How Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy Can Help the Mental Health Crisis

Written by Michael Carmean of The Hero Within for the Psilocybin Assisted Therapy Association

Groundbreaking Studies and Growing Legalizations are Putting Psychedelics in the Spotlight

Patients that suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder have an increase in fear and anxiety in many everyday situations, especially those that “trigger” feelings related to events that caused the PTSD initially. Since PTSD is a very complex condition with a variety of causes, it can be difficult to treat. Psychedelics have been shown to specifically target and decrease fear and anxiety pathways in the brain, which may be crucial to further understand and treat its symptoms (1) problem and a complex one at that. There’s really no way (and truthfully no need) to sugarcoat this epidemic. We are dealing with a mental health crisis.

Some groundbreaking research has proven that psilocybin, a hallucinogenic compound contained in “magic mushrooms”, has shown promising results for the long-term treatment of mental illness. Mushrooms have been in use for a very long time and used in indigenous cultures for centuries. In the 1960s, research on psychedelic drugs for several clinical applications was booming. Tremendous progress was made with psilocybin, LSD, MDMA, and others for the treatment of psychiatric disorders as well as other ailments. Unfortunately, during this boom of wonderful research, everything came to a screeching halt with the war on drugs initiative. For many, they thought that was the end of it, while others always held out hope that psychedelics would make a triumphant return.

Luckily for all of us, the latter has proven to be true. Psychedelic research has made a strong comeback and something that did not happen in the 60s is happening now, with legalizations within the United States gaining momentum over the last few years. One might ask: Ok, so I just take mushrooms and I’ll be healed right? While psychedelics may be considered the catalyst, the solution is much more complicated. Of all of the promising modalities being researched now, one that could be a game changer if cultivated correctly is psilocybin-assisted therapy.

What is Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy?

Psilocybin-assisted therapy (PAT), also referred to as psilocybin therapy or mushroom therapy, combines the pharmacological effects of the mushroom compound psilocybin, with psychological support from a licensed mental health professional (LMHP) supported by a “guide” depending on the location of the dosing session. The psychedelic effects are thought to come through the stimulation of serotonin 2A receptors, also known as 5-HT2A receptors via psilocin, psilocybin’s active metabolites. What does this all mean though? When ingested in high enough quantities, psilocybin mushrooms allow the user to have a “mystical” experience. This goes far beyond just feeling good, as studies suggest that the ingestion of psilocybin may alter the brain structure itself.(2)

Why Does Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy Work?

So now we know that psilocybin is good for the brain, but it begs the question as to why? According to research submitted in the Molecules journal, "psilocybin is reported to result in significant changes in brain dynamics and functional connectivity (FC) between areas of the brain (3)."Essentially, psilocybin is able to create long-term changes in the brain that stay with the user long after initially taking the substance. All of the data shows incredible promise for psilocybin-assisted therapy for depression, anxiety, PTSD, and an overall increase in quality of life.

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Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy and the Mental Health Crisis

One may think that the power of psilocybin is its ability to help patients overcome mental health issues, and of course, it is. However, another revelation of this substance is the speed in which major mental health challenges can be overcome or at least improved. A sufficient (non-micro) dose of psilocybin can help patients increase their quality of life in as little as a single session, whereas traditional talk therapy may take years to accomplish its goals. This is not to say there is no clinical use for traditional therapy, as there always will be. PAT combines psilocybin and therapy and is an extraordinarily powerful adjunct that may finally move the needle in favor of mental wellness rather than illness. Let’s break down the ways that psilocybin-assisted therapy can help with mental health challenges.

Depression and Anxiety

Of all mental health disorders, depression and anxiety are by far the most commonly experienced. It can affect the way you think, feel, and ultimately the way that you act. This can have a detrimental effect on quality of life, which can lead to suicidal thoughts, ideations, and ultimately suicide if left untreated. Psilocybin has achieved a “breakthrough therapy” designation by the FDA, and psilocybin-assisted therapy for depression and anxiety has shown excellent treatment outcomes. Psilocybin can also be implemented in ways such as micro-dosing, which can help with symptoms as they arise.

