When struggling with complex mental health issues like treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, or addiction, many individuals look for answers beyond mainstream treatment solutions. Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy or PAP, offers treatment interventions that can have a profound and life-changing effect.
In the past few years, PAP has enjoyed what some might call a “psychedelic renaissance” characterized by the resurgence of psychedelic research on a global scale. For some, PAP sounds like a miracle. For others, it feels risky or confusing.
In this article, we address the taboo around this topic and shed light on the world of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. If you are wondering how psychedelics work in a therapeutic setting; are they safe and what are risks involved? And could you benefit from it? Keep on reading to stay informed.
What Is Psychedelic Therapy?
At its core, psychedelic psychotherapy involves combining psychedelic substances with talk therapy to tackle a variety of mental health challenges.
Psychedelics refer to substances that induce altered states of consciousness, reshaping how you see yourself and the world. Examples include psilocybin, MDMA, mezcaline, DMT, and LSD—derived from plants or synthesized. Instead of being used recreationally, these substances are administered in a carefully controlled, supportive clinical setting along with psychotherapy to foster deep self-reflection and psychological breakthroughs.
Historically, many cultures have used these substances in spiritual or healing rituals. Currently researchers are studying their potential to address conditions such as:
- depression,
- post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD),
- anxiety,
- addiction (especially in people who haven’t found relief through traditional methods).
It’s important to note that clinical psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy is still in its early stages of research. Most treatments are only available through clinical trials at universities and research centers.
How Psychedelic Therapy Works: The 3-Stage Process
Stage 1: Preparation |
Before any psychedelic is administered, the patient typically attends several sessions with a psychotherapist.
These sessions focus on:
For example: a psychotherapist might coach a patient on how to remain open to intense emotions or unusual imagery, increasing the chances of a meaningful, safe experience. |
Stage 2: The Psychedelic Experience |
On the treatment day:
They might lie on a couch, wear an eye mask, and listen to calming music, allowing the psychedelic experience to unfold. Some describe feelings of deep connection, compassion, or spiritual insight. Others may face challenging emotions or vivid imagery. The therapist’s role is not to direct the experience but to offer support and help the patient move through difficult moments. |
Stage 3: Integration |
In the days following, the patient participates in integration sessions, which are crucial to helping patients process and make sense of what they experienced.
In these sessions, the therapist helps the patient process what they saw, felt, and learned. Integration ensures the insights become lasting, practical changes. |
Who Can Benefit From Psychedelic Therapy?
Many people view psychedelic therapy as a catalyst – a turning point that can allow deeper healing through psychotherapy.
Additionally, research from the past five years suggests that psychedelic therapy could be promising, especially for those who haven’t responded to other treatments:
Depression
A 2025 study found that two high-dose sessions of psilocybin-assisted therapy led to significant and lasting reductions in depression symptoms in individuals with MDD (Major Depressive Disorder), compared to a six-week daily course of a selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor antidepressant [1].
PTSD
Clinical trials of MDMA-assisted therapy have reported major improvements for patients with chronic, treatment-resistant PTSD, including veterans and first responders [2].
MDMA has been speculated to aid processing trauma memories due to its effects on thinking style (less rigid and constrained) and social behavior (higher openness), which can possibly help form a stronger therapeutic alliance [3].
Addiction
Psychedelics – like psilocybin, ibogaine or MDMA – may help people break free from nicotine, alcohol, and other addictions by offering new perspectives on behavior and motivation [4].
It is important to note that psychedelics other than ketamine remain experimental and are not widely available to the public at this time.
Psychedelic Therapy: Risks & Considerations
While psychedelic therapy may sound revolutionary, it’s important to keep perspective and remember it’s not a magic cure or a quick fix.
Unpredictable Experiences
- Some people may experience overwhelming fear, paranoia, or disturbing hallucinations, sometimes referred to as a “bad trip”.
- Additionally, people with a personal or family history of psychosis or bipolar disorder may be at higher risk of harmful reactions.
Physical Risks
- Psychedelics can temporarily raise blood pressure and heart rate, which may be dangerous for those with cardiovascular issues.
Unregulated Access
- Outside of clinical trials, psychedelics remain illegal in most places. Using them without medical oversight carries serious safety concerns, including unknown drug purity.
Limited Research
- While results are promising, most studies so far are small and short-term. We don’t yet know the long-term effects or the best ways to support sustained healing.
Get Professional Help with Harbor Psychiatry
It’s understandable to feel drawn to the idea of psychedelic therapy—especially if you’ve struggled with mental health challenges that feel unrelenting. Science may one day bring psychedelic-assisted therapy into mainstream care.
However, for now, the safest and most effective options remain established treatments that are FDA-approved, widely available, backed by decades of research, and guided by qualified mental health professionals.
Our compassionate team at Harbor Psychiatry & Mental Health offers comprehensive, personalized care. Our services include:
- Psychotherapy
- Medication management
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
- Ketamine Infusion Therapy
- And more…
If you or a loved one are struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, or another mental health challenge, please know you don’t have to navigate it alone.
Reaching out for professional help is a powerful first step toward reclaiming your well-being.
References:
[1] Henry, J., Giribaldi, B., Nutt, D. J., Erritzoe, D., Carhart-Harris, R., & Lyons, T. (2025). The effects of psilocybin therapy versus escitalopram on cognitive bias: A secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial. European Neuropsychopharmacology, 97, 51–60.
[2] Mithoefer, M. C., Mithoefer, A. T., Feduccia, A. A., Jerome, L., Wagner, M. T., Wymer, J., Holland, J., Hamilton, S., Yazar-Klosinski, B., Emerson, A., & Doblin, R. (2018). 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-assisted psychotherapy for post-traumatic stress disorder in military veterans, firefighters, and police officers: A randomised, double-blind, dose-response, phase 2 clinical trial. The Lancet Psychiatry, 5(6), 486–497.
[3] Varker, T., Watson, L., Gibson, K., & Forbes, D. (2021). Efficacy of psychoactive drugs for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder: A systematic review of MDMA, ketamine, LSD and psilocybin. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 53(2), 85–95.
[4] Zafar, R., Siegel, M., Harding, R., Barba, T., Agnorelli, C., Suseelan, S., Roseman, L., Wall, M., Nutt, D. J., & Erritzoe, D. (2023). Psychedelic therapy in the treatment of addiction: The past, present and future. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 14, 1183740.
