details

Retreat guests stay in private cabins, eat meals from a chef nominated for a James Beard Award, and can use a wood-fired sauna, cold plunge, flotation and red light therapy, plus sound sessions in a geodesic dome. Retreats take no more than 15 people and group stays ten to twenty. The ASCEND retreat ran three or four nights from a Wednesday, for up to 16 guests, from $1,200 a night all inclusive.

Care and safety

Registered clinicians screen clinical participants for suitability, review their goals and history, and schedule preparation sessions before arrival. Afterwards, continuing-care sessions and check-ins are coordinated with the participant’s own providers.