Over the last few years, psychedelics have gotten a lot of attention. Much of that coverage has been very positive, which has left a growing number of people wondering whether psychedelics might be useful for them. At Mandorla Wellness, we currently provide ketamine-assisted psychotherapy; all other psychedelics are illegal at the state and federal level. However, we are transparent about the known risks (and potential benefits) of other psychedelics as well. We carefully consider each individual’s motivation to use (or stop using) psychedelics, and we optimize support around past or planned psychedelic use.

A number of psychedelic substances (e.g., psilocybin, ketamine, LSD, MDMA) are currently being studied in clinical trials. The purpose of these trials is to assess the safety and therapeutic potential of each substance for a particular disorder (e.g., addiction, depression, PTSD). To reduce the known risks, participants are screened for any medical or psychiatric issues that might make them ineligible for psychedelic treatment. The risks are further reduced by careful preparation and a supportive setting.

No less important: what a person does after the experience. For many people, a psychedelic experience can give rise to strong feelings—sometimes joyful, but sometimes quite dark. Making meaning from those experiences, however dark or blissful they may seem, is essential to the process of integration. (You may know people who claim to have had a “transformational” psychedelic experience, but who seem to be no less narcissistic/guarded/rigid than they were before!) Though psychedelics might give rise to spiritual insights in the moment, in order for anything to “stick,” those insights must be integrated into one’s daily life.

Consultation

If you are curious about using psychedelics and have questions about how your unique history might affect the associated risk, consider booking a consultation with an expert to address your questions. As an academic researcher, Dr. O’Donnell is well versed in the psychedelic literature, and is well positioned to discuss the latest findings and answer any questions you might have.

The initial consultation consists of a review of your medical and psychiatric history (including diagnoses, current and ongoing symptoms, active medications, etc.) to determine whether, based on the available research literature to date, you might be at increased risk of adverse events if you were to use psychedelic medicines. An initial consultation is also the first step for individuals who are considering individual or group psychedelic integration sessions (see below), individuals who are interested in help reducing their psychedelic use, or for those who had new or worsening psychiatric symptoms after using psychedelics, which may suggest a need for a higher level of care.

Individual Psychotherapy

Psychedelic use can give rise to intense, at times very challenging, experiences. Though challenging experiences may ultimately be beneficial, many individuals require additional support to fully process and integrate them. In addition, even positive psychedelic experiences may leave individuals with questions about how to make sense of them, or frustrated with the ephemeral nature of the experience. In those cases, individual integration sessions with a therapist who is familiar with the psychedelic landscape—and also familiar with common traps that people fall into around psychedelic experiences—can be very beneficial.

Ketamine does not currently have FDA approval for use in the treatment of any mental health concerns. Whether administered in the context of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) or in IV ketamine clinics, its use for depression and other mental health issues is off-label.

All other psychedelic substances, including plant medicines that may have been decriminalized in certain areas, are currently illegal at the federal level.

With the exception of KAP, we do not offer psychedelic sessions at Mandorla Wellness.

We do not provide information about where or how to obtain illicit psychedelic substances.

We do not provide referrals to (or reviews of) “underground” psychedelic suppliers or therapists.

If you are interested in participating in a psychedelic research study, please click here for more information, and/or go to www.clinicaltrials.gov to see if there is an appropriate trial enrolling near you.