What Is the History of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy and How Does the Process Work at Our Clinic?

Psychedelic‑Assisted Therapy (PAT) is an innovative treatment approach that combines low, controlled doses of psychedelic-adjacent medicine with psychotherapy to support emotional healing. In this model, medicine is always prescribed and monitored by licensed medical professionals, and therapy sessions are guided by trained clinicians to ensure safe and effective integration of the experience.

Psychedelics work by enhancing the brain’s ability to form new connections. Essentially, this treatement helps the brain become more flexible and open to change. This allows old patterns of thinking to loosen, emotions to be processed more effectively, and new, healthier ways of coping to take hold. (e.g., Duman et. al., 2019; Gutierrez et. al, 2024)

Our PAT program is designed for adolescents and adults who face mental health challenges, including:

• Depression that has not responded to standard antidepressants

• Anxiety

• PTSD or trauma-related distress

• Chronic stress

• Functional Neurological Disorder and Functional Seizures

• Feeling emotionally “stuck” despite previous therapy or medication

During a Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy (PAT) cycle, prescribed psychedelic-adjacent medicine is administered in your home by a licensed nurse who remains present throughout the session to ensure safety and provide continuous support. Prior to treatment, you will meet with a physician for a comprehensive medical evaluation. Throughout the PAT process, a licensed psychologist provides therapeutic support, including preparation and integration sessions, to help translate insights from the experience into meaningful and lasting change.

History of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy and Its Therapeutic Mechanism

Psychedelics were first formally studied in the 1960s and have been used safely in medical settings for decades. More recently, research has demonstrated their rapid-acting antidepressant and therapeutic effects, particularly for individuals who have not responded to traditional treatments.

Pioneering research has shown that psychedelics act on the brain in a unique way. Rather than targeting neurotransmitters gradually over time, psychedelic medicine initiates a rapid cascade of neurochemical events that promote synaptic growth and connectivity. Specifically, this treatment enhances glutamate signaling and stimulates the production of a naturally occurring protein in the brain that helps brain cells, which supports the formation of new neural pathways.

This process temporarily increases neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganize, adapt, and form new patterns of thinking and emotional processing. During this post-administration “window of neuroplasticity,” the brain becomes more flexible and receptive to change. When psychedelic treatment is combined with evidence-based psychotherapy during this period, individuals are better able to process insights, challenge entrenched thought patterns, and establish healthier cognitive and emotional responses. In this way, psychedelic-adjacent medicine serves not as a standalone intervention, but as a catalyst that enhances the effectiveness of therapy and supports meaningful, lasting change.

Clinical Use & Safety

The first randomized trials studied psychedelic infusions for treatment-resistant depression (TRD). One landmark study showed that a single low-dose infusion could significantly reduce depressive symptoms within 24 hours compared to placebo (Murrough et. al., 2013).

Longer-term use with repeated infusions has also been studied. In one Yale study, over four infusions in two weeks, 45.5% of patients responded and 27.3% reached remission, with no evidence of cognitive decline or serious long-term side effects (Wilkinson et. al., 2019).

What to Expect: The Homeward Therapy Process

Intake & Assessment

• Our Coordinator helps onboard you.

• You meet with an MD/neurologist to determine fit, review medical history and risks.

• A psychologist meets with you to determine fit and conduct an intake assessment.

• Your care team (nurse, neurologist, and psychologist) reviews your suitability for PAT.

• Preparation sessions will be conducted with your psychologist to set intentions and prepare you for treatment.

Treatment Cycle (Dosing + Therapy)

• Treatment occurs in your home for comfort and safety.

• A Nurse administers prescribed psychedelic-adjacent medicine (orally and/or nasally) per your personalized protocol.

• One at-home session can last anywhere from 2-4 hours

• The nurse stays during and after dosing, supporting you through the process and monitoring you.

• Typically, there are 4 medicine sessions spaced over 2 weeks, with therapy or check-ins before and after each dose.

• Plans are personalized based on your response, goals, and medical background.

Post-Treatment & Integration

• Your team meets weekly to plan next steps after each dosing cycle.

• Integration therapy is conducted during the 24–72 hours following medicine sessions when your brain is most open to change.

• Ongoing therapy and optional booster sessions may be offered depending on your individual needs in order to help reinforce lasting improvements.

Safety, Medical & Ethical Standards

• Every patient is screened for safety before starting.

• Doses are low and controlled, not meant to anesthetize but to support therapy.

• In-home treatment ensures:

  • A licensed nurse administers the dose and monitors your safety.

  • The clinical team is available remotely for guidance and emergencies.

Key Takeaways and Next Steps

Integration is essential: PAT creates a temporary window of increased neuroplasticity. The degree to which patients engage in integration (through psychotherapy, reflection, and intentional behavioural change) plays a critical role in determining the durability and depth of therapeutic benefit.

Personalized care enhances outcomes: Each individual’s neurobiology, history, and treatment goals are unique. Customized treatment protocols help optimize both safety and clinical effectiveness.

At-home treatment with clinical oversight offers a balanced approach: Receiving care in the comfort of one’s home, while supported by licensed medical and mental health professionals, combines convenience with rigorous clinical supervision to support a safe and effective healing experience.

Next Step:

Book an intake call to explore how Homeward Therapy’s at-home psychedelic-assisted therapy can meet your needs, combining medical expertise, therapeutic support, and a safe, personalized approach to healing.