Psilocybin therapy

(Coming 2023)

To help alleviate major depression, anxiety, chronic pain, substance abuse and psychiatric disorders.

What is Psilocybin Therapy?

Psilocybin therapy is a type of treatment that uses a naturally occurring substance called psilocybin, which is found in certain types of mushrooms.

This substance has been known to cause changes in perception, mood, and thought processes when taken in controlled doses. In a mental health setting, this therapy is done under the supervision of trained professionals to help clients with various mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). During psilocybin therapy sessions, clients are given a carefully measured dose of psilocybin while being monitored and guided by a therapist. The goal of the therapy is to help clients explore their emotions, thoughts, and experiences in a new way, which can lead to personal growth and healing.

The Key Benefits of Psilocybin Therapy

Psilocybin therapy has shown potential benefits in treating various mental health issues. Some key benefits include:

Treatment-resistant depression

Psilocybin therapy has shown promise in helping people who have not responded well to traditional treatments for depression, such as medications and psychotherapy.

Anxiety reduction

Research has indicated that psilocybin therapy can help reduce anxiety levels in individuals with life-threatening illnesses, as well as in those with generalized anxiety disorders.

PTSD symptom relief

Preliminary studies have suggested that psilocybin therapy may help reduce the severity of PTSD symptoms and improve emotional processing.

Personal growth

Psilocybin therapy can lead to profound experiences that help individuals gain new insights into themselves, their relationships, and their place in the world, fostering personal growth and self-awareness.

Additional Benefits of Psilocybin Therapy

  • Long-lasting effects: Many people who undergo psilocybin therapy report long-lasting improvements in mood, well-being, and quality of life, even after just one or a few sessions.

  • Improved emotional processing: Psilocybin therapy has been found to enhance emotional processing, making it easier for individuals to confront and work through difficult emotions.

  • Addiction treatment: Some research has shown that psilocybin therapy can be effective in treating addiction, including tobacco and alcohol dependence, by helping individuals break the cycle of craving and addiction-related behaviors.

  • Reduction in existential distress: For individuals facing life-threatening illnesses or nearing the end of life, psilocybin therapy can help alleviate feelings of hopelessness, fear, and despair, improving their overall quality of life.

  • Increased openness and empathy: Psilocybin therapy has been associated with increased openness and empathy, which can lead to improved relationships and social connections.

  • Neuroplasticity promotion: Emerging research suggests that psilocybin therapy may promote neuroplasticity, or the brain's ability to form new connections and adapt, which can contribute to improved mental health and well-being.

It is important to note that while psilocybin therapy has shown promising results in various studies, more research is needed to understand its benefits, risks, and long-term effects fully. Additionally, this therapy should only be conducted under the supervision of trained professionals in a controlled, therapeutic setting available at Envision Mind Care.

Psilocybin Therapy has proven efficacy

The proven efficacy of psilocybin treatment has been demonstrated in several recent studies, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic option for various mental health conditions. A landmark study conducted by Griffiths et al. (2016) at Johns Hopkins University found that psilocybin therapy significantly reduced depression and anxiety symptoms in patients with life-threatening cancer diagnoses, with effects lasting up to six months. Studies have demonstrated that psilocybin treatment led to rapid and sustained improvements in treatment-resistant depression, with a significant reduction in depressive symptoms at one week and sustained effects at three months. Additionally, a CANMAT report by Joshua D Rosenblat et al. (2023) demonstrated that randomized controlled trials on a small scale have demonstrated that the combination of psilocybin and psychotherapy is more effective than waitlist controls and has similar efficacy and safety to an active comparison group (those using escitalopram with supportive psychotherapy) in treating major depressive disorder. Additional randomized controlled trials have specifically shown effectiveness in treating depression related to cancer (Level 3 evidence). Though more research is required, such early studies, among others, provide compelling evidence for the potential efficacy of psilocybin therapy in treating various mental health conditions.

