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Could psychedelic-assisted therapy change the future of mental healthcare?
For some, psychedelic-assisted therapy feels like a revolutionary new frontier. For others, it’s a long-standing conversation that never truly disappeared - it simply continued quietly while science worked to catch up. Today, that conversation is louder than ever, as researchers investigate whether medicines such as ketamine and psilocybin (the naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain mushrooms) could transform treatment for depression, PTSD, anxiety, addiction and other mental health conditions.
In this thought-provoking episode, wrapping up season five of The Happier Life Project, host Gabby is joined by licensed clinical social worker and psychedelic-assisted psychotherapist Katy Collins to explore the science, the stories and the growing evidence behind this fascinating field. Together, they unpack what psychedelic-assisted therapy actually involves, how it differs from recreational psychedelic use, why “set and setting” matter so deeply, and why working with appropriately trained and licensed professionals is such an important part of the process.
Drawing on her clinical experience, Katy explains how ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is helping people who have struggled with severe depression, trauma and suicidal thoughts. She also shares her own deeply personal mental health journey, including nearly three decades on antidepressants before discovering plant medicine. Katy credits this experience as a turning point in her healing journey, helping her become medication free for the past five years.
This unique combination of professional and personal experience offers a rare perspective on both the potential, and the limitations of psychedelic-assisted therapy, and why the therapeutic process is just as important as the medicine itself.
Along the way, the conversation explores the latest research into psilocybin, including remarkable studies investigating its potential in depression and even dementia, as well as the growing interest in microdosing, neuroplasticity, and why these ancient medicines are attracting renewed attention from modern science. Gabby and Katy also discuss the legal landscape, common misconceptions, the importance of clinical supervision, and whether psychedelic-assisted therapy could one day become a mainstream part of mental healthcare.
Katy Collins is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Clinical Social Work Supervisor with specialist training in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, EMDR, somatic healing and grief work. As an integrative therapist, she combines evidence-based approaches including Internal Family Systems (IFS), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, attachment theory and somatic practices to support people navigating trauma, anxiety, depression and treatment-resistant mental health conditions.
Whether you’re simply curious, interested in the latest mental health research, or wondering why psychedelics are once again making headlines, this episode offers a balanced, evidence-informed introduction to one of the most fascinating and rapidly evolving areas of mental healthcare.
Please note: This episode is for educational and informational purposes only. It explores current research and regulated clinical practice surrounding psychedelic-assisted therapy and is not medical advice or an endorsement of illegal drug use. If you have concerns about your mental or physical health, or are considering any form of treatment, please speak with your GP or a qualified healthcare professional.
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Katy Collins website: https://sagehealinghouston.com/
Katy's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sagehealinghouston/
