The cost of psychedelic therapy varies widely depending on several factors, including the type of psychedelic substance used, the therapeutic setting, and the location of the treatment. Here’s a brief overview of the cost considerations:
- Legal and Underground Therapies: In regions where psychedelic therapy is legally approved and regulated, such as parts of the United States and Europe, the cost tends to be higher due to the need for trained therapists, medical supervision, and adherence to legal standards.
- Underground or Illicit Therapies: Some individuals seeking psychedelic therapy turn to underground or illicit sources, where costs can be significantly lower. However, this approach carries significant legal and safety risks and may lack the professional guidance and therapeutic support found in legal settings.
- Psychedelic Retreats: In recent years, there has been a rise in psychedelic retreats, especially in countries like Peru and Costa Rica where substances like ayahuasca are legal. Such retreats are usually in a group setting with around 10 participants, where you have 3-4 guides who assist.
- Access to Insurance: As of 2023, most health insurance plans did not cover the cost of psychedelic therapy because it was still considered experimental or alternative treatment. However, the landscape may change as more research and clinical trials establish the efficacy and safety of these therapies.
- Non-Profit and Research Initiatives: Some organizations and research institutions conduct clinical trials and studies on psychedelic therapy and may offer treatments at reduced or no cost to participants. These opportunities are typically limited and subject to specific eligibility criteria.
- Multiple Dosing Sessions: Psychedelics can bring long-lasting relief from symptoms of depression and PTSD however, follow-up dosing is often needed, So whilst sourcing the initial dose is important it is good to be aware of the fact that you may require future subsequent doses.
So those are the main factors affecting the cost of psychedelic therapy but where is it available and for how much?
USA
The current MDMA treatment protocols involve about 42 hours of treatment, and there are two therapists on-site at any one time. This includes two to three eight-hour MDMA sessions and twelve 90-minute psychotherapy sessions for preparation and integration. The estimate for the entire treatment is around USD 15,000. I would like to emphasize that this is not a treatment available today anywhere legally and not outside clinical trials as of today.
A two-and-a-half gram session of individual psilocybin therapy will set you back $2800, while a four-gram journey comes in at a cool $3,500¹.
Norway
Ketamine is a legal alternative in Norway today and perhaps the closest you get to psychedelic therapy. Ketamine has shown good results against depression and chronic pain, and is on its way into the public health system. The first public ketamine clinic was established at Østfold Kalnes Hospital in November 2020, and here it should be possible to receive support for treatment if you receive a referral from your GP in the near future. Today, the offer only applies to acute psychiatric cases. The cost of private clinics is around NOK 2,500-5,000 per treatment, preferably with an additional screening at the first treatment. Read a good explanation of the cost of ketamine treatment on this site or read more about prices on EmmaSofia Klinikk’s site. For more information about the treatment itself, this site the Axon Clinic is a good place to start.
Amsterdam
Synthesis in Amsterdam charges EUR 1700 for a group program from Friday to Sunday. Truffles Therapy charges from EUR 1200. Prices for other retreats, for example in Jamaica and Costa Rica, cost about the same. Private (one-on-one) sessions usually cost from EUR 5500 and up, but then you can bring some (up to 5, usually) friends.
South America
Ayahuasca retreats in South America (Brazil, Costa Rica, Peru, etc.) vary widely in price and it is especially important to check out reviews (through Google, Facebook and Tripadvisor) at these locations. A rough estimate is 100 to 300 USD per day, and you often count 3-4 days.
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