Psychedelic therapy is the use of psychedelic medications along with psychological support to improve quality of life and functioning. The word “psychedelic” is derived from the Greek words psychē (the mind/soul) and dēlos (to reveal), and psychedelics have a long history of traditional use for their “mind-revealing” effects.[1] Psychedelic therapy uses “classic psychedelics” like psilocybin (most commonly found in certain species of mushroom), lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) (found in ayahuasca), with most current research using psilocybin.[2] Psychedelic therapy research is rapidly expanding, but it is still considered to be in the early stages and public access to psychedelic therapy is limited. Additionally, psychedelics are still illegal in many regions of the world.
Psychedelic therapy generally consists of three phases: preparation, the psychedelic session, and integration. During the preparation phase, the person receiving treatment works with a health practitioner and/or mental health professional to learn about the psychedelic medication, discuss expectations, and set intentions for the experience. During the psychedelic session, the medication is administered in a safe and comfortable environment where the person can be monitored and supported if needed. Afterward, the integration phase provides an opportunity to debrief, reflect on, and integrate the experience. Therapy sessions using various models of support are often provided during the preparatory and integration phases, and in some studies, the psychedelic session is repeated after several weeks.[3][4]