Striking a Balance – A Conversation with HIVE BIO’s Alex Latyshev

The psychedelic medicine revolution is a breakthrough for millions of people around the world who are suffering from unresolved mental health problems. A welcome answer from practitioners dreaming of change, patients can reap the benefits entheogens have to offer thanks to an evolution of integrated wellness.

However, the psychedelic industry is facing a reckoning. How can the deeply rooted practices of the past be respected and recognized within modern medicine? 

Many believe it will require a delicate mix of tradition and standardization. The current state of psychedelics offers a wide range of experiences presented by providers who may or may not have the tools and knowledge necessary to create a space that is both safe and effective.

“Many retreats and practitioners rarely have the safety equipment, emergency training, and medical expertise that would be absolutely required in a healthcare setting,” explained Alex Latyshev, co-founder and CEO of HIVE.BIO, a provider of integrated psychedelic medicine therapies.

“We do not intend to diminish or talk down on the long-standing psychedelic practices, religions, and institutions that continue to offer amazing services to people who are willing to experience psychedelics in those environments—our entire team has benefited greatly from experiences within these psychedelic ceremonies. However, we feel that to truly incorporate these medicines into a western medical framework, we need to drastically increase the standards of safety and broaden the spiritual/healing lenses.”

Latyshev and his team, currently preparing to open their flagship location in Malta, are seeking to demonstrate how a unique hybrid model blending premium healthcare and science can help satisfy the quandary facing the psychedelic space. The group is passionate about changing the face of integrated wellness, advocating for a 360-degree approach that respects the past but embraces the future.

Holistic Practices Led by Experts Key to Advancing Psychedelic Wellness

The HIVE model deploys proven effective psychedelic integration practices focused on holistic healing. Utilizing a mix of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, nutrition planning, mindfulness meditation, exercise, aromatherapy, and lifestyle coaching, the retreats are designed to nurture the mind, body, and soul. Each guest’s individual therapeutic goals and personal preferences are taken into consideration when planning their regimen. 

While considered a medical retreat, the group understands the deeply spiritual nature of their program offerings and encourages visitors to lean into whatever philosophy they may get the most comfort from. 

“A medical retreat offers a retreat experience but happens to have professional and licensed medical, therapeutic, and wellness support,” Latyshev related. “This combination provides individuals with an opportunity to receive world-class medical care while also benefiting from the relaxed and comfortable surroundings of a retreat, allowing for better comfort, personal care, and integration.”

The HIVE BIO team is a diverse blend of highly qualified medical professionals from a variety of disciplines, clinical therapists, scientific researchers, psychedelic thought leaders, and renowned wellness practitioners. The well-rounded group of specialists checks every box needed for a truly integrated psychedelic wellness journey that will meet the needs of any visitor.

The leadership team represents a wide breadth of knowledge to draw from, including neuroscience, medical tourism, law, and nursing. A Chief Psychotherapist rounds out the C-suite, a notable addition highlighting HIVE’s dedication to ensuring their programs are built to enact real change for patients. 

At the medical retreats, nurses, yoga instructors, art therapists, psychedelic guides, and meditation leaders help patients achieve positive results from their extended integration.

Having a diverse group of qualified experts is something Latyshev believes is necessary to truly help patients succeed.

“There is a lack of formal, medically-recognized training programs for this specific skill, as well as a lack of deep background of personal experience that is necessary for compassionate and effective integration in which the patient actually feels understood.”

Integration with Mental Health Professionals Could Further Advance Psychedelic Medicine Potential

Latyshev also advocates for psychedelic integration with mental health professionals throughout the world. The deeply rooted relationships between practitioners and their charges must be respected but could often be enhanced by the psychedelic experience.

Latysehv adds that mental health patients may utilize HIVE as an extension of their current therapeutic regimen. The clinic can help therapists and their clients work together to set intentions for their integration and prepare for their retreat. 

“Nothing beats the long-standing connection and understanding that a patient has with their counselor,” he said.

By partnering with mental health professionals, psychedelic providers like those at HIVE can rest assured that guests will be able to process their retreat times in a healthy and productive manner. Questions or cathartic realizations that may come to light can be addressed in post-retreat sessions, adding another layer of integration necessary for safe and successful psychedelic therapies.

Final Thought

Psychedelic medicine is a sacred practice but bringing it into the 21st century can seem like a daunting task. By tapping into the knowledge of practitioners and medical professionals alike, and setting standards, the best of both worlds can help the industry thrive while offering patients a prolific opportunity at a new life.