Psychotherapy in Psychedelic Treatment: Safe, Evidence-Based, and Necessary

Michael D Alpert1, Kelley C O'Donnell1, Casey A Paleos1

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel-Deaconess Medical Center, Boston (Alpert); Department of Psychiatry, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYU Langone Center for Psychedelic Medicine (O'Donnell); Nautilus Sanctuary, New York (Paleos); Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, Polaris Insight Center, San Francisco (Sola); Social Neuroscience & Psychotherapy Lab, Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Ore. (Stauffer); Remedy and Remedy Institute, Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto (Wagner); Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wis. (Nicholas); MAPS Public Benefit Corporation, San Jose, Calif., Dept of Psychiatry, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, S.C., Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York (Mithoefer).

Abstract

No abstract available in PubMed .

Related Concept Videos

Psychosurgery01:30

Psychosurgery

Psychosurgery, the surgical alteration or permanent removal of brain tissue to alleviate severe psychological conditions, stands as one of the most radical and controversial treatments in the history of mental health care. Its development and application have evolved significantly, marked by dramatic shifts in scientific understanding and ethical perspectives.
Historical Development of Psychosurgery
In the 1930s, Portuguese neurologist Antonio Egas Moniz introduced a surgical procedure designed...
56
Hallucinogens and Psychedelics01:27

Hallucinogens and Psychedelics

Hallucinogens are psychoactive substances that profoundly alter perceptual experiences, generating unreal visual and sensory images. Often referred to as psychedelic drugs — a term derived from the Greek words "psyche" (mind) and "delos" (revealing) — these substances include marijuana and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), among others. These drugs vary in intensity and effects.
Marijuana, derived from the dried leaves and flowers of the hemp plant, contains...
170
Psychotherapy01:28

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is a versatile, nonmedical approach aimed at helping individuals address emotional, behavioral, and interpersonal issues to enhance their overall well-being. It can involve one-on-one sessions, couples counseling, or small group discussions with a therapist. The therapeutic process includes various techniques such as open discussion, interpretation of thoughts and behaviors, active listening, positive reinforcement, and role modeling. Psychotherapy aims to support individuals in...
107
Psychodynamic Therapy01:29

Psychodynamic Therapy

Psychodynamic therapies emphasize the exploration of unconscious processes and early childhood experiences as fundamental contributors to psychological difficulties. These therapies, deeply rooted in Freud's psychoanalytic theory, aim to uncover and resolve unconscious conflicts, granting individuals insights that promote emotional and behavioral healing. Contemporary psychodynamic approaches have evolved, integrating a broader range of influences and methodologies while still valuing the...
67
Elements Crucial for Effective Psychotherapy01:25

Elements Crucial for Effective Psychotherapy

Research has highlighted several critical factors that influence the effectiveness of psychotherapy, such as the therapeutic alliance, the therapist, and the client.
The Therapeutic Alliance
The therapeutic alliance refers to the relationship between the therapist and the client. The alliance strengthens when the therapist and the client engage in a nurturing, supportive, trusting, empathetic, and respectful relationship, improving therapeutic outcomes. Therapists must monitor this relationship...
45
CNS Stimulants: Psychedelic Agents01:22

CNS Stimulants: Psychedelic Agents

Hallucinogens, also known as psychedelic drugs, are a class of substances known for their ability to alter perception, cognition, and emotions. Despite their profound effects on the mind, these drugs are non-addictive, setting them apart from many other abused substances. The mechanism of action of these drugs lies in their impact on the 5-HT2A receptor in the brain. Upon activation, this receptor couples to Gq-type G proteins, triggering a cascade that releases intracellular calcium. This...
153