Post: Health Research Ethics Board of Alberta Approves ATMA’s Phase II Psilocybin Clinical Trial with Group and Individual Therapy Settings

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, May 22, 2024 – 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. […]

Health Research Ethics Board of Alberta Approves ATMA’s Phase II Psilocybin Clinical Trial with Group and Individual Therapy Settings