How do I get access to psychedelic-assisted therapy?
If you are in the US, access to PAT is available, but access varies by state.
SACHI’S TAKE
We created Sachi to educate, and also to increase access to psychedelic therapies for cancer patients, survivors, and supporters. The easiest path to receive PAT in a controlled, safe setting is to enroll in a clinical trial, or to find a legal provider in select states.
Cancer patients and loved ones have unique needs for psychedelic assisted therapy - we believe that the setting, schedule, and support services should be tailored to their needs.
We created this page for anyone who is:
- Dealing with a cancer diagnosis (any stage)
- Interested in PAT
- Willing/able to travel to receive PAT (if you don’t live close to legal jurisdiction)
The easiest path to receive PAT for cancer in a controlled, safe setting is to enroll in one of the clinical trials, or to find a legal clinic in a jurisdiction that offers cancer-specific journeys.
Enroll in a clinical trial
- Positives
- No cost for the therapy or treatment
- Consistency and medical support staff always present
- Peer-reviewed research protocols will guide the experience
- Considerations
- Usually only at major university hospitals
- hospital or clinical enviornments
- Inclusion/Exclusion criteria can be strict
- Longer follow-up for protocols, record-keeping
Seek PAT with a legal, licensed center in Oregon or Colorado
- Positives
- Many options available
- Usually in natural, holistic, environments and settings
- Less strict schedule, guidelines
- More flexible options and experiences
- Considerations
- Need to ensure tailored experiences focused on cancer
- Less oversight and clinical rigor
- Cost (up to $5000 for some retreats)
Clinical trials
There are currently several trials enrolling patients with cancer, PTSD, major depressive disorder, or any other number of diagnosed diseases. Learn more about the clinical trials for cancer.
Legal clinics and retreats in select states
Anyone can receive treatment under the guidance of a licensed clinician in Oregon or Colorado.
- Oregon maintains a directory of licensed facilitators and retreats.
- Colorado is coming online with psychedelic laws and guidelines for licensure and credentialing.
- Read specifically about Colorado and Oregon rules here
Expanded access
Allows use of an experimental drug outside of clinical trials for people with serious or life-threatening diseases. This has also been called “compassionate use” and is regulated by the FDA.
Right to try
Allows use of an experimental drug outside of clinical trials for people meeting certain criteria (life-threatening illness, no standard treatments, etc). Right to try is not regulated by the FDA.
Continue Learning from Sachi
A great article (2022) from the team at self.com about getting access to psychedelic therapy
Breastcancer.org article (updated 2023) about Expanded access and Right to Try
Visit the FDA page about Expanded Access