What Happens in a Psychedelic Therapy Session?

Psychedelic Therapy Process

If you’re interested in psychedelic therapy using psilocybin, it’s critical to work with a professional who can develop a treatment plan that aligns with your goals and takes into account your mental health concerns. Here are a few more details about what you might expect after undergoing psychedelic therapy:

• Frequency: The frequency of psychedelic therapy sessions can vary based on individual needs and the specific therapeutic protocol being followed. Patients can undergo sessions anywhere from once a month to a few times a year. For those new to psychedelic therapy, a series of sessions—often ranging from three to six—may be recommended.
• Session duration: The duration of each session can also differ, lasting anywhere from four to eight hours depending on the substance used.
• Cost: Cost will vary based on your provider, but many psilocybin therapists charge $150-200/hour. A single session might cost $600+ and six sessions or more could cost at least $5,000 in total. A 2023 study published in Cambridge University Press suggested that psilocybin therapy is actually more cost-effective than traditional therapy for treatment of disorders like PTSD and severe depression.

When Did Psilocybin Therapy Start?

Psilocybin therapy dates back thousands of years, with indigenous cultures in Mesoamerica using psilocybin mushrooms in spiritual rituals.

Modern exploration of psilocybin as a therapeutic tool began in the mid-20th century, particularly after the discovery of its psychoactive properties in the 1950s. Around that time, researchers like Dr. Timothy Leary and Dr. Richard Alpert began to investigate psilocybin’s potential to treat various psychological conditions, such as depression and anxiety. However, research soon stalled due to regulatory pushback and the subsequent prohibition of psychedelics in the late 1960s.

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in psilocybin therapy driven by promising research and evolving attitudes toward psychedelic drugs.

What Are the Benefits of Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy?

Research indicates that psychedelic therapy can treat various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and drug addiction. That said, further research is needed to understand the long-term efficacy and safety of this treatment.

Some of the numerous research-backed benefits of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy include:

• Reduced Symptoms of Depression: Many patients report significant reductions in depressive symptoms following psychedelic sessions.
• Emotional Insight: The use of psychedelics can lead to deep introspection and a better understanding of one’s emotional processes.
• Reduction in Anxiety: Psychedelic therapy can help patients manage their anxiety, particularly in end-of-life situations.
• Healthy Processing of Trauma: The altered state can create a safe space for patients to confront and process traumatic experiences.
• Openness and Creativity: Participants often experience shifts in perspective that enhance their creativity and promote openness to new ideas.
• Spiritual Growth: Some patients report spiritual insights or experiences that contribute to personal growth and well-being.
• Improved Mood: Many patients report an improved mood that lasts long after their therapy sessions.