UCLA Psilocybin-Assisted CBT Lab

The primary objectives of this clinical investigation are to (1) determine the acceptability and feasibility of joining psilocybin-assisted therapy with cognitive-behavioral therapy (PA-CBT) for patients with depression, (2) optimize CBT to most effectively integrate the psilocybin experience with psychotherapy and (3) examine the clinical benefit of psilocybin as an adjunct to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for major depressive disorder.

This study has two phases:

Phase I will involve an open trial of PA-CBT where participants will receive two doses of psilocybin (10mg and then 25mg, separated by one month) plus 12 sessions of cognitive behavioral therapy.

DETAILS

Status: PHASE I – Concluded, no longer accepting patients

Start Date: June 2023

Completion Date: December 2025 (estimated)

Sponsor: University of California, Los Angeles

ID: NCT05227612

Other ID’s:

• 21-002134
• R34AT013077-01 ( U.S. NIH Grant/Contract )

Phase: Phase 1 research study

Study Type: Interventional

Participants: Expecting 30 study participants

Last Updated: March 2025

Phase II will be a randomized, two-arm, fixed dose trial that will test the feasibility, acceptability, and participant and therapist adherence to PA-CBT. Both treatment arms will receive two doses of psilocybin (10mg and then 25mg, separated by one month). In Phase II, participants will be randomized (1:1) to either a 12-session PA-CBT or a 6-session standard psilocybin-assisted therapy (PAT) condition (3 hours of preparation plus 3 hours of supportive therapy integration following the psilocybin experiences).

DETAILS

Status: PHASE II – Active, accepting new patients

Start Date: June 2023

Completion Date: December 2027 (estimated)

Sponsor: University of California, Los Angeles

ID: NCT05227612

Other ID’s:

• 21-002134
• R34AT013077-01 ( U.S. NIH Grant/Contract )

Phase: Phase 1 research study

Study Type: Interventional

Participants: Expecting 50 study participants

Last Updated: March 2025

If you’re between the ages of 21-60 and experience depression, you may be eligible. Please complete the pre-screener survey to add yourself to our waitlist: 

https://uclahs.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6x3GHvVGkTKABRI

UCLA’s Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Training will consist of a 4 hour seminar.
The trainings are meant for community clinicians to learn about current evidence-based practices regarding the provision of psychedelic-assisted therapies (i.e., screening patients, preparation for medicine sessions, psychedelic medicine administration, and therapeutic integration for patients who undergo these services).

The psychedelic medicines that will be covered include ketamine, classic psychedelics (psilocybin and LSD), and entactogens (MDMA).

Various integration methods will be covered, including classic supportive psychotherapy treatments as well as more modern, cutting-edge practices such as one being empirically established at UCLA – psychedelic-assisted cognitive behavioral therapy for major depressive disorder.

Mission: Our mission is to advance the responsible and ethical practice of psychedelic-assisted therapy by providing comprehensive training to mental health professionals. We believe in the transformative potential of psychedelics to foster healing and personal growth, guided by principles of compassion, integrity, and respect for all individuals. We aim to cultivate a community of skilled facilitators who are dedicated to improving mental health care and promoting holistic well-being. 

Inclusivity: The UCLA’s Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Training Program is committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful learning environment. We are dedicated to supporting BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and other underrepresented groups, ensuring that every participant feels safe and valued.

Appreciation: Combining modern scientific insights with ancestral knowledge, our interdisciplinary curriculum reflects our appreciation for Indigenous traditions. We seek to honor these traditions through active community engagement and service. Our program is built on the foundations of inclusion, reciprocity, and respect for all beings, empowering participants to make meaningful contributions to the field of psychedelic therapy.

Start date: Planned launch of the course is June 2025

Course Location: UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior or via simultaneous Zoom

Cost: Training cost is $450

Learning Methods: Lecture-based didactics, group discussion, and experiential learning (e.g., breathwork)

Instruction: This course is taught by
• Marc Weintraub, PhD
• Jessica Jeffrey, MD, MBA, MPH
• Hewa Artin, MD
• Megan Ichinose, PhD

Abbreviated Curriculum:
• Historical, traditional, and contemporary practices and applications
• Cultural equity in relation to psychedelic medicine practices
• Safety, ethics and responsibilities
• Pharmacology, neuroscience, and clinical research
• Core facilitation skills
• Preparation for psychedelic experiences
• Administration of psychedelic medicines
• Psychotherapy integration

*The program is not open yet. If you are intersted, please contact us at UCLAPAT@mednet.ucla.edu

The program is not open yet. If you are intersted, please contact us at UCLAPAT@mednet.ucla.edu