The use of psychedelics as medicine is effective in treating many mental health conditions. However, as long as these compounds remain scheduled under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA), only a small number of Canadians will be able to access this therapeutic drug. This is because the only existing avenues for legal access to psilocybin are clinical trials and Health Canada’s Special Access Program, which both require an individual’s medical practitioner to apply for an exemption.
Legal Psilocybin Therapy Canada has been granted access to psilocybin through these channels, most patients must pay out of pocket for their treatment, and are often required to get permission from their therapist or psychiatrist. This can be challenging for people living with low incomes or who do not have private health coverage.
Legal Psilocybin Therapy in Canada: Where It’s Available and How It Works
Despite these barriers, the psychedelic reform movement is rapidly gathering steam in Canada. A recent poll commissioned by the Canadian Psychedelic Association showed that a majority of Canadians support psilocybin-assisted therapy for end-of-life and palliative care. The CPA is using these results to ask political leaders from across the country to put forward a clear policy on medical psilocybin by the end of 2021.
For those who would like to be part of the movement, there are several pathways that can lead to becoming a psychedelic psychotherapist or counselor in Canada. One way is to complete a Master’s in Counselling Psychology, or a Master’s in Social Work. These degrees qualify you for licensure as a therapist in most provinces. Alternatively, you can become a Registered Psychologist in Canada by earning a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.
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