As psychedelic-assisted therapy moves its way through clinical trials and further into mainstream medical acceptance, standardizing practices for treatments and practitioners will be a crucial step in the sector’s development.
To this end, the American Psychedelic Practitioners Association (APPA) has announced the launch of their organization, establishing safe, ethical and accessible psychedelic therapy and specific focus Psychedelic Assisted Therapy (PAT).
See the full press release below.
PRACTITIONERS CALL FOR PSYCHEDELIC SPACE OPERATING STANDARDS
American Psychedelic Practitioners Association Announces Standardized Psychedelic Medicine Therapy Practices At Launch
Seattle, WA, October 11, 2022 – American Psychedelic Practitioners Association (APPA) has announced the launch of their organization, establishing safe, ethical and accessible psychedelic therapy and specific focus Psychedelic Assisted Therapy (PAT), also known as Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy (PAP) which National Library of Medicine states: “A radical innovation is psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy (PAP): professionally supervised use psychedelics part of elaborated psychotherapy programs.”
Launching membership at the 15th Horizons Perspective on Psychedelics Conference from October 13th – October 15th in New York City, APPA will be announcing a call to action for practitioners in and with interest in the space to be founding members.
Gaining fast momentum in clinical trials and scientific research, psychedelic medicine is poised to change mental health protocol by helping alleviate serious issues for those suffering. Studies to date represent a breakthrough in efficacy not seen in decades by the mental health field.
To provide support, education, community and mentorship for the psychedelic community, APPA serves as a trusted resource for practitioners, building consensus around Standards of Care and Standards of Training, not yet seen in this space. Nicole T. Buchanan, PhD, Co-chair and Member of the Board of Directors, notes: “The importance of standardizing practices in this space is critical, and we are grateful we are leading the way with standards as a collective group.”
APPA, led by a diverse group: including psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, lawyers, professors, researchers, and traditional medicine healers, is dedicated to advocating at the national level for safe, effective, and accessible care for all who can benefit from psychedelic medicine.
APPA invites practitioners and professionals in the community within and beyond psychology, therapy and mental health to sign up to receive support from APPA and learn the critical evolution of regulations and best practices in how patients are treated in this space.
Members have access to a professional network, mentorship program, events and forums, and founding members will be part of shaping the regulations and infrastructure as these therapies enter the U.S. health system. “We are thrilled and humbled to provide a platform to share with practitioners and psychedelic industry members, and bring standards to this space through community, collaboration, and coordinated advocacy,” said Alex Cardenas, Executive Director of APPA.
As a non-profit, APPA has had successful fundraising efforts to date. They are currently accepting donations from individuals and organizations, towards a $2.5 Million goal.
Those professionals in the psychedelic or healthcare space interested, can sign up for memberships online at: https://www.thepsychedelicassociation.org/
About APPA
The American Psychedelic Practitioners Association (APPA) exists to integrate psychedelics into the US healthcare system and ensure safe access for all who can benefit from these treatments. APPA brings together (and celebrates) the diverse voices of our community, while building consensus around the needed infrastructure for the healthcare and economic ecosystems to thrive. This includes establishing, as a community, the range of gold standards of care that can effectively help people feel better and find long lasting relief. The APPA community will also develop standards of training, and a system of accountability to establish PAT as a reliable therapy, ensuring its safe adoption and application throughout the country. Through ongoing educational resources, events and training, we’re establishing APPA as an inclusive community to share knowledge, clarify, and foster pivotal conversations.
