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Suzanne Blaising, PhD, Mary Rondeau, ND
The conventional mental health care system, deeply entrenched in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)1 and rooted in the chemical imbalance theory, has long faced criticism for its limitations.2 While effective for some, this approach is often regarded as overly reductionist and narrowly focused on symptom management, frequently overlooking the complex biopsychosocial factors that contribute to mental health disorders.
The DSM categorizes symptoms that can vary significantly across individuals. Additionally, the reliance on pharmaceutical treatments such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anxiolytics is mainly based on the assumption that correcting chemical imbalances will resolve symptoms. However, many patients experience partial relief or none at all, and the side effects of long-term medication use can lead to further health problems.3 This reductionist approach fails to account for the psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions of mental health, often leaving patients feeling disempowered in their own healing process.
As awareness of these limitations grows, interest in more holistic models of psychiatric care is also increasing. One promising tool for holistic practitioners is psychedelic medicine. Psychedelic substances such as psilocybin, LSD, and 5-MeO-DMT are being researched for their potential in healing mental health issues.4 This paper explores the role of psychedelics, particularly psilocybin, as a catalyst for change in mental health care and examines how it can be incorporated into a holistic care model that includes lifestyle medicine to foster sustained healing and personal growth. In states like Colorado and Oregon, where psilocybin has become legally accessible for therapeutic use, there is a growing opportunity to integrate it into a holistic care model.
The holistic model of psychiatry is based on the premise that mental health is influenced by an intricate interplay of biological, psychological, social, and spiritual factors. Rather than focusing solely on symptom management, holistic approaches aim to treat the individual as a whole, promoting mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being. This model encourages patients to be active participants in their healing, emphasizing self-awareness, personal growth, and the development of coping strategies that align with their life experiences and unique biochemical makeup.
Traditional and Modern Applications of Psychedelics
Psychedelics have long been utilized in indigenous healing traditions for their psychoactive properties, providing profound insights into the nature of consciousness and the human psyche.4 In recent years, clinical trials have begun to demonstrate their effectiveness in treating conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, and addictions.5-8 Psychedelics like psilocybin, LSD, and 5 MEO-DMT seem to facilitate therapeutic breakthroughs by disrupting rigid, maladaptive mental patterns, which can lead to a more flexible and open state of mind that is conducive to emotional and psychological healing.9
One unique aspect of psychedelic medicine is its ability to induce mystical experiences, characterized by feelings of unity, transcendence of time and space, and a deep sense of interconnectedness.10 Research has shown that these experiences often correlate with positive therapeutic outcomes. Patients undergoing psychedelic-assisted therapy frequently report a shift in perspective, a renewed sense of purpose, and lasting psychological changes.11 Psychedelic experiences can foster personal insights, self-compassion, and a heightened sense of meaning, all of which are critical components of long-term mental health.12
Psychedelics aid healing by enhancing neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to reorganize and form new neural connections. This is especially relevant in treating mood disorders and trauma, where patients often feel trapped in fixed patterns of thinking and behavior.13 Psychedelics can complement holistic approaches by improving the effectiveness of psychotherapy and fostering deeper, more lasting change.14,15
Neuroplasticity and Healing
Psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound, is found in specific species of mushrooms. Numerous studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in treating depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), substance use disorders, and trauma.11 Upon ingestion, psilocybin is quickly metabolized into its active form, psilocin, which is responsible for its psychoactive properties.16 Psilocin primarily binds to the 5-HT2A receptors, abundant in the cortex and associated with a wide range of cognitive and emotional processes, including mood regulation, perception, and executive function. The activation of 5-HT2A receptors results in altered neural communication, leading to shifts in sensory perception, emotional experiences, and cognitive flexibility.17
