Translating Psychedelic Experiences Into Targeted Health Outcomes: Optimism And Concern

Treating mental health disorders, such as addiction, depression, schizophrenia or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), has not been as simple as swallowing a pill. The complexity of these disorders, and the factors that give rise to them – experiences of trauma, genetics, neurohormones and brain chemistry, interpersonal relationships, other illnesses (and other medications), and plenty of unknowns – demand a holistic approach to healing. With psychedelic therapies, that means understanding the subjective experiences of patients, and helping to guide them toward an intended outcome, not just during treatment, but before and afterward as well.

Panelists participating in Demy Colton’s virtual salon, Psychedelics Get Serious, emphasized the importance of “set and setting,” which includes a patient’s intentions when coming in for treatment, the location and environment where the treatment takes place, and a therapist’s role in facilitating a positive outcome