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New psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy facility standards and call for assessors

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August Messenger 2023 | Posted August 10, 2023
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As we shared in January, an amendment to the Mental Health Services Protection Regulation introduced new requirements for psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy (PAPT), which went into effect on Jan. 16, 2023.

PAPT medical facilities

In response to these requirements, CPSA has launched new psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy accreditation standards. Our accreditation standards are based on input from field experts, best practices and research by other regulators, standard-setting bodies and industry associations. These standards make sure patients receive safe, high-quality care in accredited medical facilities.

As specified by the Mental Health Services Protection Regulation, PAPT provided in the community must be performed within a CPSA-accredited medical facility by a psychiatrist or a physician in consultation with a psychiatrist. Before facilities may provide this therapy, they must be assessed and accredited by CPSA. Once facilities have registered for assessment, they will be provided with a copy of the PAPT standards.

Register for assessment.

Help us accredit facilities: CPSA is now seeking PAPT assessors

Accreditation could not happen without contracted assessors. We’re currently looking for experts to help ensure patient safety in medical facilities across Alberta. If you are a registered nurse, registered psychiatric nurse or a licensed practical nurse with more than three years’ experience in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), mood or related disorders, consider using your knowledge to earn continuing competence credits and compensation. If you know someone who fits this description, feel free to forward this opportunity along.

Learn more and apply to be a CPSA assessor.

Questions? Contact us at papt@cpsa.ab.ca.

Recent evidence shows that PAPT is an effective part of a comprehensive care plan for people with certain psychiatric disorders such as PTSD and treatment-resistant depression. Psychedelic drugs include psilocybin, psilocin, MDMA, LSD, mescalin (peyote), DMT, 5 methoxy DMT and ketamine. Patients who would benefit from PAPT will need a referral from their physician to gain access to this treatment.

Learn more about PAPT Accreditation.

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