Disrupting the Default Mode Network (DMN)
Another proposed way that psilocybin affects the brain is through its modulation of the default mode network (DMN). The DMN is a brain network composed of regions such as the prefrontal cortex, posterior cingulate cortex, and precuneus, which are highly active during states of rest, self-reflection, and rumination.18 The DMN is involved in self-referential thoughts, including reflecting on one’s past, future, and sense of self, and it plays a role in maintaining the boundaries of the “ego” or self-identity. In individuals with mental health conditions, the DMN tends to be overactive, leading to persistent negative thought patterns and rumination. This overactivity often correlates with feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, and emotional suffering.19 The disruption of the DMN by psilocybin leads to what is commonly referred to as “ego dissolution,” a state in which the boundaries between self and the external world become blurred. During this experience, individuals may feel a sense of interconnectedness with the world around them, a dissolution of self-referential thoughts, and a profound shift in perspective. This temporary suspension of the ego allows people to break free from rigid, habitual patterns of thinking and develop new insights into their mental health challenges.20
Lasting Benefits of Psilocybin Therapy
One of the most promising aspects of psilocybin therapy is its potential for long-term recovery and personal growth. Many individuals report lasting improvements in their mental health after one to three psilocybin-assisted therapy sessions.21 These lasting effects are likely due to the combination of profound psychological insights gained during ego dissolution and the enhanced neuroplasticity that allows these insights to translate into enduring behavioral changes.22
It is worth noting that Psilocybin’s true potential lies not only in the substance itself but also in how it is integrated into a broader mental health program. Naturopathic doctors play a crucial role in this integration by focusing on nutrition, exercise, stress management, social connection, and spiritual well-being, creating a foundation for long-term recovery. This whole-body approach ensures that the emotional and psychological changes catalyzed by psilocybin are sustainable. Collaboration with therapists and psychiatrists further enhances care, blending naturopathic strategies with conventional psychiatric support to redefine mental health treatment. Proper nutrition plays a vital role as well, with anti-inflammatory diets rich in omega-3s and antioxidants helping to support brain function and enhance emotional resilience.23 Regular physical activity, such as yoga or strength training, aids patients in integrating insights from psilocybin into daily life, while mindfulness practices like meditation and deep breathing foster emotional regulation.24 This comprehensive approach, often overlooked in conventional psychiatry, supports lasting psychological healing and personal growth.
Integrating psilocybin into a holistic mental health care model offers a unique opportunity to overcome the limitations of conventional psychiatry. By blending psychedelic therapy with lifestyle medicine, patients can enjoy more sustainable improvements in mental health. The partnership between naturopathic doctors, therapists, and psychiatrists promotes a more comprehensive approach, bridging the gap between conventional and holistic care. Psilocybin’s capacity to catalyze psychological transformation, along with its neuroplasticity-enhancing effects, positions it as a powerful tool for long-term recovery and personal growth. As psilocybin gains legal acceptance, the chance to reimagine mental health care with a more integrative and compassionate approach becomes increasingly attainable. This holistic framework not only addresses symptoms but also empowers patients to take an active role in their healing. The future of mental health care resides in embracing this paradigm shift, providing hope for more effective and lasting solutions to mental health challenges.
A 59-year-old woman presented with a 40-year history of depression, anxiety, difficulty with attention and focus, and hoarding behavior. She had recently gone through a divorce and was struggling with her new independent role. Her depression, described as a “deep sadness and emptiness,” worsened following the demands of raising children. Additional concerns included obesity, which began after the birth of her two children, hypercholesterolemia, and mild sleep apnea. Over the past 20 years, she had tried various diets, including low-fat, Atkins, and South Beach, without achieving long-term success. Her struggles with depression and anxiety were lifelong and intensified after her divorce.
