The landscape of psychedelic therapy is rapidly evolving, presenting unique opportunities and challenges for practitioners. To help navigate this complex field, a recent event brought together three experts to share their insights on enhancing psychedelic therapy practices. This article summarizes their advice, providing a comprehensive guide for therapists looking to expand their practice legally, financially, and effectively.
Introduction: Setting the Stage
The event on June 21, 2024, was designed to offer expert advice on navigating the intricate world of psychedelic therapy. Eric Shumake, the moderator, welcomed the attendees and introduced the panelists: Natasha Sumner, a legal expert from Husch Blackwell; Jeffrey Krepps, a finance expert and practitioner from Advaya Health and Wellness; and Steen Beck, a seasoned marketing strategist and Marketing Director at Tricycle Day.
Legal Considerations in Psychedelic Therapy
Natasha Sumner’s Expertise
Natasha Sumner, Senior Counsel at Husch Blackwell, specializes in the legal intricacies of psychedelic therapy. She emphasized the importance of understanding the legal landscape, especially since most psychedelic substances, except for ketamine, are classified as Schedule I drugs under federal law.
Key Points:
1. Federal vs. State Law:
-
- Federal Classification: Most psychedelic substances are classified as Schedule I drugs, meaning they are considered to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use.
-
- State Variations: Some states have decriminalized or legalized certain psychedelics, such as psilocybin, creating a complex legal environment for practitioners.
2. Ketamine: The Legal Psychedelic:
-
- Ketamine’s Status: Ketamine is classified as a Schedule III drug, making it the only psychedelic legally available for therapeutic use.
-
- Regulatory Requirements: Practitioners must have a DEA license to administer ketamine and adhere to state-specific regulations regarding the practice of medicine.
3. Anticipated Approval of MDMA:
-
- Future Landscape: MDMA is expected to receive FDA approval for therapeutic use, likely with stringent Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS) to ensure patient safety.
-
- REMS Requirements: These may include specific protocols for therapy sessions, facility requirements, and secure storage of the substance.
4. Legal Risks and Mitigation:
-
- Compliance: Practitioners must navigate federal and state laws to avoid legal repercussions.
-
- Professional Guidance: Consulting with legal experts is crucial to ensure compliance and protect one’s practice.
Financial Sustainability in Psychedelic Therapy
Jeffrey Krepps’ Insights
Jeffrey Krepps, co-founder and Chief Business Development Officer at Advaya Health and Wellness, shared his extensive experience in healthcare business practices. His focus was on building financially sustainable practices that align with personal passions and societal benefits.
Key Points:
1. Aligning Business with Passion:
-
- Purpose-Driven Practice: Krepps emphasized the importance of building a practice around what you are passionate about, which not only drives personal satisfaction but also ensures a meaningful impact on society.
-
- Ethical Practices: Ensuring that business practices are ethical and patient-centered is crucial for long-term success.
2. Financial Fundamentals:
-
- Cost Management: Effective cost management strategies are essential for maintaining financial health. This includes controlling operational costs and ensuring efficient use of resources.
-
- Revenue Streams: Diversifying revenue streams can provide financial stability. This might include offering a variety of therapeutic services, workshops, and educational programs.
3. Building a Sustainable Model:
-
- Operational Efficiency: Implementing efficient operational practices can reduce costs and improve service delivery.
-
- Community Engagement: Building strong relationships within the community and collaborating with other healthcare providers can enhance the credibility and reach of your practice.
4. Navigating the Underground to Legal Transition:
-
- Acknowledging the Underground: Krepps acknowledged the significant contributions of the underground psychedelic community and the importance of bridging the gap to above-ground, legally compliant practices.
-
- Patient Safety: Ensuring patient safety and adherence to legal and ethical standards is paramount, whether operating underground or transitioning to legal practices.
Effective Marketing Strategies for Psychedelic Therapy
Steen Beck’s Strategies
Steen Beck, a seasoned marketing strategist from Tricycle Day, provided insights on how to effectively market psychedelic therapy services. His expertise in paid social media marketing offers valuable strategies for reaching potential clients and building a strong brand.
Key Points:
1. Understanding Paid Social Marketing:
-
- Organic vs. Paid Social: Beck explained the difference between organic social (posts from friends and followers) and paid social (advertising on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and others).
-
- Effective Use of Platforms: Utilizing various social media platforms strategically can help reach a broader audience.
2. Building Your Brand:
-
- Brand Identity: Establishing a strong brand identity that reflects your practice’s values and mission is essential.
-
- Engaging Content: Creating engaging and informative content can attract and retain clients. This includes sharing success stories, educational posts, and updates about your services.
3. Targeting Your Audience:
-
- Audience Insights: Understanding your target audience’s demographics, interests, and needs allows for more effective marketing campaigns.
-
- Personalized Campaigns: Tailoring your marketing campaigns to address specific concerns and interests of your audience can improve engagement and conversion rates.
4. Maximizing Marketing Impact:
-
- Data-Driven Decisions: Using analytics and data to guide marketing strategies ensures better outcomes.
-
- Collaborations and Partnerships: Partnering with other conscious organizations and influencers can amplify your reach and impact.
Q&A Session: Addressing Practical Concerns
The session concluded with a Q&A segment where attendees could ask specific questions related to their practice. Here are some highlights:
1. Legal Considerations for Non-Licensed Practitioners:
-
- Integration Coaching: Natasha Sumner clarified that providing integration coaching for clients who have undergone psychedelic therapy elsewhere is generally legal. However, she advised following best practices to ensure safety and compliance.
2. Home-Based Ketamine Treatments:
-
- Telemedicine and At-Home Use: Questions about the legality of guiding clients using ketamine lozenges at home were addressed. Sumner highlighted the importance of understanding potential risks and legal implications, particularly around safety and tort law.
Conclusion: Moving Forward in Psychedelic Therapy
The “Psytelligence “Ask the Experts” event provided valuable insights from experts in legal, financial, and marketing fields, helping practitioners navigate the complexities of psychedelic therapy. As the field continues to evolve, staying informed and compliant with legal standards, building financially sustainable practices, and effectively reaching and serving clients are crucial for success.
By aligning practices with personal passions, ensuring patient safety, and leveraging effective marketing strategies, psychedelic therapists can contribute to the growth and acceptance of this transformative field. As new regulations emerge and societal attitudes shift, continuous learning and adaptation will be key to thriving in the psychedelic therapy landscape.
Consult with Natasha Sumner of Husch Blackwell at: https://www.huschblackwell.com/professionals/natasha-sumner
Chat with Steen Beck and Henry Winslow at https://letgo.studio/
Connect with Jeffrey Krepps at https://www.advaya.me/about
The material covered in this event is being expanded into a free pilot course. Be the first to know, join the waitlist here:
Disclaimer: The information provided during this event is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or medical advice. Always consult with a qualified professional before making any decisions related to your practice.