Psychodelic-Assisted Psychotherapy
Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy (PAP) is an emerging and innovative approach to mental health care that integrates the use of psychedelics within a structured therapeutic process. While Clinic Altera does not provide or administer psychedelic substances, we have clinicians on our team who are trained to support clients seeking psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy through authorized clinics. Our role is to ensure clients have safe, informed, and well-supported preparation and integration care around their treatment.
Our Role at Clinic Altera
Education & Preparation: Our clinicians help you understand what to expect, provide psychoeducation about psychedelic-assisted therapy, and work with you to clarify your goals and intentions.
Referral & Collaboration: We assist clients in identifying and connecting with reputable, legally authorized clinics that offer psychedelic-assisted treatment.
Therapeutic Support: We provide supportive psychotherapy before and after your treatment, ensuring you feel grounded and prepared at each stage. For clients in the Montreal area, we also offer clinic accompaniment, so you don’t have to go through the process alone.
Integration Therapy: Following your psychedelic session(s), we help you make sense of the experience, process insights, and integrate them into your everyday life.
What a Typical Protocol Looks Like
While protocols differ depending on the clinic and the substance used, they often include:
Screening & Medical Assessment – Conducted by the prescribing clinic to ensure safety and eligibility.
Preparation Sessions – To set intentions, discuss expectations, and build therapeutic readiness.
Psychedelic Sessions – Administered and monitored by medical professionals in a safe, structured environment.
Integration Sessions – Post-treatment therapy (offered at Clinic Altera) to anchor insights, strengthen resilience, and translate experiences into daily change.
Ketamine in Quebec
Currently in Quebec, ketamine is the most readily available psychedelic option offered in clinical settings. Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is legally prescribed by medical professionals and has been shown to provide significant benefits for treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, and certain anxiety disorders.
In special circumstances, clients may also apply for a government derogation (special authorization) through Health Canada, which can permit access to other psychedelic-assisted therapies (such as psilocybin or MDMA) when clinically indicated and supported by medical providers. These exceptions are considered on a case-by-case basis, and Clinic Altera can assist clients in navigating the therapeutic support needed throughout this process.
The Emerging Data
Research into psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy is rapidly expanding and shows promising results for treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, anxiety, addiction, and end-of-life distress. Clinical studies suggest that, when combined with therapy, psychedelics can accelerate emotional processing, foster new perspectives, and enhance neuroplasticity. While ketamine is currently the most accessible treatment in Quebec, broader access through government-approved derogations signals an exciting frontier in mental health care.
Moving Forward
At Clinic Altera, our role is to provide trauma-informed preparation, accompaniment, and integration therapy for clients who are pursuing psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy with authorized providers. We ensure that you are not navigating this process alone, but instead have professional support before, during, and after your treatment journey.
If you are curious about whether psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy could be helpful for you, we invite you to book a consultation to learn more about how our trained clinicians can support you.