Psychedelic therapy refers to the therapeutic use of psychedelic molecules like ketamine, psilocybin, LSD, and MDMA. Studies have shown that when taken in a safe environment with therapeutic support, psychedelics can relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety after only a few hours. In psychedelic therapy, the participant must first undergo a medical and psychiatric intake to ensure the experience will be the right option for them. Next, the psychiatric team prepares them for the experience beforehand, discussing what to expect and how to ease their mindset leading up to it.
With ketamine-assisted therapy, on the day of treatment, a medical professional administers the psychedelic intravenously, intramuscularly, or orally while the participant lays down with an eye mask and listens to music. A guide, known as an integrator, provides breathing techniques and reassurance if adverse effects should arise. The dosing session is followed by an integration session to recount their experience, describe their feelings during and after, talk through lingering questions, and glean key insights or takeaways.