She completed standardized scales: an ACE score of 4 (indicating potential for high stress), GAD-7 score of 10 (moderate anxiety), PCL-5 score of 35 (probable PTSD), and PHQ-9 score of 13 (moderate depression). She had a positive history of trauma during her teenage years. At that time, she was taking Prozac 20 mg and Olanzapine 2.5 mg, with a history of trying multiple medications including citalopram, clonazepam, Lexapro, and bupropion, but with limited success. Lab assessments revealed elevated C-reactive protein (6.23), HgA1c (5.9), fasting glucose (104), and low vitamin D (23). A qEEG indicated patterns consistent with ADHD, anxiety, and depression.
The patient participated in two psilocybin harm reduction sessions over four weeks, guided by a psychedelic-assisted therapist. During this time, she initiated a lifestyle program that included nutrition and supplements customized to her lab results and mood state. She was prescribed Crocus sativus, along with a proprietary blend of curcumin extract, flavonoids, pine bark, green tea, and omega-3 fatty acids. Nutritionally, she focused on limiting her carbohydrate intake to 75 grams per day, emphasizing high-polyphenol, high-fiber, and protein-rich meals. Additionally, she enlisted a personal trainer for a tailored exercise plan.
Twelve weeks after her last psilocybin session, she reported significantly reduced anxiety and depression, which led to the discontinuation of Olanzapine. Her energy and mental clarity improved dramatically, prompting her to begin decluttering her home with hired help. Her standardized scales reflected a reduced severity of symptoms (PHQ-9: 2, GAD-7: 3). Notably, her approach to diet shifted; rather than viewing it as a temporary measure to lose weight, she embraced it as a positive step for her overall well-being. This change in mindset, along with her lifestyle adjustments, resulted in an 18-pound weight loss and ongoing participation in dance classes and strength training three times a week. Follow-up lab work indicated improvements in her HgA1c (5.5), CRP (2.8), and fasting glucose (92).
This case illustrates that after decades of trial and error with medications, psychotherapy, and diets, psilocybin-assisted therapy helped her gain a new perspective on self-care. It allowed her to approach lifestyle and dietary changes as a means to support her mental and physical health, rather than as a temporary fix or merely a response to body dissatisfaction.
Dr. Mary Rondeau ND, RH(AHG) is a trailblazer in integrative mental health, bridging psilocybin therapy and naturopathic medicine through her roles as CEO and co-owner of Wholeness Center and founding member of the Psychedelic Research and Training Institute (PRATI). With a focus on whole-person care, she merges objective assessments with a deep understanding of nutritional psychiatry, botanical medicine, and lifestyle approaches. Her passion for teaching shines through national lectures, professional mentorships, immersive plant medicine and skill building retreats, and programs like “The Wholeness Chef” on YouTube, fostering a broader, holistic perspective on mental health and well-being for practitioners and patients alike.
Dr. Suzanne Blaising is a therapist with over 25 years of experience specializing in psychotherapy and psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. She helps clients navigate challenges like depression, anxiety, grief, self-esteem, and relationship issues, providing a supportive, compassionate, and safe environment for healing and growth. Dr. Blaising is trained in ketamine-assisted psychotherapy and psychedelic integration, having contributed to clinical trials for MDMA, LSD, and 5-MeO-DMT in treating PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder, and treatment-resistant depression. She holds a PhD in Clinical Social Work and an MSW from the University of Illinois, and certifications in EMDR, Ketamine and Psychedelic Medicine, and various relationship and conflict resolution techniques. Dr. Blaising is a member of several professional organizations and is the Psychedelic Lead at The Wholeness Center in Fort Collins, Colorado. She is licensed in California, Colorado, and Illinois and offers virtual therapy sessions.
1. American Psychiatric Association [APA]. (2013a). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th Edn. Arlington, TX: American Psychiatric Association. [Google Scholar]
2. Castiglioni M and Laudisa F (2015) Toward psychiatry as a ‘human’ science of mind. The case of depressive disorders in DSM-5. Front. Psychol. 5:1517. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2014.01517, September 11, 2024.
