Magic mushroom Quebec patients can now access health insurance coverage for psilocybin therapy. Many doctors believe that shrooms can be effective in treating mental disorders.
Mental health issues are widespread, with approximately 11.5% of the Quebec population experiencing a mental disorder in 2009-2010, including 7.4% with mood disorders. This aligns with the Canadian average of 10.5% for mood disorders.
Health Canada’s blessing of psychedelics for medical use represents a major step forward. Making this coverage official would further solidify the legitimacy and accessibility.
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Key Takeaways:
- Quebec made history by becoming the first authority in Canada to fund psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy publicly.
- Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSS) updated their billing codes and reimbursed the session.
- Basic treatments cost around $2,500, and more comprehensive therapies exceed $5,000.
The Province’s Decision to Cover Treatments
Quebec became the first medical authority in Canada to fund psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy publicly. This decision acknowledges shroom’s compound and sets a precedent for other provinces to follow. The Canadian press covered this announcement.
TheraPsil, a non-profit organization advocating for advancing innovative treatments, expressed its support: “This decision represents a major milestone for using psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy as a recognized medical treatment. It increases access to this transformative cure for patients in Quebec and establishes a model for other provinces to adopt.“
What Made the Change?
The situation shifted when two medical professionals—Dr. Houman Farzin and Dr. Jean-François Stephan—successfully provided psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy to a patient who had received legal approval from Health Canada. This patient, who had a medical exemption, was treated in June of that year.
Dr. Stephan collected data and prepared a statement underscoring shrooms’ medical efficacy and safety, which 15 of his colleagues endorsed. He pointed out that two doctors cannot simultaneously charge for treating the same patient under current billing codes. He also highlighted that patients approved for psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy have a legitimate medical need for the therapy.
To address the billing issue, Dr. Stephan worked with the Fédération des médecins omnipraticiens du Québec (FMOQ), which represents general practitioners in the province. As a result, the FMOQ officially recognized psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy as a medically insured service. This enabled the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSS) to revise the billing codes and reimburse the therapy.
The Patient Involve
Robert Foxman, the patient, was treated by Drs. Farzin and Stephan expressed gratitude for the government’s decision to cover his therapy. “I’m incredibly happy that RAMQ, Quebec’s medical billing department, set a precedent with my June 11th Section 56 session by paying both of my fantastic guides,” he said. “My hope is that more people like me will have access to this therapy now that it’s fully covered in Quebec, and I would love to see other provinces follow suit.”
What is Psilocybin Therapy for Mental Health?
Psilocybin, a substance found in magic mushrooms, was once used within the spiritual and cultural traditions of indigenous communities in Mexico and Central America. Today, this psychedelic drug has become a breakthrough remedy for depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction.
How Does the Session Look Like?
It involves a patient consuming the drug under the guidance of a therapist in a safe and controlled setting. During this “psychedelic journey,” the therapist provides support and guidance by maintaining communication and asking questions throughout the experience.
A regular session lasts between six and eight hours. While multiple sessions may occur in some cases, the standard approach involves a single psychedelic experience followed by ongoing traditional talk therapy.
The primary objective is to address deeply ingrained emotional and psychological issues more rapidly than conventional talk therapy, which takes months or years.
Cost of the Treatment
The costs can vary. Factors influencing price include the therapist’s fees, the duration of the session (which depends on individual needs), the inclusion of the expenses for medical oversight (from a prescriber), and the presence of two “sitters” during the session.
A complete treatment cycle—preparatory sessions, the treatment day, and subsequent integration sessions—can range from 18 to 25 hours. Therapists charge between $150 and $200 per hour.
While precise cost estimation is challenging, a basic treatment might cost around $2,500, while more extensive therapies could exceed $5,000.
Many therapists offer sliding scale fees.
How Can Locals Benefit from Coverage
Dr. Stephan expressed his satisfaction with the decision, saying, “It’s amazing that patients now have covered access to such an important treatment option, and it’s an encouraging sign for the future of psychedelic medicine. Quebec has aligned with science and recognized psychedelic medicine as a legitimate treatment in certain cases. They didn’t delay the process unnecessarily.”
The government’s decision to provide some level of health coverage for psychedelic-assisted therapies offers relief to residents. Patients who require these treatments can now more readily accept their doctor’s recommendations without the immediate concern of prohibitive costs.
This policy change provides some financial relief to patients.
Seeking Alternatives
Some patients who cannot access the government’s Special Access Program seek alternative methods. Multiple options are available, from joining a Quebec-based religion to online dispensaries.
Quebec Religion
Some religious groups take magic mushrooms as part of their rituals. There is even the latest news of a certain group who appealed to the federal court to use shrooms Canada as part of their religious freedom rights.
The group believes people receive teachings through sacred space brought by this mushroom. The press left a voice mail seeking comment, but the religious group’s lawyer did not respond immediately.
There can be two outcomes: the minister granting the request for religious exemptions, or the minister’s intent may be to deny the request.
Clinical Trials
Since not everyone joins religious ceremonies to take controlled drugs, the other option is to participate in clinical trials. Some research studies and clinical trials offer treatment at reduced costs or for free as a benefit of participation.
Online Dispensaries
The most affordable option for residents is purchasing from online dispensaries. These dispensaries sell a wide variety of strains, such as Albino Jedi Mind Fuck and Blue Meanies, at an average cost of around $10 per gram.
Beyond dried mushrooms, online dispensaries provide alternative forms, including edibles, capsules, and drinks. These products are available in various dosages, from microdoses to macrodoses.
You can place your order directly through the online platform and have it conveniently delivered to your location.
Treatment Coverage, A Step Closer to Accepting Magic Mushroom Quebec
Quebec’s decision to cover the cost signals a shift in Canada’s acceptance of psychedelic medicine. This groundbreaking move offers a lifeline for many struggling with mental health challenges.
No longer will patients be limited to ineffective antidepressants or feel compelled to consider Medical Assistance in Dying due to unbearable suffering. By covering the cost, the province can transform its residents’ lives and inspire similar initiatives across the country and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can everyone with depression receive insurance coverage for experimental treatments?
Not everyone with depression is suitable. If you are a qualified candidate, your doctor can apply for coverage on your behalf. Current insurance plans do not cover this treatment. At present, publicly funded therapy is primarily available in Quebec.
Can the insurance cover multiple sessions?
The current coverage plan does not specify whether it applies to multiple sessions. Given the high cost, the publicly funded remedy may only cover a single session.
Is psychedelics worth the cost?
Several landmark studies have provided strong evidence for the effectiveness of treating depression, particularly in cases resistant to conventional treatments.
A 2016 study in The Lancet Psychiatry found that two doses, administered alongside psychological support, led to rapid and long-lasting improvements in patients with treatment-resistant depression. Remarkably, 67% of participants experienced symptom relief within a week.
Further research published in JAMA Psychiatry in 2020 directly compared psychedelic therapy to escitalopram. The results demonstrated that psychedelics were at least as effective as escitalopram in alleviating depressive symptoms.
