By: Bethany Waters
In the shadows of Utah’s breathtaking landscapes lies a silent and invisible epidemic: a mental health crisis that threatens the well-being of thousands. As the need for effective treatments for mental health issues grows increasingly urgent, an unconventional solution is gaining attention: therapeutic psilocybin. Join us as we delve into the Utah Patients Coalition’s tireless efforts to legalize this promising therapy, exploring the potential it holds to reshape mental health care and provide relief to Utahns who need it most.
Utah Patients Coalition
The Utah Patients Coalition (UPC) is a dedicated nonprofit organization that advocates for the rights and well-being of patients in Utah. With a strong history of promoting progressive medical treatments, UPC has emerged as a leading force in the movement to legalize and regulate alternative therapies in Utah. The coalition has a history of advocating for alternative therapies, such as the successful legalization of medical cannabis in 2018. Through strategic collaborations, public education, and lobbying efforts, UPC helped to bring about the change that allowed thousands of patients in Utah to access cannabis for qualifying medical conditions.
Now, UPC has set its sights on a new mission: to legalize psilocybin, a promising treatment option for those struggling with mental health issues. By raising awareness and garnering support, UPC seeks to make a meaningful difference in the lives of countless individuals who may benefit from this groundbreaking therapy.
Utah’s Mental Health Crisis
As evidence of Utah’s severe mental health crisis, a staggering 30% of the adult population is reported to have a mental illness, holding firm as the highest percentage of mental illness in the United States! Utah’s suicide rate of 21 per 100,000 residents significantly outpaces the national average of 14 per 100,000 residents and further highlights the devastating reality that suicide is the leading cause of death among Utahns aged 24-44. Utahns are in dire need for improvement in the state’s mental health care system and innovative solutions to save lives.
A challenge in addressing this crisis is the lack of mental health care providers. Utah ranks 47th out of 50 states for mental health workforce availability, according to Mental Health America. The shortage of professionals makes it difficult for individuals to access the long-term care that traditional therapy requires. As a result, patients are added to long waitlists for appointments if professionals are taking new clients at all.
Compounding the issue is the stigma surrounding mental health, which often deters people from seeking help, further exacerbating the crisis. Given the magnitude of the mental health problem in the state, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive approach that includes introducing new and effective treatment options, such as psilocybin, the active compound found in “magic mushrooms.” By embracing innovative solutions, Utah can take meaningful strides towards addressing this mental health crisis and improving the well-being of its residents.
Psilocybin as an Alternative Treatment
Psilocybin, found in psychedelic mushrooms, has elicited attention as a potential alternative treatment for mental health issues, including anxiety and depression. It interacts with serotonin receptors in the brain, leading to increased neural connectivity and temporary shifts in consciousness. As a result, individuals can experience profound psychological insights, fostering personal growth and self-awareness, which may contribute to lasting improvements in mental health.
Compared to traditional treatments, psilocybin therapy offers rapid and enduring effects. While conventional therapies often necessitate weeks or months of consistent treatment, psilocybin has demonstrated significant results in a much shorter time frame—sometimes after just one or two sessions. Furthermore, the effects can last for months, reducing the need for ongoing treatment.
Clinical studies have provided strong evidence supporting the efficacy of psilocybin therapy. In one study, Ross et al. (2016) found that 83% of patients who used psilocybin-assisted therapy reported significantly reduced depressive symptoms compared to traditional antidepressant medications. Another study, Griffiths et al. (2016), showed that 80% of patients with life-threatening cancer reported a significant reduction in anxiety, and these reductions were sustained after 6 months following psilocybin treatment. These results, combined with the FDA’s designation of psilocybin as a “breakthrough therapy,” emphasize the potential of this innovative treatment to address mental health issues.
The promising results from clinical studies, along with the rapid and long-lasting effects of psilocybin, suggest that this treatment has the potential to transform mental health care in Utah and provide a powerful solution to the ongoing crisis.
Yet, beyond the empirical evidence and clinical studies, the true impact of psilocybin therapy shines through the lives it has touched. Several Utah patients have shared their transformative experiences, revealing the profound changes it has brought to their lives.