3. Sepúlveda-Lizcano L, Arenas-Villamizar VV, Jaimes-Duarte EB, et al. Metabolic Adverse Effects of Psychotropic Drug Therapy: A Systematic Review. Eur J Investig Health Psychol Educ. 2023;13(8):1505-1520. Published 2023 Aug 12. doi:10.3390/ejihpe13080110
4. Lowe H, Toyang N, Steele B, et al. The Therapeutic Potential of Psilocybin. Molecules. 2021;26(10):2948. Published 2021 May 15. doi:10.3390/molecules26102948
5. Agin-Liebes G, Davis AK. Psilocybin for the Treatment of Depression: A Promising New Pharmacotherapy Approach. Curr Top Behav Neurosci. 2022;56:125-140. doi:10.1007/7854_2021_282
6. Zaretsky TG, Jagodnik KM, Barsic R, et al. The Psychedelic Future of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment. Curr Neuropharmacol. 2024;22(4):636-735. doi:10.2174/1570159X22666231027111147
7. Owe-Larsson M, Kamińska K, Buchalska B, Mirowska-Guzel D, Cudnoch-Jędrzejewska A. Psilocybin in pharmacotherapy of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Pharmacol Rep. 2024;76(5):911-925. doi:10.1007/s43440-024-00633-1
8. Johnson MW, Garcia-Romeu A, Cosimano MP, Griffiths RR. Pilot study of the 5-HT2AR agonist psilocybin in the treatment of tobacco addiction. J Psychopharmacol. 2014;28(11):983-992. doi:10.1177/0269881114548296
9. Moliner R, Girych M, Brunello CA, Kovaleva V, Biojone C, Enkavi G, Antenucci L, Kot EF, Goncharuk SA, Kaurinkoski K, Kuutti M, Fred SM, Elsilä LV, Sakson S, Cannarozzo C, Diniz CRAF, Seiffert N, Rubiolo A, Haapaniemi H, Meshi E, Nagaeva E, Öhman T, Róg T, Kankuri E, Vilar M, Varjosalo M, Korpi ER, Permi P, Mineev KS, Saarma M, Vattulainen I, Casarotto PC, Castrén E. Psychedelics promote plasticity by directly binding to BDNF receptor TrkB. Nat Neurosci. 2023 Jun;26(6):1032-1041. doi: 10.1038/s41593-023-01316-5. Epub 2023 Jun 5. PMID: 37280397; PMCID: PMC10244169.
10. Ko K, Knight G, Rucker JJ, Cleare AJ. Psychedelics, Mystical Experience, and Therapeutic Efficacy: A Systematic Review. Front Psychiatry. 2022 Jul 12;13:917199. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.917199. PMID: 35923458; PMCID: PMC9340494.
11. Tupper KW, Wood E, Yensen R, Johnson MW. Psychedelic medicine: a re-emerging therapeutic paradigm. CMAJ. 2015 Oct 6;187(14):1054-1059. doi: 10.1503/cmaj.141124. Epub 2015 Sep 8. PMID: 26350908; PMCID: PMC4592297.
12. Agin-Liebes, G., Ekman, E., Anderson, B., Malloy, M., Haas, A., & Woolley, J. (2024). Participant Reports of Mindfulness, Posttraumatic Growth, and Social Connectedness in Psilocybin-Assisted Group Therapy: An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis. Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 64(4), 564-591. https://doi.org/10.1177/00221678211022949
13. Calder, A.E., Hasler, G. Towards an understanding of psychedelic-induced neuroplasticity. Neuropsychopharmacol. 48, 104–112 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41386-022-01389-z.
14. Ponomarenko P, Seragnoli F, Calder A, Oehen P, Hasler G. Can psychedelics enhance group psychotherapy? A discussion on the therapeutic factors. J Psychopharmacol. 2023 Jul;37(7):660-678. doi: 10.1177/02698811231155117. Epub 2023 Feb 28. PMID: 36855289; PMCID: PMC10350738.
