Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy: A Look at Current Knowledge and Practices

A Capacity Research Unit Seminar

After decades-long dormancy, psychedelic research for treating various mental health conditions has undergone a revitalization since the early 2000s. In 2020, Health Canada granted landmark legal psilocybin (magic mushrooms) exemptions for end-of-life distress. In light of the pandemic and worsening mental health crisis, psychedelics are emerging as a promising approach for a number of clinically challenging conditions, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction. 

As psychedelics approach mainstream healthcare use, we are faced with vital practice considerations of psychedelics and healthcare; notably in developing a highly-skilled workforce to contribute to the care of individuals undergoing psychedelic-assisted therapy. 

In this presentation, Michelle Gagnon, RN, PhD(c), will share a brief history of the psychedelic-assisted therapy features and components with attention to the Canadian context.