The last few years we have seen the psychedelic renaissance movement make massive waves, shifting the lens from traditional pharma drugs to potentially better and more effective treatments, such as psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy.
And while we are impatiently waiting for the FDA to approve MDMA and psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy in the next couple of years, which of course will change the negative connotation of these substances, we are witnessing a conversational shift surrounding access to these treatments.
Until now, the psychedelic industry had three common goals: to destigmatize the use of psychedelic substances, to prove their ability to act as healing agents, and to provide access the psychedelic-assisted therapy for those in need. So far, so good. We are witnessing more decriminalization and legalization efforts in the United States and Australia, clinical trials approaching FDA approval, and the opening of psychedelic healing centers in Oregon and soon Colorado.
However, the barriers to psychedelic therapy have become a hot topic for policy makers and the psychonaut community as current prices present a challenge for a large number of people to get affordable access to these alternative, and potentially more effective treatments. Ketamine therapy, a popular off-label treatment that is effective in treating a range of mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD by stimulating synaptic growth and “re-wiring” the brain, can cost up to $800 per session. However, to achieve optimal results, patients would need to undergo at least four sessions. On the other hand, we are also witnessing the first legal Oregon psilocybin centers charging up to $3,500 for one large dose. One look at these prices can drag a depressed person deeper into the abyss of their own mind.
Read also: What is Ketamine? Here’s Everything You Need to Know
But, perhaps it is not all doom and gloom. We can rest assured that there are individuals actively attempting to shatter the monetary ceiling preventing those suffering from debilitating mental health diseases to find a simmer of hope that better days are ahead.
Christina Thomas and Charles Patti, the President and Founder and Chief Brand Officer of MY Self Wellness, respectively, established Warriors of Consciousness to help individuals struggling with anxiety, PTSD, depression and other mental health conditions by limiting the financial constraints associated with ketamine therapy. Thomas and Patti realize that the therapy is not covered by insurance. Therefore, they emphasize the significance of undergoing these transformations without any financial hindrances. They firmly believe that anyone who requires access to these treatments should be able to discover hope and healing without being constrained by financial limitations.
“Warriors of Consciousness is our solution to a problem that affects so many people: they need help but aren’t in a financial situation to experience ketamine treatments, which can offer effects including transcending their traumas and letting go of obstacles caused by physical, psychological and spiritual blockages,” said Thomas. “We saw a need for help, and we took action.”
The non-profit organization has made a significant impact by helping 60 individuals to date. This is a remarkable number given that they only launched Warriors of Consciousness in 2023. But here’s the kicker: According to Patti, the majority of the donors are previous patients who have experienced such astonishing improvements that they simply want to “pay it forward”.
“Having spent many years not receiving the right treatment to cultivate healing, I know first-hand how powerful and therapeutic ketamine can be, and how this medication can help people a create a joyful, purposeful life,” Patti told Psychedelic Spotlight. “Christina and I pride ourselves in creating Warriors of Consciousness.”
For every $2500 raised, Warriors of Consciousness is able to help one individual, offering up to 6 ketamine treatments. Donating to Warriors of Consciousness can assist in providing Ketamine therapy to individuals who have not responded to other treatments. This therapy has shown promising results in transforming the lives of these individuals and subsequently, positively impacting their communities.
Join Warriors of Consciousness in changing lives and donate now.
