Psychedelic substances have been used for spiritual, religious and healing purposes in some cultures for centuries. Today, psychedelic healing is experiencing a rapid resurgence in the mental health field, with evidence supporting its effectiveness in treating major depression, PTSD, and substance use disorders that have failed to respond to traditional treatment methods.

At Illuminate, we believe strongly in the transformative power of psychedelic therapy, but we also believe that healing begins with understanding and education. To help you decide if psychedelic therapy is right for you, we’ve put together these Psychedelic Healing FAQs to answer common questions about this innovative treatment approach.

You can also contact us online or call 702-593-3995 to schedule a consultation for psychedelic therapy in Lafayette, CO.

Psychedelics are a class of psychoactive substances that trigger an altered mental state that affects perceptions, thoughts and emotions. With regard to therapeutic use, psychedelics are generally divided into two categories based on how they work in the brain.

  • Classic Psychedelics – These substances primarily target serotonin receptors, affecting sensory perception and cognition. Examples include LSD, psilocybin (magic mushrooms), mescaline (found in peyote cactus), and DMT (ayahuasca).

 

  • Dissociative Drugs – These substances function primarily as NMDA receptor antagonists, interfering with brain glutamate signals, and creating a sense of detachment from reality and the body. Examples include ketamine, PCP (angel dust), DXM and salvia.

Research shows promising results for treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, anxiety (including end-of-life anxiety), substance use disorders, and eating disorders, as well as bipolar disorder, OCD, porn addiction, suicidal ideation, and chronic pain. Learn more about the conditions treated with psychedelic therapy.

Psychedelic therapy helps patients face deep-seated emotions or trauma by inducing an altered state of consciousness, often facilitating profound insights and emotional release. Follow-up therapy sessions help process the insights and experiences to promote long-term change and lasting physical, mental and emotional wellness.

Psychedelic therapy has shown high effectiveness in early clinical trials for treating severe mental health conditions, particularly depression and PTSD. Results from these controlled, regulated settings often show rapid and long-lasting improvements, with many participants experiencing significant relief after just one to three sessions. For ketamine specifically, research studies indicate a 60-80% success rate in treating mental health conditions.

Psychedelic therapy typically includes three phases:

  • Preparation – Therapists work with the patient to establish trust, set intentions, and discuss medical history.
  • Dosing – The patient takes the medication in a safe, comfortable setting (often with eye shades and music), while therapists provide support.
  • Integration – Follow-up therapy sessions help the patient process the insights and experiences to promote long-term change.

Outside of approved clinical trials, most psychedelics are illegal. However, ketamine is an FDA-approved Schedule III drug, approved for use as an anesthesia in the United States. It can also legally be prescribed “off-label” for other conditions. Likewise, psilocybin is legal for regulated therapeutic use in Oregon and Colorado.

In controlled settings, psychedelics are not known to be toxic, but they can cause temporary distress, fear or anxiety, which is why it is important to use psychedelics under the supervision of a therapist.

Potential adverse side effects can include headache, nausea and, in rare cases, worsening symptoms. As a result, psychedelic therapy is not suitable for individuals with a history of psychosis.

Yes, Illuminate provides ketamine psychedelic therapy for the treatment of mental health conditions and chronic pain at our clinic in Lafayette, CO. We are rewriting psychedelic therapy with an emphasis on body-led preparation and nervous system regulation in both our preparation and integration sessions.

To schedule a consultation for psychedelic therapy in Lafayette, CO, contact us online or call our office at 702-593-3995.

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