Psychedelics (also known as hallucinogens) are powerful psychoactive substances that alter perception, mood, and cognitive processes and lead to non-ordinary states of consciousness.

Psychedelics have been used since before written history by ancient and indigenous cultures for ceremonial, sociocultural, religious, and ritual purposes.

Some of the most common psychedelics known today include psilocybin (“magic mushrooms”), ketamine, MDMA (“ecstasy” or “Molly”), LSD, cannabis, peyote, and ayahuasca.

They are generally considered physiologically safe and do not lead to dependence or addiction.

What are psychedelic experiences?

Commonly known as a “trip,” a psychedelic experience is a temporary altered state of consciousness induced by consuming psychedelics.

Psychedelic experiences can include vivid visual and auditory hallucinations, as well as changes in sensations, feelings, and consciousness. People sometimes describe “hearing colors,” “seeing sounds,” or having a mystical experience.

A “bad trip” may also contain terrifying thoughts, feelings, and fears.

Are psychedelics legal?

Currently, most psychedelics are not legal under state and federal law. Ketamine is currently the only legal psychedelic substance approved for therapeutic use by approved medical providers.

Can people get in trouble if they talk about using psychedelics in therapy?

No. Generally speaking, the information provided by and to a client during therapy sessions is legally confidential and cannot be released without the client’s consent.

Exceptions to confidentiality that require a report include suspected child or elder abuse, potential harm to self or others, or threats to national security. The use of psychedelics in and of itself will remain legally confidential between the client and therapist.

What is Psychedelic Integration Therapy?

Psychedelic Integration Therapy refers to the processing of content that arises during a psychedelic experience that may provide further understanding and/or long-term transformation for individuals.

Experiences can be powerful, confusing, clarifying or even scary. This type of therapy helps clients integrate what they have taken from their psychedelic experiences into their daily lives with a therapist that is specifically trained in working with the benefits and risks of psychedelics.

This therapy can occur before and after a psychedelic experience, but never during a psychedelic experience.

What is Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy?

Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy is a process where clients ingest a psychedelic substance prescribed by a medical provider as a part of a structured therapeutic process.

Therapists remain with the client during their experience, and this practice is often referred to as 'sitting.'

Ketamine-Assisted Therapy and Cannabis-Assisted Therapy are currently the only legal options that exist for Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy.

Many ongoing research studies have suggested positive mental health outcomes for additional psychedelic substances to be used to therapeutically treat PTSD, treatment-resistant depression, addiction, and anxiety disorders.

For more information about research studies on psychedelics and mental health in the United States today, see the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) results here.

*Khesed does not condone the use of illegal substances, and does not provide psychedelic-assisted therapy.