Psychedelic-assisted therapy is an emerging psychiatric treatment that combines specific dosages of psychoactive substances (such as Psilocybin, Ketamine, or MDMA) with intensive psychotherapy. These medicines are supportive of healing severe, treatment-resistant mental health conditions like PTSD and major depressive disorder by promoting emotional breakthroughs and cognitive flexibility, when used in a therapeutic setting. [1, 2, 3, 4]

Substances Used and Their Applications

• Psilocybin: A naturally occurring compound found in certain mushrooms. It is highly researched for treating treatment-resistant depression and existential anxiety in terminal illnesses. [1, 2]

• MDMA: An empathogen that reduces fear and defenses. It is primarily researched to assist with exposure-based therapy for severe PTSD. [1, 2]

• Ketamine: A dissociative anesthetic that can be legally prescribed off-label by specialized clinics in the US, often utilized to produce rapid relief from severe depression. [1, 2]

To learn more about the research or ongoing clinical trials, you can review the overviews on Psychology Today's guide to Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy or the VA's research on Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy for PTSD.

The process typically occurs in a highly regulated and safe environment. Generally, there is a structured three-step process for Psilocybin Facilitation:

1. Preparation: Prior to the dosing session, we will meet virtually to discuss hopes, motivations, fears, intentions, expectations, and complete (boring but necessary) paperwork.

2. The Dosing Session: We will meet in person at a service center. After getting situated, you will ingest the psilocybin in a calm room, often wearing an eye mask and headphones while listening to a specially curated playlist of music designed to facilitate inward focus. I will remain with you for the entire duration of your experience to provide support as you process memories, emotions, and gain new insights (or if you need to use the restroom or get a snack).

3. Integration: Subsequent to your dosing session, sessions are scheduled virtually to unpack, explore, and integrate the insights gained during your experience into your daily life.

Psilocybin, the active psychedelic compound found in "magic mushrooms," provides significant therapeutic benefits primarily by rewiring large-scale brain networks, increasing neuroplasticity, and activating serotonin 5-HT2A receptors. Clinical research, notably conducted by institutions like the Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, shows it offers rapid and long-lasting improvements for various mental health and neurological conditions. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Mental Health and Psychiatric Benefits

• Alleviates Depression: Studies demonstrate that a single high dose of psilocybin paired with therapy provides fast, substantial, and sustained reductions in major depressive disorder and treatment-resistant depression. [1, 2]

• Reduces Anxiety and Existential Distress: It significantly lowers end-of-life anxiety and existential dread in patients diagnosed with terminal or life-threatening illnesses like cancer. [1, 2]

• Combats Substance Use Disorders: Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy shows high success rates in treating alcohol dependence, nicotine/smoking cessation, and other substance misuses by breaking rigid behavioral routines. [1, 2, 3]

• Eases Chronic Pain and Mood Cycles: Research from Penn Medicine indicates that psilocybin acts as a "dimmer switch" on brain circuits to simultaneously reduce chronic pain and its associated depression. [1]

• Manages Complex Syndromes: Clinical trials show lasting reductions in multi-system symptom burdens, significantly improving sleep, fatigue, and quality of life for conditions like post-treatment Lyme disease. [1]

Neurological and Cognitive Benefits

• Boosts Neuroplasticity: It triggers the rapid growth of dendritic spines in the prefrontal cortex, helping the brain create new information and emotional pathways. [1, 2]

• Disrupts the Default Mode Network (DMN): By temporarily dampening the DMN (the area responsible for the "sense of self" or ego), it helps individuals break out of negative, cyclical thought patterns. [1, 2]

• Increases Psychological Flexibility: Users frequently report an enhanced capacity to see problems from new perspectives, regulate emotions better, and experience a lasting sense of openness and wonder. [1, 2]

Emerging Physiological Benefits

• Potential Anti-Aging Properties: Emerging laboratory research published in Translational Psychiatry suggests that psilocybin influences systemic aging processes, extending cellular lifespan and improving survival markers in animal models. [1, 2]

• Low Toxicity and Dependency: Unlike many traditional pharmaceuticals or recreational substances, psilocybin is physiologically non-addictive and carries a very low risk of overdose. [1, 2]

Yes, there are health risks associated with using psilocybin, even in controlled medical settings. While clinical trials show the drug has low physical toxicity and a favorable safety profile when administered by professionals, physical and psychological risks remain. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Physical Health Risks

• Cardiovascular Strain: Psilocybin can moderately raise heart rate and blood pressure. This presents a significant health risk to patients with pre-existing or severe cardiovascular conditions. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

• Gastrointestinal Distress: Nausea and vomiting are among the most common adverse effects, occurring frequently during treatment sessions. [1, 2]

• Other Physical Symptoms: Patients may also experience headaches (sometimes lingering into the next day), dizziness, muscle weakness, and fatigue. [1, 2, 3, 4]

Psychological Health Risks

• Acute Psychiatric Distress: Patients can experience profound fear, confusion, and panic during the altered state of consciousness—often referred to as a "bad trip". [1]

• Paranoia and Hallucination: Even with clinical guidance, some patients may experience paranoia, which can occasionally escalate to short-term psychosis. [1, 2]

• Emerging Suicidality: Although infrequent, clinical monitoring guidelines stress the need to watch for increased suicidal ideation, particularly in patients who do not respond well to the therapy. [1, 2]

Drug-Drug Interactions

Taking psilocybin in conjunction with other medications can cause dangerous reactions. For instance: [1]

• Serotonin Syndrome: Because psilocybin impacts serotonin receptors, taking it with other serotonergic medications (such as SSRI or MAOI antidepressants) can trigger potentially life-threatening serotonin syndrome.

• Seizure Risk: Co-administration with certain psychiatric medications, like lithium, may increase the risk of seizures. [1, 2]

Risk Mitigation

Because of these safety concerns, medical use typically involves strict screening protocols. Patients with a personal or family history of psychosis, schizophrenia, or severe heart disease are usually excluded from trials to prevent prolonged psychiatric or cardiac emergencies. Furthermore, professional "set and setting" supervision is required to guide patients through psychologically challenging experiences and prevent dangerous behavior. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

For comprehensive guidelines on therapeutic safety, review the National Institute on Drug Abuse Psilocybin Research or consult the UCSF Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Medical Contraindications.

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Please note I am a call-free practice and all communication is conducted through secure text message or email.

My base rate for all services is $220 per therapy hour (53 minutes).

For psilocybin services, the total investment is dependent on several variables (including but not limited to desired dose, strain, service center fees). Preparation (before), administration (dosing), and integration (follow-up) sessions are billed at the standard therapy rate of $220 per 53 minute session, with a $660 minimum charge for administration.

I utilize the “Green Bottle Method” for discounted rates per therapy hour, and am more than happy to work with you on what is financially feasible for you. Please ask for help if needed.