15. Gobbi G, Inserra A, Greenway KT, Lifshitz M, Kirmayer LJ. Psychedelic medicine at a crossroads: Advancing an integrative approach to research and practice. Transcult Psychiatry. 2022 Oct;59(5):718-724. doi: 10.1177/13634615221119388. Epub 2022 Oct 19. PMID: 36263521; PMCID: PMC9663823.
16. Dinis-Oliveira RJ. Metabolism of psilocybin and psilocin: clinical and forensic toxicological relevance. Drug Metab Rev. 2017 Feb;49(1):84-91. doi: 10.1080/03602532.2016.1278228. Epub 2017 Jan 31. PMID: 2807467.
17. Vollenweider, F.X., Preller, K.H. Psychedelic drugs: neurobiology and potential for treatment of psychiatric disorders. Nat Rev Neurosci 21, 611–624 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41583-020-0367-2
18. Buckner RL. The brain’s default network: origins and implications for the study of psychosis. Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2013 Sep;15(3):351-8. doi: 10.31887/DCNS.2013.15.3/rbuckner. PMID: 24174906; PMCID: PMC3811106.
19. Menon V. 20 years of the default mode network: A review and synthesis. Neuron. 2023 Aug 16;111(16):2469-2487. doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.04.023. Epub 2023 May 10. PMID: 37167968; PMCID: PMC10524518.
20. Gattuso JJ, Perkins D, Ruffell S, Lawrence AJ, Hoyer D, Jacobson LH, Timmermann C, Castle D, Rossell SL, Downey LA, Pagni BA, Galvão-Coelho NL, Nutt D, Sarris J. Default Mode Network Modulation by Psychedelics: A Systematic Review. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol. 2023 Mar 22;26(3):155-188. doi: 10.1093/ijnp/pyac074. PMID: 36272145; PMCID: PMC10032309.
21. Fadahunsi N, Lund J, Breum AW, Mathiesen CV, Larsen IB, Knudsen GM, Klein AB, Clemmensen C. Acute and long-term effects of psilocybin on energy balance and feeding behavior in mice. Transl Psychiatry. 2022 Aug 11;12(1):330. doi: 10.1038/s41398-022-02103-9. PMID: 35953488; PMCID: PMC9372155.
22. Grieco SF, Castrén E, Knudsen GM, Kwan AC, Olson DE, Zuo Y, Holmes TC, Xu X. Psychedelics and Neural Plasticity: Therapeutic Implications. J Neurosci. 2022 Nov 9;42(45):8439-8449. doi: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1121-22.2022. PMID: 36351821; PMCID: PMC9665925.
23. Bremner JD, Moazzami K, Wittbrodt MT, et al. Diet, Stress and Mental Health. Nutrients. 2020;12(8):2428. Published 2020 Aug 13. doi:10.3390/nu1208242824. Hofmann SG, Gómez AF. Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Anxiety and Depression. Psychiatr Clin North Am. 2017;40(4):739-749. doi:10.1016/j.psc.2017.08.008
Suzanne Blaising, PhD, Mary Rondeau, ND
The conventional mental health care system, deeply entrenched in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)1 and rooted in the chemical imbalance theory, has long faced criticism for its limitations.2 While effective for some, this approach is often regarded as overly reductionist and narrowly focused on symptom management, frequently overlooking the complex biopsychosocial factors that contribute to mental health disorders.
The DSM categorizes symptoms that can vary significantly across individuals. Additionally, the reliance on pharmaceutical treatments such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anxiolytics is mainly based on the assumption that correcting chemical imbalances will resolve symptoms. However, many patients experience partial relief or none at all, and the side effects of long-term medication use can lead to further health problems.3 This reductionist approach fails to account for the psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions of mental health, often leaving patients feeling disempowered in their own healing process.
