This trial will assess the efficacy of psilocybin-assisted
therapy in treating mental healthcare professionals suffering from
Major Depressive Disorder, in group and individual dosing sessions,
commencing Q3 2024.
CALGARY,
AB, May 22, 2024 /CNW/ - ATMA Journey Centers
Inc. ("ATMA"), a pioneering Canadian company with a primary focus
on advancing innovative psychedelic-assisted therapy solutions, has
received approvals for its Phase II Psilocybin-assisted Therapy
Clinical Trial from the Health Research Ethics Board of
Alberta (HREBA) and Health Canada
(No Objection Letter). The primary objective of this trial will be
to evaluate the potential of psilocybin-assisted therapy in
treating frontline mental healthcare professionals diagnosed with
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), administered in either a group or
individual setting.
While a considerable portion of the Canadian population
continues to struggle with mental distress stemming from the
repercussions of COVID-19, healthcare professionals themselves have
faced significant mental hurdles. Indeed, despite the immense
physical and psychological burdens imposed by the pandemic – both
direct and indirect – many mental healthcare professionals have
prioritized the well-being of their patients over their own,
resulting in an unaddressed need for mental support; healthcare
professionals, like the general population, experience
psychological trauma leading to mental health challenges. However,
evidence suggests that these challenges are more prevalent among
frontline workers due to the nature of their work. From compassion
fatigue to vicarious traumatization, these workers often do not use
effective coping mechanisms to navigate their depression while
continuing their professional duties. Consequently, many have
inadvertently normalized chronic depression.
As such, the primary objective of this study is to examine the
efficacy of psilocybin-assisted therapy in treating frontline
mental healthcare workers diagnosed with MDD. This will be
accomplished by comparing the scores on standardized
self-assessment questionnaires administered to participants before
and after their psilocybin session. The secondary exploratory
objective of this study is to investigate the effect psilocybin has
on personal and professional characteristics that enhance
competency as a mental healthcare worker, as well as participants'
self-assessment of their competency and confidence in administering
psilocybin-assisted therapy.
Additionally, in collaboration with experts in psychedelic group
therapy such as Dr. Mark Atkinson of
Human Potential Academy and Dr. Simon
Ruffell of Onaya Science, ATMA is exploring a novel protocol
for this Phase II trial. This sub-group analysis aims to
investigate the potential efficacy of psilocybin-assisted therapy
through both group and individual administration frameworks. Based
on research exploring the potential benefits of group therapy for
addressing depression, ATMA's protocol offers options for either
individual sessions or a group setting. The group therapy
hypothesis suggests that the group approach may foster social
connectedness and well-being by inducing states of communitas and
facilitating psychological safety, potentially promoting empathy,
cooperation, and aiding in psychological integration and
self-regulation. Plans are in motion to prepare for future Phase
III trials with a focus on refining the group therapy design.
Furthermore, although the primary goal of these trials is not
necessarily to improve accessibility to psilocybin, there is a
possibility that these trials could enhance affordability and
accessibility, possibly alleviating the financial burden on both
the healthcare system and participants.
Considering the size and nationwide scope of this trial, ATMA
has partnered with KGK Science to ensure successful execution. KGK
is an experienced clinical research company specializing in product
development. With preparations underway for Canada's largest Phase II clinical trial on
psilocybin-assisted therapy, this initiative will encompass three
sites nationwide, including the ATMA CENA Psychedelic Therapy
Clinics in Calgary, AB and
London, ON, along with Qi
Integrated Health in Vancouver,
BC.
The trial will be open to frontline mental healthcare
professionals who have completed an approved psychedelic-assisted
therapy training program; this includes the 750+ ATMA alumni and
others who have equivalent training and meet the other eligibility
requirements. ATMA believes that training in psychedelic
therapy as well as a thorough understanding of psychedelic
medicines are crucial for participants in this trial. Such training
equips participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to
navigate the psychedelic experience safely and effectively. It
enables them to understand the potential effects of psilocybin on
their mental health and well-being, and how to integrate these
experiences into their therapeutic journey, which will provide the
field with valuable data in terms of the secondary exploratory
objective.
Graduates of ATMA's Advanced Psychedelic Therapy Training
Program – predominantly qualified therapists with
psychedelic-assisted therapy training and facilitating experience –
will be offered the opportunity to contribute to ATMA's Phase II
and III clinical trial therapist staffing needs, amounting to up to
6,000 hours. ATMA's training program has equipped hundreds of
therapists and healthcare practitioners for this role, offering a
valuable chance for those interested in the psychedelic-assisted
therapy field to gain more experience in this field as clinical
trial staff facilitators and therapists.
CEO Vu Tran emphasizes the
potential of the group protocol as a pivotal advancement for the
psychedelic therapy industry, not only by enhancing accessibility,
but also by validating the effectiveness of group healing practices
rooted in non-Western and ancient cultures. He highlights the
epidemic of loneliness as a contributing factor to the current
mental health crisis and advocates for embracing group healing
formats as a means of addressing this challenge.
ABOUT ATMA JOURNEY CENTERS
INC.
We care about improving the lives and practices of mental
healthcare professionals.
ATMA is pioneering a healthcare practitioner-centered business
model for the psychedelic industry. By providing education,
training, clinical trials leading to IP protocols, support
services, and developing a network of clinics, we are building and
supporting a vast community of psychedelic practitioners in
adopting psychedelic-assisted therapy and thereby improving access
for many.
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SOURCE ATMA Journey Centers Inc