Psychedelic Assisted Therapy & Frequently Asked Questions

I am writing this because there is increasing interest in psychedelic assisted therapy and I get a number of inquiries about this kind of therapy that indicate folks need some 101 level education on what is available in California. 

Many are watching Michael Pollen’s series on Netflix or reading his book without realizing that not all the psychedelic therapy featured in the media is readily available in their area. So here’s some quick, simple FAQ’s. For more in depth information you can visit MAPS’s website here. MAPS has their own Psychedelic therapy 101 course which you can access here.

For the record, I work with Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (or KAP). At this point, this is the only legal psychedelic therapy in California outside of research studies. I work with The Temenos Center in Petaluma, CA and you can check them out here.

What is psychedelic therapy?

Psychedelic assisted therapy is psychotherapy with the use of psychedelic compounds such as MDMA, ​​psilocybin, ketamine, LSD and others. It is used to support mental health and treat mental illnesses. It is conducted in a therapeutic setting with a qualified therapist. In this context, the therapist prepares the patient for the experience before and is present with them while they are taking the psychedelic. Afterwards, the therapist supports them to integrate what they experienced, find the meaning in it and make shifts in their lives that support lasting change.

Research on mental illness and psychedelics in the United States started in 1950s, took a pause for some years and was reinvigorated recently. The concept of psychedelics being an aid to psychotherapeutic work is not new. In numerous indigenous and ancient cultures psychedelic plants were consumed ritualistically for health, healing, growth and spiritual connection.

What are potential benefits of psychedelic assisted therapy?

More research is needed however there is growing evidence that psychedelic therapy can be helpful to address anxiety, major depressive disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, help those contending with terminal illnesses and more. 

The assistance of psychedelics in therapy can support clients to have a different view on themselves and their challenges. The support of a therapist can enhance a client’s ability to utilize this opportunity and navigate emotionally challenging material  in a beneficial manner. Some say the sessions themselves give a pause from your normal outlook and perspectives. This pause can provide a fresh view that can lead to lasting changes. Past experiences are often processed and reconciled. Others feel that sessions can open them up to their own knowing, inner truth, true nature or spiritual awareness. We know that Ketamine supports neuroplasticity in the brain. This alone can support changes that positively impact mental health.

How is this approach different from recreational use of psychedelics?

In general, there is much more intentionality brought to psychedelic therapy than recreational experiences. An important concept in this kind of therapy is that of the ‘set and setting.’ The set is your mindset which you bring to the therapy. The setting is the physical place where the therapy takes place. In this context, significant attention is paid to both preparing yourself mentally and where the sessions will take place. Both are considered crucial to receiving optimum results from the treatment.  

Secondly, the therapist is also part of the setting. A therapist is present to provide guidance, support and care. The therapist’s role is to help you set your intentions for the therapy. In recreational experiences there is often not the guidance of another, intentional setting or attention to your mind set. 

Last, there is often medical clearance and oversight with these therapies. Clients go through an intake process where a medical professional screens them to ensure they are appropriate and safe to pursue this kind of treatment. Medicine administration and dosing is supervised by medical staff. 

Are psychedelics legal for therapy in California?

As of this date, Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy is the only legal psychedelic therapy in California. There is research being done where some patients/clients can have access to other psychedelic compounds and therapy through participating in the research as a subject.

The US Food and Drug Administration assesses potential drugs for approval. Psychedelic therapies using psilocybin (for treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder) and MDMA (for post-traumatic stress disorder) are undergoing assessment and research. There may be others I am not aware of.

What is the difference between psychedelic therapy and integration?

Psychedelic assisted therapy is described above and is considered the sessions when you take the medicine. 

Integration comes afterwards and is the way you take the learning and lessons from your sessions into your life to make changes. It can happen in the days, weeks, months, even years after your psychedelic experience.

I offer integration sessions as part of my work at The Temenos Center and in my private practice to folks who have had psychedelic experiences elsewhere.

What should I do if I am looking for psychedelic therapy in California?

First, consider Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) and see if your area has a local Ketamine therapy clinic.  Find out what kind of support they offer to make meaning of your experience. Some clinics offer more support, longer KAP sessions, shorter KAP sessions, more or fewer integration sessions. Some settings just offer Ketamine and no therapy. Explore what might be the best match for you. Generally, ketamine treatment with therapy offers more support. 

Second, if Ketamine is not the right match for your needs, there are states where psilocybin psychotherapy is legal. Oregon is one of these states. The last option may be to see if you can be part of ongoing research on the impacts of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy.