Accessing MDMA and Psilocybin Therapy through the Special Access Program (SAP)
Guided by values of integrity, inclusivity, and accessibility, we strive to create a supportive environment where every patient can access their inner strength and find their natural flow.
Please be aware:
The information provided on this page is intended for educational and informational purposes only, with the goal of increasing awareness about Canada’s Special Access Program (SAP) and its potential to provide access to treatments not yet widely available in Canada.
At this time, Flowstate Therapy is not accepting consultations or facilitating applications through the SAP. While we are committed to supporting clients in accessing innovative treatments when possible, we are not yet operational in this capacity.
We will update this page and provide further details as soon as we are ready to offer consultations and support for accessing treatments through the SAP. Thank you for your understanding.
What is the Special Access Program (SAP)?
The Special Access Program (SAP) is a regulatory pathway that allows healthcare practitioners to request access to restricted drugs, such as MDMA and Psilocybin, for patients with serious or life-threatening conditions where standard treatments have failed. The goal of SAP is to provide compassionate access to these emerging therapies under strict clinical guidelines.
How MDMA and Psilocybin Therapy Can Help
MDMA and Psilocybin have shown potential in treating conditions such as:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Depression and Treatment-Resistant Depression
Anxiety Disorders
End-of-Life Distress
These therapies can assist in deep emotional processing, helping clients gain new perspectives, release trauma, and reconnect with themselves. While these substances are not yet widely approved for clinical use, accessing them through SAP provides an opportunity for clients who need alternative treatment options.
Understanding the Process and Wait Times
The process to access MDMA and Psilocybin therapy through the SAP involves several steps:
Initial Consultation: Begin with an assessment by one of our trained therapists or physicians to determine if SAP may be a suitable pathway for your needs.
Application Submission: If MDMA or Psilocybin therapy is recommended, we will submit a request to Health Canada under SAP for access to the treatment. This request will outline the nature of your condition, previous treatments attempted, and the rationale for using MDMA or Psilocybin.
Approval Process: Health Canada will review the application and decide whether to grant access. The review process can be lengthy, often taking several months or more, depending on the complexity of the case.
Therapeutic Preparation and Integration: While awaiting approval, our team will work with you to prepare for the therapy and provide ongoing support. Pre- and post-session integration will be included as part of your treatment to ensure a comprehensive healing process.
Cost for the Consultation and Application is: $249
MDMA vs Psilocybin Assisted Psychotherapy, Whats the difference?
MDMA-Assisted Therapy
How It Works:
MDMA increases the release of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin, promoting feelings of empathy, connection, and emotional safety. This can help individuals process difficult emotions and trauma without feeling overwhelmed.
It reduces fear responses, allowing clients to revisit traumatic memories and process them with less emotional distress.
Best for Treating:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):
MDMA is highly effective for PTSD, especially in cases of treatment-resistant PTSD. It helps individuals confront and process trauma with reduced fear and heightened emotional connection.
Complex Trauma (C-PTSD):
Those who have experienced multiple traumatic events or prolonged trauma can benefit from the ability of MDMA to facilitate emotional processing and self-compassion.
Social Anxiety & Fear-Based Disorders:
MDMA's effects can help clients with social anxiety or fear-based disorders to feel more at ease during therapy, allowing them to explore and address underlying issues.
Relationship-Based Therapy:
MDMA can be beneficial for couple therapy or relational trauma, as it promotes empathy, openness, and the ability to communicate more effectively.
Why Choose MDMA:
Greater Emotional Safety: MDMA is ideal for clients who need to work on trauma processing but find it difficult due to overwhelming fear or emotional distress.
Enhanced Empathy and Connection: Helps individuals connect with positive emotions and self-compassion, which can be particularly beneficial in relational therapy.
Facilitates Processing: It allows for direct engagement with traumatic memories while maintaining emotional stability.
Psilocybin Assisted Therapy
How It Works:
Psilocybin primarily acts on serotonin receptors, leading to altered perceptions, heightened introspection, and expanded states of consciousness. This can help clients gain new perspectives on their problems and connect with deeper aspects of their psyche.
It induces a non-ordinary state of consciousness where individuals may experience profound insights, changes in self-perception, and emotional release.
Best for Treating:
Depression & Treatment-Resistant Depression:
Psilocybin has shown significant benefits in individuals with depression, particularly treatment-resistant forms. It can help alleviate depressive symptoms by breaking negative thought patterns and promoting emotional flexibility.
Existential Anxiety or End-of-Life Distress:
Individuals facing a terminal illness or experiencing existential distress may benefit from the deep introspective and transformative experiences that psilocybin can facilitate.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD):
Psilocybin has potential benefits for OCD, as it may help disrupt rigid thought patterns and encourage a more flexible mindset.
Anxiety & General Emotional Struggles:
While both MDMA and psilocybin can help with anxiety, psilocybin is more suitable for clients looking to explore deeper existential or spiritual aspects of their anxiety.
Why Choose Psilocybin:
Deep Insight and Self-Exploration: Psilocybin can offer clients a chance to access parts of their subconscious and gain insights that might not be accessible through traditional therapy.
Breaking Patterns: It can be effective for individuals experiencing rigid thought patterns or feeling "stuck" in their emotional state.
Exploration of Existential Issues: Those seeking meaning, connection, or spiritual healing may find psilocybin helpful for addressing existential concerns.
Why Choose Flow State Therapy for SAP Therapy?
Experienced Multidisciplinary Team
Our therapists and medical professionals are trained in psychedelic-assisted therapy and follow evidence-based approaches for safety and effectiveness.
Compassionate Support Throughout the Process:
We understand the emotional journey involved in seeking alternative treatments and provide continuous support, even during the waiting period.
Preparation and Integration
Beyond the actual sessions, we focus on the full therapeutic process, ensuring that clients are well-prepared and supported in integrating their experiences into their everyday lives.
Important Considerations
Lengthy Approval Times: Accessing MDMA and Psilocybin through SAP may involve long wait times due to regulatory reviews and the limited availability of these treatments.
Not a Guarantee: Submitting an application through SAP does not guarantee approval, as decisions are made on a case-by-case basis by Health Canada.
Alternative Treatment Options: While awaiting approval, other therapies, such as Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) or traditional psychotherapy, may be considered to support your mental health needs.
We work with you and your insurance company to get you the best coverage possible.
Insurance Coverage
Some insurers we’ve worked with:
Veterans Affairs and PCVRS
Canada Life
Medavie Blue Cross
Sunlife
Green Shield,
Equitable Life of Canada,
Pacific Blue Cross
Manulife
And more!
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