“Psychedelic Therapy” Doesn’t Technically Exist Yet. How This Affects You

Key Takeaways

• • Lack of Standardization: Psychedelic therapy, as commonly imagined, is not yet standardized or regulated, leading to confusion and inconsistency.

• • Proactive Steps Needed: Individuals must research thoroughly, build a comprehensive care team, and ensure proper integration support for effective psychedelic experiences.

• • Role of Psychedelic Passage: Organizations like Psychedelic Passage provide a pre-vetted network of facilitators, ensuring safe and effective care while the field evolves towards standardization.

The Current Regulatory Landscape

The regulatory landscape for psychedelic therapy in the United States is currently a patchwork of varying state requirements and qualifications for facilitators. This inconsistency creates significant challenges for both practitioners and individuals seeking therapy. To understand the implications, it’s essential to compare the differing approaches of states like Oregon and Colorado.

Comparison of Different State Requirements for Facilitator Qualifications

Oregon: In 2020, Oregon became the first state to legalize the therapeutic use of psilocybin through Measure 109. The measure established the Oregon Psilocybin Services Program, which sets stringent requirements for facilitators. These include:

• • Completion of a state-approved training program

• • Passing a comprehensive exam

• • Undergoing a criminal background check

• • Adhering to specific ethical guidelines and continuing education requirements

The program aims to ensure that facilitators are well-trained and capable of providing safe and effective psilocybin therapy.

Colorado: In contrast, Colorado’s approach is less defined. In 2022, Colorado passed Proposition 122, which decriminalizes the use of certain psychedelics, including psilocybin, for personal use and allows for the establishment of healing centers.

However, the specifics of facilitator qualifications are still being developed. The state has yet to implement a comprehensive regulatory framework similar to Oregon’s, leaving many questions about the necessary training and certification for facilitators.

Implications of These Discrepancies

The discrepancies between states like Oregon and Colorado highlight the lack of a unified regulatory environment for psychedelic therapy. This inconsistency has several implications:

1. 1. Safety Concerns: Without standardized qualifications, there is a risk that individuals may receive therapy from inadequately trained facilitators, potentially leading to negative experiences or harm.
   2. Accessibility Issues: Varying state requirements can create confusion and barriers for individuals seeking therapy, especially those who may need to travel across state lines to access qualified facilitators.
   3. Professional Ambiguity: Practitioners face uncertainty about their legal standing and the scope of their practice, which can deter qualified professionals from entering the field.
   4. Qualifications for Practitioners Are Unclear: With no federal guidelines, states must develop their own standards, leading to a fragmented system where the qualifications of practitioners can vary widely.

Future State Conversation: Potential for Regulations and Industry Standards

As the interest in psychedelic therapy continues to grow, there is an ongoing conversation about the need for standardized regulations and industry standards. Potential future developments include:

• • Federal Guidelines: The establishment of federal guidelines for the use of psychedelics in therapy could provide a consistent framework for all states, ensuring that facilitators meet uniform standards of training and ethical practice.

• • Industry Standards: Professional organizations like Psychedelic Passage and advocacy groups are working to develop industry standards that could serve as a model for state and federal regulations. These standards would aim to ensure the safety and efficacy of psychedelic therapy and provide clear pathways for practitioner certification.

• • Collaborative Efforts: States could collaborate to harmonize their regulations, creating regional standards that facilitate cross-state practice and improve access to qualified facilitators.

The Terminology Discussion

The term “psychedelic therapy” (PT) is increasingly popular, capturing the interest and imagination of many who see it mentioned online, in popular shows, and documentaries. Clinical trials showcasing promising results have further fueled this excitement. 

However, the broad and often vague use of the term, coupled with a lack of regulatory standards, means that people seeking psychedelic therapy face a confusing landscape with no clear path.

The Broad Scope of “Psychedelic Therapy”

Psychedelic therapy is a catch-all term that can refer to a variety of practices involving different substances and methodologies. This broadness can be problematic. Here are some examples:

• • Ketamine Clinics: Many clinics advertise ketamine treatments as psychedelic therapy. However, ketamine is technically a dissociative anesthetic, not a classic psychedelic. This distinction can be misleading for those expecting a traditional psychedelic experience.
    • Recommended Reading: The Ketamine Therapy Industry: The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly

• • Psychedelic Retreats: These retreats often provide group experiences with substances like psilocybin or ayahuasca. While they can be beneficial, they frequently lack the individualized integration support needed to turn the experience into meaningful, lasting change. Participants may need to hire third-party integration specialists, but this necessity is often not communicated clearly.

• • At-Home Ketamine Therapy: Some clinics offer at-home ketamine treatments where individuals self-administer the drug. Without adequate education and support, people might not achieve lasting benefits, as they often need a psychedelic-friendly therapist to help them integrate their experiences.

Fragmentation in the Field

The fragmentation within the field of psychedelic therapy creates significant challenges:

• • Lack of Standards: There are no universal standards or regulations for what constitutes psychedelic therapy. This lack of standardization leads to varied practices and qualifications among practitioners.

• • Unclear Pathways: People interested in psychedelic therapy may find it difficult to navigate their options and make informed decisions. The broad use of the term “psychedelic therapy” can obscure the specifics of what different treatments involve and what kind of support is necessary.

• • Varying Levels of Support: The level of support provided can vary widely. For example, while some ketamine clinics might offer comprehensive integration services, others might not, leaving patients without the guidance they need for lasting change.

• • Gaps in Service: Individuals can fall through the cracks during critical phases of their treatment, such as integration or medication tapering. For instance, people may lack adequate support when integrating their psychedelic experiences or when tapering off medications that could contraindicate with psychedelics. Without access to specialists or supportive healthcare providers, these gaps can hinder the overall effectiveness of psychedelic therapy.

The Realization That “Psychedelic Therapy” Doesn’t Formally Exist Yet

Given these issues, it becomes apparent that “psychedelic therapy” doesn’t formally exist in a standardized way. Unlike clinical trials, which have strict protocols and controlled environments, the current landscape of psychedelic therapy is fragmented and inconsistent. 

This lack of regulation and standardization means that what is offered under the banner of psychedelic therapy can differ significantly, leading to varying outcomes for those seeking help.

Implications for Clients

As a person seeking to embark on a psychedelic journey, the current state of the field requires you to be proactive and informed:

• • Research and Questions: Thoroughly research the different types of psychedelic therapy available and ask detailed questions about what each entails. Understand the specific services provided by facilitators or companies offering psychedelic therapy to avoid misunderstandings.

• • Build a Psychedelic Care Team: Due to the lack of standardized services, it’s essential to build a comprehensive care team tailored to your needs. This team should include a facilitator, a psychedelic-friendly therapist, and possibly a medication specialist and other relevant professionals.

• • Medication Management: Be aware of the need for proper medication management, especially if you are currently taking medications that might contraindicate with psychedelics. Ensure you have a knowledgeable healthcare provider or medication specialist to guide you through any necessary tapering processes.

• • Integration Support: Ensure that you have access to adequate integration support, whether through the provider or by hiring a third-party specialist. Integration is a critical component for translating psychedelic experiences into meaningful, lasting change.

• • Informed Decisions: Recognize that not all treatments labeled as psychedelic therapy may provide the same benefits or level of support. Choose providers who offer the comprehensive care you need and ensure they adhere to high standards of practice.