Recorded Mini Workshop #14- Psilocybin-assisted Therapy for Adults with Depression & A Novel Application of CBT (2023 CONVENTION RECORDING)

Marc Weintraub, Ph.D. (he/him/his)

Assistant Professor
UCLA School of Medicine
Los Angeles, California

Recorded on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at the 57th Annual ABCT Convention in Seattle, WA

1.5 CE Credits Awarded

$15 Student ABCT Members / $25 ABCT Members / $35 Non-Members

All prices listed in US currency

Abstract:

Psychedelics have become an exciting area or treatment for a range of mental health conditions. Specific to psilocybin for the treatment of depression, recent studies suggest that one to two administrations of psilocybin have acute antidepressant effects for adults with major depressive disorder. In order to identify appropriate candidates for psilocybin treatment, significant screening processes must be implemented prior to beginning treatment. To maintain patient safety and increase the likelihood of beneficial outcomes, a psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) adjoins psilocybin drug treatment, which includes both preparatory sessions prior to and integration sessions following the drug session(s). In this mini-workshop, the medical and psychological screening processes will be covered based on the current FDA standards. Attendees will also be presented with specific preparatory and integration techniques. The common methods of preparing a patient for the psilocybin experience will be reviewed, including the necessary psychoeducation about the drug’s effects and the establishment of intentions for the drug experience. The integration process following the drug experience to help the patient learn from the drug experience and attempt to implement these lessons within their life will be discussed. Further, the role of therapists throughout the psychedelic treatment process (including the dos and don'ts) will be presented. Novel to the field of psychedelic treatment, attendees will learn about the rationale for and potential utility of combining CBT with classic PAT.

Outline:

• Psychedelics have the potential to be a potent psychopharmacological agent. However, it is not the drug, but the therapy enhanced by the drug that will make it an effective and sustaining treatment
• CBT, a standardized, evidenced-based treatment for depression, can increase coverage, disseminability, and safety of psilocybin for those suffering from depression
• This workshop will:
o Present the primary screening criteria for psychedelic-assisted therapy
o Discuss critical safety protocols for psychedelic administration and integration
o Examine core clinical competencies and professional guidelines for psychedelic-assisted therapy
o Describe how CBT and psilocybin can work synergistically to improve patient outcomes
o Outline the newly developed psilocybin-assisted cognitive behavioral therapy for major depression

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this workshop, the learner will be able to:

1. Describe 3 primary medical and 3 primary psychological screening criteria for psychedelic treatment.

2. Describe 3 key safety elements in the preparation for psychedelic-assisted therapy and discuss the critical purpose of integration following the psychedelic experience.

3. Identify the 12 clinical competencies and professional guidelines for psychedelic-assisted therapy.

4. Explain the rationale of combining traditional psychedelic-assisted therapy with cognitive behavioral therapy.

5. Long-term goals: Promote safety and screening protocols for the administration of psychedelic medicines

6. Long-term goals: Encourage a manualized treatment approach for psychedelic-assisted therapies to increase safety and disseminability

Recommended Readings:

1. Johnson, M. W., Richards, W. A., & Griffiths, R. R. (2008). Human hallucinogen research: guidelines for safety. Journal of psychopharmacology, 22(6), 603-620.   

2. Fadiman, J. (2011). The psychedelic explorer's guide: Safe, therapeutic, and sacred journeys. Simon and Schuster.

3. Weintraub, M.J., Jeffrey, J., Grob., C., Cooper, Z., Miklowitz, D.J. (submitted). Psilocybin-assisted cognitive behavioral therapy for major depressive disorder: Rationale and treatment development.

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All attendees will receive a certificate of completion when the course requirements are satisfied. Certificate of completion is included in the cost of the webinar

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For more information, contact:

Rachel Lamb, ABCT Membership and Marketing Manager
212-647-1890 ext. 209
rlamb@abct.org

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