Ketamine and Psychedelic Therapy FAQs

Psychedelics & Plant Medicines in Psychotherapy – FAQs

What is psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy?

Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy (PAP) is a therapeutic approach that combines the use of a psychedelic or plant medicine—such as ketamine, psilocybin, or ayahuasca—with guided psychological support. These sessions are held in a safe, intentional, and structured environment and are facilitated by trained and licensed professionals. The goal is to support emotional healing, increase insight, and help individuals work through trauma, depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges in a deeper, more transformative way.

Are psychedelics legal for therapy in the U.S.?

Currently, ketamine is the only psychedelic legally available for therapeutic use in most of the United States. Other substances, such as psilocybin and MDMA, are being studied in clinical trials and may be available in certain states under decriminalization or medical programs. At Balanced Life Therapy Group, we offer Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) in collaboration with medical providers and in compliance with all legal and ethical standards.

What are plant medicines?

"Plant medicines" is a term used to describe naturally occurring substances—such as psilocybin mushrooms, ayahuasca, or peyote—that have been used in indigenous and ceremonial traditions for centuries. These medicines are often used in healing rituals to support emotional, spiritual, and psychological well-being. While not yet legal for clinical use in most U.S. settings, we offer psychedelic integration therapy to help clients process experiences they've had in legal, ceremonial, or retreat settings with plant medicines.

What is preparation?

Preparation refers to the sessions held before a psychedelic or plant medicine experience. In these sessions, your therapist helps you:

• Clarify your intention for the experience

• Explore emotional, psychological, or spiritual goals

• Learn what to expect during the journey

• Identify internal and external factors that may support or interfere with your process

• Establish safety, trust, and grounding tools

Preparation is essential for making the most of your experience and reducing the risk of emotional overwhelm or confusion.

What is integration?

Integration is the process of making sense of your psychedelic or plant medicine experience after it happens. It’s where the real therapeutic work unfolds. With the support of your therapist, you’ll:

• Reflect on insights or emotions that came up during the journey

• Explore how the experience connects to your current life or healing path

• Translate those insights into meaningful changes, habits, or perspectives

• Receive support in navigating any challenges or unresolved emotions that may arise

Integration is key to turning a powerful experience into lasting, grounded growth.

Do I need to have a psychedelic experience to benefit from this therapy?

Not necessarily. Many of the principles of psychedelic-assisted therapy—such as intention-setting, mindfulness, body awareness, and deep emotional exploration—can be used in traditional talk therapy. Additionally, psychedelic integration therapy can be helpful for individuals who have had experiences in the past and want to explore their meaning and impact, even if they’re not planning to use these substances again.

Is this type of therapy right for me?

Psychedelic-assisted therapy may be a good fit if you’re feeling stuck, dealing with treatment-resistant depression or anxiety, working through trauma, or seeking deeper self-understanding. It’s not for everyone, and a thorough assessment process—often including medical and psychological screening—is essential. If you’re curious, we invite you to reach out and schedule a consultation to learn more.