Psychedelic therapy is rapidly becoming a focal point in discussions about mental health treatment. With its potential to address deep-seated mental health issues that traditional therapies sometimes fail to reach, it's understandable that many are curious about where they can access this treatment. In this article, we will explore various options for seeking psychedelic therapy and the legalities surrounding it.

What Is Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy?

Psychedelic therapy involves the use of substances like psilocybin, MDMA, or ketamine alongside psychotherapy to address a wide range of mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. The concept is based on the idea that psychedelics, in a controlled environment, can help individuals encounter and process emotions or memories that may be too difficult to address through conventional talk therapy alone.

Psychedelic-assisted therapy includes professional counseling, where a therapist supports a patient through the experience. This approach is thought to help patients gain deeper insights into their personal issues and unlock new ways of thinking, feeling, and healing. It's important to note that psychedelic therapy is still an emerging field. While research is promising, it's not yet available in many places.

The Legal Landscape of Psychedelic Therapy

One of the most significant barriers to accessing psychedelic therapy in many regions is its legal status. In the United States, many psychedelics remain federally illegal, with the exception of ketamine. However, certain states have made progress in legalizing psychedelics, creating opportunities for those seeking this form of treatment.

Psilocybin Legalization for Personal Use

Psilocybin, the active compound in "magic mushrooms," has been decriminalized or legalized for personal use in some states and cities. These locations are allowing individuals to possess and use psilocybin without facing criminal charges. As of now, some of the states where psilocybin is legal for personal use include:

Oregon: Oregon was the first state to legalize psilocybin for personal use in 2020.
Colorado: In 2022, Colorado voters approved a measure to decriminalize psilocybin for personal use.
California (San Francisco): Some cities in California, such as San Francisco, have moved to decriminalize psilocybin.

Psilocybin Legalization for Therapy and Facilitated Experiences

While psilocybin is legal for personal use in a few states, its use in therapy or facilitated experiences is more regulated. In Colorado, psilocybin is legally allowed for therapeutic purposes, making it an exciting option for those interested in psychedelic therapy. However, there is a distinction between therapy and facilitated experiences.

Therapy: Psilocybin therapy in Colorado involves the use of the substance under the guidance of a licensed therapist. It's an experience that integrates the psychedelic experience with psychotherapy.
Facilitated Experience: In Oregon, facilitated psilocybin experiences are allowed. These experiences, however, don't necessarily include psychotherapy. Instead, individuals are given access to psilocybin in a safe, controlled environment but are not necessarily guided through the experience in the same therapeutic manner as in Colorado.

It is important to understand the difference between therapy and facilitated experiences. While both can offer healing, therapy provides a more structured approach with professional guidance, whereas facilitated experiences do not constitute psychotherapy.

Ketamine-Assisted Therapy

Ketamine is another psychedelic that has gained legal status for therapeutic use in the United States. Although not technically a classic psychedelic, ketamine is often referred to as a "dissociative psychedelic" because of its effects on perception and sense of self. Ketamine-assisted therapy is legally available in many parts of the U.S., and it has been used to treat conditions like depression, PTSD, and anxiety.

Unlike psilocybin or MDMA, ketamine therapy is currently more accessible due to its approval by the FDA for medical use. Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy can be an excellent option for those who want to explore psychedelic therapy legally and with professional guidance.

prescriptions from a psychedelic therapist

Clinical Trials and Research Centers

Clinical trials are another avenue for accessing psychedelic therapy, particularly for those interested in new therapies and who are open to participating in research studies. Many organizations, such as Cybin and Compass Therapeutics, run clinical trials that study the effects of psychedelics like psilocybin, MDMA, and ketamine. These trials often take place at research sites in cities like New York.

While clinical trials are an excellent way to access cutting-edge psychedelic therapy, there are limitations to consider. These trials are typically structured, meaning they often involve rigid inclusion criteria and may include placebo-controlled tests. Participants in a clinical trial may not receive immediate access to the therapy if they are placed in the placebo group. Additionally, these trials can be limited in scope and duration, which may not provide the long-term therapeutic support that some individuals are seeking.

Accessing Psychedelic Therapy Abroad

For individuals who live in areas where psychedelic therapy is not yet available, traveling abroad is an option. Some countries, such as the Netherlands, Jamaica, and Peru, offer legal psychedelic therapy experiences. Trained professionals often facilitate these sessions in a safe and controlled environment.

However, while this option may seem appealing, it comes with its own set of challenges. Traveling abroad for psychedelic therapy can be costly, with many retreats charging significant fees. Moreover, there is the issue of continuity of care: psychedelic experiences in a foreign country may not provide the long-term follow-up and support necessary for lasting outcomes. As a result, accessing psychedelics in another country is often not an ideal substitute for long-term mental health care in your home country.

What Is Psychedelic Integration Therapy?

Psychedelic integration therapy is a process that helps individuals make sense of and integrate their psychedelic experiences into their everyday lives. It doesn't involve the administration of psychedelics but rather supports individuals who have already had a psychedelic experience and want to process or maximize the benefits of that experience.

Integration therapy helps individuals unpack their experiences, which may include intense emotions, visions, or insights. By working with a therapist, individuals can gain clarity on how to apply these experiences to their lives in a meaningful and constructive way.

The goal of integration therapy is not to just revisit the experience but to help individuals understand the lessons they learned and integrate them into their ongoing personal growth. Psychedelic integration therapy is especially helpful for those who may have had challenging experiences and need guidance on processing the emotions that arose during the session.

In Conclusion

Psychedelic therapy is a promising and transformative approach to mental health care, but accessing it can be complicated due to its legal status and the specific regulations in place. Some individuals can access therapy in certain states like Colorado, Oregon, and others, while others may have to look to clinical trials or travel abroad for access.

Whether you're interested in psychedelic-assisted therapy, facilitated experiences, or psychedelic integration therapy, it's essential to carefully consider your options and the legalities involved. As the field of psychedelic therapy continues to grow, more options may become available, offering new avenues for healing and personal growth.

Where Can I Get Psychedelic Therapy?