The Acceptance of Psychedelic Therapy

By HealthPriceCompare - September 1, 2023

The clinical use of psychedelics is turning into a multi-billion industry and gaining widespread acceptance after decades of concerns about recreational use of the products and their associated high risk for abuse. With the Food and Drug Administration recently releasing first-ever draft guidance outlining considerations including trial conduct, data collection and subject safety for researchers looking into psychedelic treatments for a variety of conditions, including PTSD, depression and anxiety.

States are also changing their laws to accommodate this acceptance. Oregon and Colorado have decriminalized the supervised use of psychedelics, though neither has endorsed it as a mental health treatment. An additional 25 states have considered legislation to legalize psychedelics, with most introduced in the past two years, and the Journal of the American Medical Association has estimated that most states will legalize psychedelics by 2037.

The cost of this promising mental health therapy can vary significantly depending on various factors, including the type of therapy, the specific substances used, the location, the therapist's qualifications, and whether the therapy is legal and regulated in your jurisdiction. Here are some considerations regarding the cost of psychedelic therapy:

Legality and Regulation:

The legality and regulation of psychedelic therapy differ from one place to another. In some countries such as Switzerland, The Netherlands and Israel, psychedelic therapy using substances like psilocybin or MDMA is legal and regulated for certain medical or research purposes. In such cases, therapy may be offered within a medical or clinical setting, potentially covered by health insurance, and subject to standardized fees.

Underground or Unregulated Therapy:

Some individuals seek underground or unregulated psychedelic therapy, which can vary widely in terms of cost and safety. Underground therapists may not have the same level of training and oversight as those operating within legal frameworks.

Type of Therapy and Duration:

Psychedelic therapy sessions can vary in length and structure. Some therapies involve a single, extended session, while others may consist of a series of sessions over several weeks or months. The type and duration of therapy can impact the overall cost.

Therapist Qualifications:

Therapists with specialized training in psychedelic-assisted therapy often charge higher fees due to their expertise and experience. Their rates can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per session.

Location:

The cost of psychedelic therapy can be influenced by the cost of living in your area. Urban areas with a higher cost of living may have higher therapy fees.

Integration and Aftercare:

Many therapists recommend integration sessions after the psychedelic experience to help individuals process their insights and emotions. The cost of these sessions should be considered in the overall cost of psychedelic therapy.

Research and Clinical Trials:

Some individuals may have access to psychedelic therapy through participation in clinical trials or research studies, which may be offered at no cost or with compensation for participation.

Insurance Coverage:

In some cases, psychedelic therapy may be covered by health insurance, especially if it is part of a clinical trial or a legal and regulated treatment protocol. However, insurance coverage for psychedelic therapy is not yet widespread.

Nonprofit and Low-Cost Options:

Some nonprofit organizations and clinics are exploring ways to provide affordable or sliding-scale psychedelic therapy to individuals who may not be able to afford the standard fees.

Psychedelics are one of the most promising, emergent therapeutic treatment methods for mental health. Research the legal and regulated options available in your area, including any clinical trials or treatment centers that offer psychedelic therapy but be cautious of underground or unregulated providers, as safety and ethical concerns can arise. When considering psychedelic therapy, be sure to discuss the cost and payment options with the therapist or treatment center, and explore any potential financial assistance or sliding scale options that may be available.