Kristen W., who suffered unimaginable grief after losing her daughter, found solace in this treatment. She said, “I was able to participate in a safe, controlled session using psilocybin that has given me new tools and a deeply meaningful connection with myself and others, moving me out of the dark and desperate sadness from which I thought I would never leave. We have become far too dependent on prescription medications that numb us, rather than seeking therapies that offer real, sustainable healing. I truly believe psilocybin could have saved my daughter’s life. It has definitely saved mine.”
From a medical professional’s perspective, Constance shares how she’s seen the treatment create significant changes. “I’ve witnessed addicts heal their pain, irreparable marriages thrive again, deep suicidal depression and debilitating anxiety transform into peace, hope, and joy. I’ve seen incurable diseases dealt with grace and happiness, and deep-seated trauma released, setting individuals free. In my opinion, these plants are the only chance we have of healing ourselves and this beautiful planet. This is how we actually heal!”
David M., another Utah patient, echoed the sentiments of many who have found healing in psilocybin. He told us, “Using these plants doesn’t make you feel that everything is perfect in your life. What they do, for me, is help me cope with life’s problems, allowing me to unearth the root of my depression that traditional medication couldn’t reach. I have seen these plants save lives, and I truly believe their legal acceptance can save marriages and lives.”
The firsthand experiences of Utah patients like Kristen, Constance, and David illuminate the transformative power of psilocybin therapy. They are more than numbers in a study; they are individuals whose lives have been deeply touched, underscoring the potential of this treatment to usher in a new era in mental health care. Psilocybin, as an alternative treatment, may not just be an option—it could be a turning point in how we approach mental health in Utah and beyond.
SB200: Therapeutic Psilocybin Pilot Program
UPC has made a groundbreaking move by introducing the Therapeutic Psilocybin Pilot Program, a cutting-edge initiative based on the successful Johns Hopkins psilocybin model, designed to bring the benefits of psilocybin to mental health treatment in a safe and secure environment while demonstrating promising results for patients struggling with mental health issues.
During the bill’s introductory press conference, Senator Luz Escamilla, the bill’s sponsor, stated that psilocybin “is not for everyone, and we’re not claiming this is going to solve all of our mental health problems, but it will solve the problem for more than one person, and that’s enough for me to save their lives.” Emphasizing the importance of therapeutic options, she added, “This is about giving tools to individuals.”
Medical professionals participating in the program will receive in-depth training, ensuring they’re well-equipped to provide effective psilocybin therapy. The program aims to admit 5,000 patients per year, focusing on addressing specific mental health needs for those aged 21 and older with qualifying conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, or a terminal illness.
Treatment sessions will take place in a comfortable clinical setting, where patients consume psilocybin under the supervision of a licensed therapist. This setup ensures a safe and supportive experience. To maintain public safety, patients will only be released to a responsible party once they’re no longer impaired.
Emphasizing responsibility and accountability, the pilot program mandates registered agents to handle psilocybin in licensed, approved facilities, adhering to program guidelines, with independent labs conducting safety tests. The program’s commitment to patient care is further demonstrated through ongoing monitoring and review of all data, a thrilling step forward that is poised to assist thousands of Utahns in need, transforming the world of mental health treatment.
What’s Next?
Crafting precise legal language for the medical use of psychedelics is a challenging task in Utah. Decriminalization of psilocybin faces hurdles due to the need for convincing evidence and support from legislators. Unlike the previous cannabis initiative, a petition is not required for psilocybin legalization, but the work remains challenging. Governor Cox’s commitment to citizen safety adds complexity to the task, necessitating education for lawmakers on the potential benefits.
The efforts to legalize therapeutic psilocybin require collaboration, progress, and the well-being of Utah residents. Utahns can contribute by staying informed, engaging in discussions, and supporting organizations like the Utah Patients Coalition. Expressing support to local representatives and visiting www.utahpatients.com/jointhemovement can highly-impact the legislative process. UPC remains hopeful for the Pilot Program’s success before 2024, but active involvement from residents, lawmakers, and advocacy groups is crucial. Together, Utah moves closer to accessible and effective mental health care for all.
