This course addresses clinicians’ need to understand the history, science, neurobiology, and ethical and legal issues associated with psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. It will provide clinicians the information they require to evaluate their own interest and participation in this emerging field of research and practice.Non-ordinary states of consciousness, such as hypnosis and free association, have played an important role in psychotherapy since its inception. More recently, we are seeing an explosion of research on the clinical application of non-ordinary states induced by pharmaceutical psychedelics. MDMA and psilocybin are being studied in FDA-approved trials in the United States, as well as government-sanctioned studies abroad, to enhance psychotherapy for PTSD, depression, and addictions, and to ease end-of-life transitions. Ketamine is increasingly used in clinical settings for the treatment of depression. Psychotherapy in combination with psychedelic treatment is a new treatment model for both psychotherapy and psychopharmacology, offering intriguing possibilities for mutually enhancing neuroplasticity, shifting and broadening perspective, and expanding awareness rather than suppressing symptoms.There is also a growing need for clinicians to help patients integrate their psychedelic experiences in therapy and to advise patients who ask about psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. To provide informed counsel, clinicians need to know about the benefits and risks of using psychedelics as well as treatment models that enhance safety and reduce harm. More research and training will be needed before psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy can be offered by therapists to their patients, assuming the results of controlled studies continue to confirm its efficacy. Additional work is also required to adapt these treatments to patients from diverse cultures, especially historically marginalized populations.

Hosted by Cambridge Health Alliance Psychiatry CME online for 7 CEs. For more info, visit www.cambridgecme.org.