As awareness of these limitations grows, interest in more holistic models of psychiatric care is also increasing. One promising tool for holistic practitioners is psychedelic medicine. Psychedelic substances such as psilocybin, LSD, and 5-MeO-DMT are being researched for their potential in healing mental health issues.4 This paper explores the role of psychedelics, particularly psilocybin, as a catalyst for change in mental health care and examines how it can be incorporated into a holistic care model that includes lifestyle medicine to foster sustained healing and personal growth. In states like Colorado and Oregon, where psilocybin has become legally accessible for therapeutic use, there is a growing opportunity to integrate it into a holistic care model.
The holistic model of psychiatry is based on the premise that mental health is influenced by an intricate interplay of biological, psychological, social, and spiritual factors. Rather than focusing solely on symptom management, holistic approaches aim to treat the individual as a whole, promoting mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being. This model encourages patients to be active participants in their healing, emphasizing self-awareness, personal growth, and the development of coping strategies that align with their life experiences and unique biochemical makeup.
Traditional and Modern Applications of Psychedelics
Psychedelics have long been utilized in indigenous healing traditions for their psychoactive properties, providing profound insights into the nature of consciousness and the human psyche.4 In recent years, clinical trials have begun to demonstrate their effectiveness in treating conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, and addictions.5-8 Psychedelics like psilocybin, LSD, and 5 MEO-DMT seem to facilitate therapeutic breakthroughs by disrupting rigid, maladaptive mental patterns, which can lead to a more flexible and open state of mind that is conducive to emotional and psychological healing.9
One unique aspect of psychedelic medicine is its ability to induce mystical experiences, characterized by feelings of unity, transcendence of time and space, and a deep sense of interconnectedness.10 Research has shown that these experiences often correlate with positive therapeutic outcomes. Patients undergoing psychedelic-assisted therapy frequently report a shift in perspective, a renewed sense of purpose, and lasting psychological changes.11 Psychedelic experiences can foster personal insights, self-compassion, and a heightened sense of meaning, all of which are critical components of long-term mental health.12
Psychedelics aid healing by enhancing neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to reorganize and form new neural connections. This is especially relevant in treating mood disorders and trauma, where patients often feel trapped in fixed patterns of thinking and behavior.13 Psychedelics can complement holistic approaches by improving the effectiveness of psychotherapy and fostering deeper, more lasting change.14,15
Neuroplasticity and Healing
Psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound, is found in specific species of mushrooms. Numerous studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in treating depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), substance use disorders, and trauma.11 Upon ingestion, psilocybin is quickly metabolized into its active form, psilocin, which is responsible for its psychoactive properties.16 Psilocin primarily binds to the 5-HT2A receptors, abundant in the cortex and associated with a wide range of cognitive and emotional processes, including mood regulation, perception, and executive function. The activation of 5-HT2A receptors results in altered neural communication, leading to shifts in sensory perception, emotional experiences, and cognitive flexibility.17
Disrupting the Default Mode Network (DMN)
Another proposed way that psilocybin affects the brain is through its modulation of the default mode network (DMN). The DMN is a brain network composed of regions such as the prefrontal cortex, posterior cingulate cortex, and precuneus, which are highly active during states of rest, self-reflection, and rumination.18 The DMN is involved in self-referential thoughts, including reflecting on one’s past, future, and sense of self, and it plays a role in maintaining the boundaries of the “ego” or self-identity. In individuals with mental health conditions, the DMN tends to be overactive, leading to persistent negative thought patterns and rumination. This overactivity often correlates with feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, and emotional suffering.19 The disruption of the DMN by psilocybin leads to what is commonly referred to as “ego dissolution,” a state in which the boundaries between self and the external world become blurred. During this experience, individuals may feel a sense of interconnectedness with the world around them, a dissolution of self-referential thoughts, and a profound shift in perspective. This temporary suspension of the ego allows people to break free from rigid, habitual patterns of thinking and develop new insights into their mental health challenges.20
