What is psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy?
Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy is a specialized therapeutic approach that combines the use of psychedelics with psychotherapy techniques. It involves the careful administration of substances in a supportive setting, accompanied by trained healthcare professionals. This modality has shown efficacy in the treatment of various health conditions, including depression, PTSD, and anxiety.
Is this legal in Canada?
Psychedelics are currently classified as Schedule III substances in Canada, making the sale, possession, and production of these substances illegal. However, psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy may be permitted through specific, regulated pathways in Canada: the Special Access Program (SAP), Section 56 exemptions, and participation in clinical trials.
Who can access psychedelics?
At TheraPsil, we believe that all Canadians in medical need should have access to safe and effective psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. Patients who are approved by Health Canada under the Special Access Program are typically individuals who:
- have a serious or life-threatening condition (such as end-life-anxiety or treatment-resistant conditions like depression);
- have not responded to conventional treatments (or, have no suitable treatment options for their condition).
Through our advocacy efforts, TheraPsil is pushing for a doctor-as-gatekeeper model; we believe that healthcare decisions should be determined by doctor and patient, not the Canadian government.
How can psychedelics support healing?
Clinical research has demonstrated rapid improvements in depression, anxiety, PTSD, end-of-life distress, and even chronic pain conditions like cluster headaches when certain psychedelics are used in structured therapeutic settings. Studies suggest these substances may promote neuroplasticity, support emotional processing, and enhance introspection, often helping people gain new insights and perspectives. The exact mechanisms are still being studied, but early findings are extremely promising. Key research links can be found in our FAQs.
Why is more research needed?
For several decades, there has been limited clinical research on psychedelics due to their classification as controlled substances by the United Nations in 1971 and the subsequent "war on drugs." This classification made it difficult to conduct research and hindered scientific exploration of their potential benefits. However, in recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in studying the therapeutic use of psychedelics. More research is needed to better understand the mechanisms of action, optimal dosing, safety profiles, and long-term effects of these substances. This research is crucial in order to develop evidence-based protocols and expand access to psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, ensuring the safest and most effective treatment options for individuals in need.
Advocacy and Inclusion
TheraPsil’s team operates as visitors in beautiful Victoria, British Columbia, the unceded homelands of the Lək̓ʷəŋən peoples, represented by the Songhees, Esquimalt, and W̱SÁNEĆ Nations. Our team also works from unceded səl̓ilwətaɁɬ təməxʷ (Tsleil-Waututh) Territory in North Vancouver, BC and unceded Anishinabewaki & Haudenosaunee Territories in Toronto, ON. To identify the unceded Traditional Territory you are a guest on, visit Native-Land.ca.
As a team composed of mostly settlers, we acknowledge, with peace and respect, that we are visitors and guests on this land. We also acknowledge that the substances we advocate for, in a Western-medical context, psilocybin mushrooms, have been used for thousands of years by Indigenous communities across the globe for healing and ceremonial purposes. The modern psychedelic-therapy movement would not exist without the knowledge and traditions of these communities.
TheraPsil acknowledges that access and inclusion are crucial in the psychedelic space. We strive to create affordable and community-based psychedelic therapies, ensuring that everyone has equitable access to these transformative treatments.
We also recognize the need for diversity in the psychedelic research community. TheraPsil is committed to promoting inclusivity and amplifying marginalized voices, striving towards a more representative and inclusive psychedelic field.
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