Addiction

Substance abuse is particularly difficult to overcome, as it typically involves not only a psychological component but physical dependency as well. The use of psilocybin-assisted therapy for addiction once again shines as a potential treatment. A 2022 study published by the NYU Grossman School of Medicine demonstrated an 83% decrease in heavy drinking after just two doses of psilocybin combined with psychotherapy (5).

PTSD

Patients that suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder have an increase in fear and anxiety in many everyday situations, especially those that “trigger” feelings related to events that caused the PTSD initially. Since PTSD is a very complex condition with a variety of causes, it can be difficult to treat. Psychedelics have been shown to specifically target and decrease fear and anxiety pathways in the brain, which may be crucial to further understand and treat its symptoms (4).

Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy isn’t Perfect

While PAT has shown a tremendous amount of promise and given hope to many people who need it, it does face several unique challenges. Since the legalization and decriminalization of psilocybin has occurred in Oregon, parts of California, and recently Colorado, interest in the “magic” of this mighty compound has exploded. There are many well-meaning advocates and clinicians who understand the true potential that these therapies can offer to the consumers who need them the most. On the flip side, there has been a massive boom in those seeking to get rich from these legalizations. Let’s discuss some of the issues facing PAT as well as some possible solutions.

PAT Should be for the Consumer First, Business Second

We all remember when the legalization of marijuana started taking off. It was an exciting time…. but we weren’t prepared for it. While there was now an easier and legal way to get marijuana, quality information was lacking for the consumer. Reports of “bad trips” were (and still are) common, leaving the consumer largely in the dark in regard to what is best for their needs. We need to be careful not to make the same mistakes with psilocybin-assisted therapy, as the stakes are much higher. There’s no doubt that the task is monumental, but absolutely necessary to ensure that PAT is a success. We don’t want another “war on drugs” situation to be upon us due to mishandling such a great responsibility. Much of this was brought on by unregulated usage, lack of information, and many preconceptions about psychedelics. We have a golden opportunity at our fingertips here – what an amazing time it is to be in the midst of a therapy that can revolutionize mental health!

The Clinical Model is Essential to Reproduce the Success of Trials

Oftentimes we cite studies or papers that support our arguments, which is a good thing as evidence strengthens the foundation on which we stand. However, it is incredibly easy not to consider why these models had a high rate of success. Within these trials, there is a controlled set and setting, a facilitator, a supportive model, and a licensed mental health professional. This is a good thing; but often in “real world” practice, many of these components are missing. Oftentimes, there may be an ideal setting and a facilitator or “guide”, but no structured model or licensed mental health professional. How to replicate the psilocybin-assisted therapy model in practical use is no easy question to answer, but we need to strive toward that goal.

Can Psilocybin Really Change the World?

When you start to analyze the statistics on the short and long-term impact of psychedelics, it’s hard to argue that the results are nothing short of mind-blowing. The data also supports that these magical compounds offer more than just an “afterglow” effect, but solid, verifiable long-term benefits. There is much work to be done though; consumer education, clinical model replication, and cost are all limitations that need collective help to be worked out. We need to continue breaking down the taboo of these substances being mislabeled as merely “trippy drugs”, and recognize their tremendous potential to address the mental health crisis.

A common revelation during a psychedelic experience is an overwhelming sense of connectivity to everything and everyone. When we pull together and harness that power of connectivity, we find out that psychedelics are but a precious gift: however, it’s we who have the power to change the world.

For more resources on psilocybin-assisted therapy for consumers please click here

1- John Hopkins

2- Pubmed- Psilocybin Brain Plasticity

3- NCBI- Therapeutic Potential

4- PTSD and Psychedelics

5- NYU Langone Health