Lasting Benefits of Psilocybin Therapy
One of the most promising aspects of psilocybin therapy is its potential for long-term recovery and personal growth. Many individuals report lasting improvements in their mental health after one to three psilocybin-assisted therapy sessions.21 These lasting effects are likely due to the combination of profound psychological insights gained during ego dissolution and the enhanced neuroplasticity that allows these insights to translate into enduring behavioral changes.22
It is worth noting that Psilocybin’s true potential lies not only in the substance itself but also in how it is integrated into a broader mental health program. Naturopathic doctors play a crucial role in this integration by focusing on nutrition, exercise, stress management, social connection, and spiritual well-being, creating a foundation for long-term recovery. This whole-body approach ensures that the emotional and psychological changes catalyzed by psilocybin are sustainable. Collaboration with therapists and psychiatrists further enhances care, blending naturopathic strategies with conventional psychiatric support to redefine mental health treatment. Proper nutrition plays a vital role as well, with anti-inflammatory diets rich in omega-3s and antioxidants helping to support brain function and enhance emotional resilience.23 Regular physical activity, such as yoga or strength training, aids patients in integrating insights from psilocybin into daily life, while mindfulness practices like meditation and deep breathing foster emotional regulation.24 This comprehensive approach, often overlooked in conventional psychiatry, supports lasting psychological healing and personal growth.
Integrating psilocybin into a holistic mental health care model offers a unique opportunity to overcome the limitations of conventional psychiatry. By blending psychedelic therapy with lifestyle medicine, patients can enjoy more sustainable improvements in mental health. The partnership between naturopathic doctors, therapists, and psychiatrists promotes a more comprehensive approach, bridging the gap between conventional and holistic care. Psilocybin’s capacity to catalyze psychological transformation, along with its neuroplasticity-enhancing effects, positions it as a powerful tool for long-term recovery and personal growth. As psilocybin gains legal acceptance, the chance to reimagine mental health care with a more integrative and compassionate approach becomes increasingly attainable. This holistic framework not only addresses symptoms but also empowers patients to take an active role in their healing. The future of mental health care resides in embracing this paradigm shift, providing hope for more effective and lasting solutions to mental health challenges.
A 59-year-old woman presented with a 40-year history of depression, anxiety, difficulty with attention and focus, and hoarding behavior. She had recently gone through a divorce and was struggling with her new independent role. Her depression, described as a “deep sadness and emptiness,” worsened following the demands of raising children. Additional concerns included obesity, which began after the birth of her two children, hypercholesterolemia, and mild sleep apnea. Over the past 20 years, she had tried various diets, including low-fat, Atkins, and South Beach, without achieving long-term success. Her struggles with depression and anxiety were lifelong and intensified after her divorce.
She completed standardized scales: an ACE score of 4 (indicating potential for high stress), GAD-7 score of 10 (moderate anxiety), PCL-5 score of 35 (probable PTSD), and PHQ-9 score of 13 (moderate depression). She had a positive history of trauma during her teenage years. At that time, she was taking Prozac 20 mg and Olanzapine 2.5 mg, with a history of trying multiple medications including citalopram, clonazepam, Lexapro, and bupropion, but with limited success. Lab assessments revealed elevated C-reactive protein (6.23), HgA1c (5.9), fasting glucose (104), and low vitamin D (23). A qEEG indicated patterns consistent with ADHD, anxiety, and depression.
The patient participated in two psilocybin harm reduction sessions over four weeks, guided by a psychedelic-assisted therapist. During this time, she initiated a lifestyle program that included nutrition and supplements customized to her lab results and mood state. She was prescribed Crocus sativus, along with a proprietary blend of curcumin extract, flavonoids, pine bark, green tea, and omega-3 fatty acids. Nutritionally, she focused on limiting her carbohydrate intake to 75 grams per day, emphasizing high-polyphenol, high-fiber, and protein-rich meals. Additionally, she enlisted a personal trainer for a tailored exercise plan.
