[Solved] Psychologist referral, notification of MDMA session, structure and price

Dear,

To answer all questions properly, I have created a separate section for each question. Here are the answers to the questions asked.

Intake procedure (questions 1 and 5)

The intake and screening process at Triptherapie is designed to ensure both the safety and effectiveness of psychedelic therapy, including MDMA-assisted sessions, to ensure. Every client who will be referred must complete this intake. The process proceeds as follows:

1. Online intake form: The client completes a comprehensive intake via this page. This form contains questions about medical history, mental health, medication use, lifestyle, goals for the session, and previous experiences with psychedelics.

2. Medical and psychological screening: Based on the intake, it is assessed whether there are contraindications. Some exclusion criteria include, for example, a history of psychosis, active bipolar disorder, severe heart or liver problems, SSRI use (with MDMA), epilepsy, or severe suicidality. If there is any doubt regarding medical safety, additional advice will be sought or a medical certificate may be required.

3. Personal alignment: If the client proves suitable, they can participate in a private or group session. After setting a date, the goals and expectations, necessary preparation, and the structure of the session will be discussed. For more complex cases, an additional (online) introductory meeting can be scheduled.

4. Opportunity for collaboration: If there is a treating therapist (as in your case), they can be involved in the preparation, integration, and – if desired – the session itself, provided this fits within the framework of safety, confidentiality, and alignment with the client.

The structure, duration, and cost of the therapy programs (question 2)

The program for MDMA-assisted sessions follows a structure like this trajectory:

1. Registration and intake: The client registers via the intake page. Here, the neurotransmitter balance is also tested and it is assessed whether there are any contraindications. This forms the basis for the personal advice and the treatment plan.

2. Preparation phase (1 to 3 weeks): The client works on their physical and mental health with advice on nutrition, exercise, and supplements. There is room for personal preparation through conversations and psycho-education.

3. Psychedelic session: The session itself usually lasts 6 hours, depending on the dosage and the substance. There is a psychedelic therapist, aromatherapy, and music as support.

4. Debriefing and integration: Immediately after the session, there is an initial evaluation, followed by one or more integration sessions in the days or weeks thereafter. During these sessions, the insights are discussed and linked to daily behaviors and therapeutic goals.

5. Cost indication: For an individual program (preparation, session, and integration), the costs are usually between €675 and €875 for sessions at the client's location. Exact amounts can be calculated via the price calculation tool, especially if the session takes place at the client's home. For sessions in Schiedam, an individual session costs 1175 euros or for larger groups (5 people maximum) from 650 euros including overnight stay and food and drinks.

Psychedelic sessions in English (question 3)

Yes, sessions at Triptherapie can be fully in the English are offered. All supervisors speak English and have experience working with international clients. This applies to both the preparation meetings, the MDMA-assisted session myself, as the integration afterwards.

The intake also has an English version:  https://triptherapie.nl/en/intake-trip-therapy/

Driving after an MDMA session

After an MDMA or other psychedelic session at Triptherapie, a strict prohibition on participating in traffic independently. This means that the client is not allowed to drive a car, ride a bicycle, or operate other vehicles after the session — regardless of how “sober” one feels. This measure is in place for the safety of both the client and those around them, as cognitive functions, reaction time, and self-assessment can still be affected for hours after the experience.

The standard rule is that clients:

1. Stay home after the session if this takes place at their own location, or

2. Stay overnight at our location in Schiedam (included as standard), or

3. Pick up by a trusted person if the session takes place at an external location, or

4. Arrange a taxi or chauffeur service (preferably discussed and scheduled in advance), or

5. By public transport provided the client is clear-headed enough.

Presence of treating physician or psychologist during psychedelic session (question 6)

Yes, in many cases it is possible that you, as a treating psychologist, are actively involved in the process around your client's MDMA-assisted session. Triptherapie is open to collaboration with external therapists, provided this fits within the framework of safety, professional roles, and client consent.

There are three possible forms of involvement:

1. Attendance during the session itself: You may — in consultation with the client and the support worker — be present during (parts of) the MDMA session. This is preferably done in an observational and supportive role. It is important that the setting does not feel too 'therapeutically charged' and that the guiding role remains clear.

2. Preparation and coordination in advance: You can be involved in the preparation meetings, to clearly formulate therapeutic goals and to mentally prepare the client well. This often takes place through consultation with the supervisor or in joint sessions (e.g., via video).

3. Post-completion integration interviews: As a treating psychologist, you are ideally suited to incorporate insights from the session into the broader treatment trajectory. Triptherapie even encourages this, provided there is open communication between facilitator, client, and therapist.

Should you wish to participate actively, there is also a confidentiality agreement are drawn up or a joint plan is discussed. In this way, all professional frameworks are maintained, and the client feels optimally supported. Please note, however, that as an external therapist you cannot be present at open psychedelic ceremonies, but you may attend private sessions or closed groups.