Psychedelic Treatment: Current and Future Clinical Considerations 2024

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 current status of psychedelic treatment options and important safety considerations to facilitate useful clinical discussions and informed decisions by clients.

Drs. Sarno, Knatz Peck, and Fagundes will discuss their experiences as researchers and practitioners of psychedelic assisted psychotherapy, sharing observations and strategies to enhance clinical outcomes when providing support for people’s psychedelic experiences both within and outside of psychotherapy sessions. Dr. Sarno will discuss her experience providing integration psychotherapy sessions for people receiving ketamine-assisted treatment for various mental health concerns. Dr. Knatz Peck will discuss her research at UCSD investigating psilocybin as a treatment for conditions like depression, anorexia, and phantom limb pain. Dr. Fagundes will discuss the specific considerations of the use of psychedelic treatments with individuals with complex trauma. All panelists will discuss the risks and benefits of psychedelic treatments, and the role psychedelics may play in future advancements in the helping professions.

Goals and Objectives

1. Discuss the current status of leading psychedelic treatments like MDMA, ketamine, psilocybin, and more
2. Identify three key components to providing helpful clinical support for people processing and/or considering psychedelic treatments
3. Describe one similarity and one difference between leading psychedelic compounds like MDMA, ketamine, and psilocybin