PAT for Licensed Mental Health Professionals

One of the main challenges we hear from LMHPs is their concern about discussing PAT with clients/consumers because psilocybin is still a federally illegal substance. As our model shows, you don't need to be involved in the actual experience! You aren't a prescriber, so you aren't in a position to discuss dosage or anything involved with the sourcing or consumption of psilocybin.

By using a harm-reduction approach, you can discuss the mental health safety a client could take if they choose to use psilocybin. Openly promoting the use of psilocybin is different than providing mental health options for safety.

Mental health safety becomes the topic not the substance. Other professionals are available to answer questions about the actual experience and what occurs if your client uses a facilitator/guide/sitter.

We see often LMHPs are concerned about the terms preparation and set & setting, for example. These terms are used more traditionally in relation to the physical and logistical aspects of the experience to prevent a physically uncomfortable or "bad" experience. The same terms for LMHPs are centered on the consumer/client being mentally prepared for a mind-altering experience so their post-session integration with their therapist is the most beneficial for their mental health goals.

View our definitions page for more information.

We offer free resources to consumers that are available for you to give your clients. These are designed to take some of the burden off of you, the therapist, by allowing your clients to educate and empower themselves in deciding if PAT is right for them. Our consumer focused resources can help them determine if they should have a LMHP involved based on their goals and educate on the value therapists bring to achieving mental health goals and what roles everyone has in the PAT process.

This allows you to focus on the mental health goals.