Psychedelic Treatment: Current and Future Clinical Considerations

After decades of research dormancy amidst restrictive drug policies, what Psychology Today describes as a ‘Psychedelic Renaissance’ is currently underway.  Accumulating empirical support for the efficacy of psychedelic treatments to help an array of psychological and emotional difficulties is increasing interest in psychedelic treatments amongst people seeking mental health services.  The increased demand for psychedelic treatment underscores the importance for clinicians to cultivate and maintain a general understanding of the status of psychedelic treatment options and key safety considerations to facilitate useful clinical discussions and informed decisions by clients.

Drs. Phelps, and Stevenson will discuss their experiences as adherence raters for FDA clinical trials of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD, sharing key observations and strategies to enhance clinical outcomes when providing support for psychedelic treatments in psychotherapy sessions. In addition to discussion experiences as an MDMA adherence rater, Dr. Perivoliotis will also discuss his experiences providing ketamine assisted treatment to Veterans.  Dr. Sarno will discuss her experience providing integration psychotherapy sessions for people receiving ketamine-assisted treatment for various mental health concerns.  All panelists will discuss the risks and benefits of psychedelic treatments, and the role psychedelics may play in future advancements in the helping professions.