References:

  1. Griffiths et al. (2016) Psilocybin produces substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer: A randomized double-blind trial

  2. Joshua D Rosenblat et al. (2023) The Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) Task Force Report: Serotonergic Psychedelic Treatments for Major Depressive Disorder

A complete environment for your mental health

Bring rest, privacy, and convenience to your healing experience with an in-clinic stay through our partner CamHospitality Group.

Out-of-province clients welcome

Envision Mind Care has provided Ketamine treatment for numerous clients who travel both within Canada and internationally. For those coming from out-of-town, we can suggest lodging options that are conveniently located within a short walking distance from our clinic.

Treatment Preparation and Schedule

The clinical use of psilocybin for depression typically involves a carefully structured and supervised treatment process, including preparation, administration, and integration phases.

Preparing for treatment

The preparation phase involves a series of preparatory meetings between the patient and the treatment team, which may include a psychiatrist, psychologist, or other mental health professionals. During this phase, the treatment team helps the patient understand what to expect from the treatment, and provides guidance on how to prepare mentally and emotionally for the experience. This may include techniques such as meditation, relaxation exercises, or journaling.

Administration phase

The administration phase typically involves a single dose of psilocybin, which is administered under medical supervision in a controlled and supportive setting, such as a clinic or hospital. During the administration phase, the patient is encouraged to focus on their inner experience, with the treatment team's guidance.

Integration phase

The integration phase is a crucial aspect of psilocybin treatment, which involves follow-up meetings with the treatment team to help the patient integrate the experience into their daily life. This may include processing the insights and emotions that emerged during the experience and developing strategies to maintain the benefits of the treatment over time.

The treatment schedule for psilocybin-assisted therapy for depression may vary depending on the patient's needs and the treatment protocol being used. Some protocols involve a single administration session, while others may involve several sessions spaced out over several weeks or months.

It's important to note that psilocybin-assisted therapy for depression is still an experimental treatment and is not yet widely available. The use of psilocybin for depression should only be undertaken in the context of a carefully designed and supervised clinical trial, with the guidance of a qualified treatment team.

Psilocybin Therapy Team

  • Meena Ramaswamy

    Registered Psychologist

  • Dr. Hanzen Zhou

    Registered Psychologist

  • Mary-Anne (Marnie) MacKay PhD, RN

    Mental Health Nurse

FAQ and Additional Questions

  • The duration of psilocybin treatment varies depending on the individual and the specific treatment plan. Generally, a single psilocybin session can last anywhere from 4 to 8 hours. The total number of sessions needed will depend on your condition and response to the therapy. It is important to discuss this with your healthcare provider to determine the appropriate duration for your specific situation.

  • After a psilocybin treatment, it is recommended to take some time to rest and recover, as the experience can be intense and emotionally demanding. This could range from a few hours to a full day or more, depending on the individual. It is important to give yourself time to process the experience and integrate the insights gained during the therapy.

  • A referral from a medical doctor is required to ensure that you are a suitable candidate for psilocybin treatment and to address any potential medical concerns or contraindications. This helps ensure your safety and the effectiveness of the therapy.

  • The likelihood of your condition responding to psilocybin treatment depends on various factors, such as the specific mental health issue, the severity of your symptoms, and your responsiveness to other treatments. While studies have shown positive results for conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD, individual responses may vary. It is essential to discuss this with your healthcare provider to determine if psilocybin therapy is a suitable option for you.

  • It depends on the specific medication you are taking. Some medications, particularly those used for treating mental health conditions, may interact with psilocybin and impact the effectiveness or safety of the therapy. Before undergoing psilocybin treatment, it is crucial to discuss your current medications with your healthcare provider to determine if any adjustments are needed.

  • Individuals with certain medical conditions or a history of psychosis, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia may not be suitable candidates for clinical psilocybin treatment. Additionally, those with a personal or family history of substance abuse or certain heart conditions may also be excluded from treatment. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional to assess your eligibility for psilocybin therapy based on your medical history and current health status.