Psychedelic Therapy Frequently Asked Questions

Research shows psychedelic therapy can be effective for various conditions, including treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, anxiety disorders, and existential distress. According to studies, psilocybin has significantly reduced depression and anxiety in cancer patients, while MDMA has shown promising results for PTSD treatment in veterans and first responders.

The psychedelic experience is often described as “ineffable” – deeply profound yet difficult to put into words. Many report seeing vibrant colors and experiencing dreamlike states while remaining conscious and engaged in deep thinking. We enhance the therapeutic environment with eye shades and carefully selected music to deepen the internal journey. Most patients report feelings of peace, clarity, and connection, even when processing challenging emotions.

Ketamine therapy is currently legal when administered by licensed medical professionals. Other psychedelic medicines like psilocybin and MDMA are in various stages of FDA approval and clinical research. Our center operates within all legal guidelines while staying informed of regulatory developments. We can discuss the current legal status of specific treatments during your consultation.

“Set and setting” refers to your mindset going into the experience (set) and the physical and social environment (setting) in which it occurs. Research shows these factors significantly impact treatment outcomes. Our center creates the optimal therapeutic environment with comfortable spaces, supportive therapists, and proper preparation to maximize beneficial experiences and minimize challenging ones.

Before treatment, you’ll have preparation sessions with one of our licensed therapists to establish intentions and create a safe foundation. After the psychedelic session, you’ll participate in integration therapy that helps you process insights gained during your experience and apply them to your daily life, which research shows significantly enhances treatment outcomes.

When administered in a clinical setting by medical professionals with proper screening, psychedelic therapy has been shown to be generally safe. Our board-certified anesthesiologist monitors vital signs throughout treatment, and our therapists are present to provide psychological support. However, psychedelics may temporarily increase blood pressure and heart rate, so thorough medical screening is essential to identify any contraindications. Psychological risks are minimized through proper preparation, professional support during sessions, and integration therapy afterward.

Rather than “bad trips,” we refer to challenging experiences as important parts of the therapeutic process. When difficult emotions or memories arise, our trained therapists help you navigate these experiences safely. Research shows that even challenging psychedelic experiences can lead to meaningful insights when properly supported. Our therapists are specifically trained to provide grounding techniques, reassurance, and guidance if your experience becomes overwhelming. The controlled setting and professional support significantly reduce the risk of distressing experiences compared to recreational use.

Yes, unlike anesthesia, psychedelic medicines generally do not cause unconsciousness. You’ll remain aware throughout the session, though your perception of time, self, and reality may be significantly altered. Most people retain memories of their experience, though the intensity and dreamlike quality may make some aspects difficult to articulate. We encourage journaling after sessions to capture insights before they fade. Your therapist will also help you process and make meaning of your experience during integration sessions.

Our center uniquely combines medical expertise with therapeutic integration. We partner with a board-certified anesthesiologist for medicine administration, and our licensed therapists—who have specialized training in psychedelic-assisted therapy—provide comprehensive pre and post-session support. This integrated approach creates the optimal “set and setting” that research shows is crucial for therapeutic outcomes.

The best way to determine if psychedelic therapy is appropriate for your situation is to schedule a free consultation with one of our therapists. During this meeting, we’ll discuss your mental health history, treatment goals, and which psychedelic medicine might be most beneficial for your specific needs.

Though the Las Vegas Center for Psychedelic Therapy is out of network, many health insurance plans provide some out-of-network coverage for individual and couples counseling. We can happily provide you with a superbill to seek reimbursement from your insurance provider. Many clients receive 50-100% reimbursement for their sessions. Please read our full insurance page here.

Treatment costs vary depending on the specific psychedelic medicine and treatment protocol recommended for your situation. During your free consultation, we’ll discuss pricing for your personalized treatment plan in detail. While most insurance companies don’t currently cover psychedelic therapy, we offer various payment options to make treatment more accessible. We’re committed to helping you find a solution that works for your financial situation and can provide documentation for potential out-of-network reimbursement.

Our center is led by licensed therapists with specialized training in psychedelic-assisted therapy. Christine Lawler is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with nearly 15 years of experience and graduated from the #1 Marriage and Family Therapy program in the country.

Kim Boschee has been a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist since 2005 with expertise in various therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and the Gottman Method.

Our medical services are provided by Dr. Richard Bennett, a board-certified Anesthesiologist who trained at Brook Army Medical Center and has extensive experience treating veterans with ketamine for chronic pain, depression, and opioid dependence.