During a dosing session, you'll take the investigational medicine or placebo in a comfortable, supportive environment. Two trained session monitors will remain with you throughout the experience, which typically lasts a minimum of 8 hours. You may experience changes in perception, emotion, and thought patterns. The monitors provide support and ensure your safety throughout the process. After the session, you'll be accompanied home by a trusted adult.

The full trial lasts approximately 3 months. This includes screening, preparation, treatment and follow-up. Most visits last at least 2 hours, with dosing sessions lasting 8+ hours. There are also some remote visits that can be conducted online.

Dosing sessions will take place at our dedicated clinic in Noe Valley, which offers a comfortable, private setting accessible to Bay Area residents.

This clinical trial is IRB-approved. The investigational medicine is administered in a controlled clinical setting with professional oversight. While all medical interventions carry some risk, the trial includes comprehensive screening and monitoring to maximize safety. The specific risks and safety measures will be thoroughly explained during the informed consent process.

Psychedelic experiences can include challenging emotional content, but these aren't necessarily bad. Often, difficult emotions or memories that arise can be important parts of the therapeutic process. Our experienced facilitators are specifically trained to help you navigate any challenging aspects of your experience. The preparation sessions before your dosing days will also help you develop skills to work with whatever arises. Research shows that with proper support, even challenging experiences can lead to beneficial outcomes.

Unlike some other psychedelic studies that require medication washout periods, this trial is specifically designed to test the effectiveness of psychedelic therapy as an add-on treatment to standard medication. During screening, we'll review all your medications to ensure there are no contraindications.

Yes, your privacy is a top priority. All information collected is protected under medical privacy laws. Your participation is confidential, and data is de-identified for research purposes. You can discuss specific privacy concerns during the screening process.

As a clinical trial, there is a structured protocol that all participants follow. However, within that structure, the therapeutic approach is responsive to individual needs. Some supplementary sessions may be conducted online for greater flexibility. The team works to accommodate reasonable scheduling needs while maintaining the integrity of the research.

Participants receive modest financial compensation for their time and effort. Some assistance with transportation costs may also be available for participants who qualify. The treatment itself is provided at no cost (valued at approximately $15,000-20,000 based on similar private treatment programs).

As this is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, you have a 50% chance of receiving the active medication and a 50% chance of receiving an inactive placebo. Neither you nor the research team will know which you've received during the main study. However, if you complete the main trial, you may be eligible to participate in an extension study where all participants can receive the active treatment.

After completing the main trial, participants may have the option to join a long-term extension where all participants can receive the active treatment (no placebo). The research team can also provide referrals for continued mental health support if needed. You'll receive a summary of the research findings when the study is complete.