Twelve weeks after her last psilocybin session, she reported significantly reduced anxiety and depression, which led to the discontinuation of Olanzapine. Her energy and mental clarity improved dramatically, prompting her to begin decluttering her home with hired help. Her standardized scales reflected a reduced severity of symptoms (PHQ-9: 2, GAD-7: 3). Notably, her approach to diet shifted; rather than viewing it as a temporary measure to lose weight, she embraced it as a positive step for her overall well-being. This change in mindset, along with her lifestyle adjustments, resulted in an 18-pound weight loss and ongoing participation in dance classes and strength training three times a week. Follow-up lab work indicated improvements in her HgA1c (5.5), CRP (2.8), and fasting glucose (92).
This case illustrates that after decades of trial and error with medications, psychotherapy, and diets, psilocybin-assisted therapy helped her gain a new perspective on self-care. It allowed her to approach lifestyle and dietary changes as a means to support her mental and physical health, rather than as a temporary fix or merely a response to body dissatisfaction.
Dr. Mary Rondeau ND, RH(AHG) is a trailblazer in integrative mental health, bridging psilocybin therapy and naturopathic medicine through her roles as CEO and co-owner of Wholeness Center and founding member of the Psychedelic Research and Training Institute (PRATI). With a focus on whole-person care, she merges objective assessments with a deep understanding of nutritional psychiatry, botanical medicine, and lifestyle approaches. Her passion for teaching shines through national lectures, professional mentorships, immersive plant medicine and skill building retreats, and programs like “The Wholeness Chef” on YouTube, fostering a broader, holistic perspective on mental health and well-being for practitioners and patients alike.
Dr. Suzanne Blaising is a therapist with over 25 years of experience specializing in psychotherapy and psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. She helps clients navigate challenges like depression, anxiety, grief, self-esteem, and relationship issues, providing a supportive, compassionate, and safe environment for healing and growth. Dr. Blaising is trained in ketamine-assisted psychotherapy and psychedelic integration, having contributed to clinical trials for MDMA, LSD, and 5-MeO-DMT in treating PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder, and treatment-resistant depression. She holds a PhD in Clinical Social Work and an MSW from the University of Illinois, and certifications in EMDR, Ketamine and Psychedelic Medicine, and various relationship and conflict resolution techniques. Dr. Blaising is a member of several professional organizations and is the Psychedelic Lead at The Wholeness Center in Fort Collins, Colorado. She is licensed in California, Colorado, and Illinois and offers virtual therapy sessions.
1. American Psychiatric Association [APA]. (2013a). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th Edn. Arlington, TX: American Psychiatric Association. [Google Scholar]
2. Castiglioni M and Laudisa F (2015) Toward psychiatry as a ‘human’ science of mind. The case of depressive disorders in DSM-5. Front. Psychol. 5:1517. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2014.01517, September 11, 2024.
3. Sepúlveda-Lizcano L, Arenas-Villamizar VV, Jaimes-Duarte EB, et al. Metabolic Adverse Effects of Psychotropic Drug Therapy: A Systematic Review. Eur J Investig Health Psychol Educ. 2023;13(8):1505-1520. Published 2023 Aug 12. doi:10.3390/ejihpe13080110
4. Lowe H, Toyang N, Steele B, et al. The Therapeutic Potential of Psilocybin. Molecules. 2021;26(10):2948. Published 2021 May 15. doi:10.3390/molecules26102948
5. Agin-Liebes G, Davis AK. Psilocybin for the Treatment of Depression: A Promising New Pharmacotherapy Approach. Curr Top Behav Neurosci. 2022;56:125-140. doi:10.1007/7854_2021_282
6. Zaretsky TG, Jagodnik KM, Barsic R, et al. The Psychedelic Future of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment. Curr Neuropharmacol. 2024;22(4):636-735. doi:10.2174/1570159X22666231027111147
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