A Psychiatrist Reveals the Truth About Psychedelic Therapy: Benefits, Risks & Who Would Benefit and Who Should Avoid It with Dr. Will Van Derveer

This episode is brought to you by Sunlighten, Puori, One Skin, and LMNT. Mental health care is at a turning point, with more people questioning whether symptom management alone leads to lasting healing. At the same time, emerging research is exploring how psychedelic-assisted therapies may help address deeper root causes tied to emotional well-being. Today on The Dhru Purohit Show, Dhru sits down with Dr. Will Van Derveer to discuss the transformative potential and risks of psychedelic medicine, sharing powerful stories of healing, the importance of proper guidance, and the current landscape of research and regulation. He also discusses how the current mental health care system is in crisis and how some patients don’t feel relief from pharmaceuticals, as they may not address the root cause of their condition. Dr. Van Derveer also shares the ideal candidates for psychedelic medicine and the importance of finding the right guide and combining it with therapy. Will Van Derveer is a psychiatrist focused on addressing the root causes of mental health challenges, not just medicating symptoms. With nearly 25 years of experience, he co-founded the Integrative Psychiatry Institute (IPI), which has trained over 10,000 licensed professionals in integrative psychiatry and psychedelic-assisted therapy. Dr. Van Derveer is the coauthor of Psychedelic Therapy, and co-host of the Higher Practice Podcast. *This episode includes a discussion about suicide and mental health. If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available. Reach out to a trusted friend, family member, mental health professional, or call/text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, for immediate help. In this episode, Dhru and Dr. Van Derveer dive into: (0:00) The Promise of Psychedelic Medicine (05:34) Potential Risks to Consider (09:12) Failures of Traditional Mental Health Care (12:55) The Trauma That Changed Dr. Van Derveer’s Life (26:27) Choosing the Right Guide (33:16) Exploring Unresolved Trauma (43:14) What Conventional Care is Missing (55:14) Understanding Psychedelics: Amplifying the Mind (57:50) Exploring Ketamine: Benefits and Risks (1:01:33) MDMA: The Connection Hormone and Trauma Therapy (1:04:58) Psilocybin: A Swiss Army Knife for Mental Health (1:07:29) Psychedelics for Personal Growth and Exploration (1:11:11) Couples Therapy: Breaking Barriers (1:14:56) Ibogaine: Potential and Risks (1:18:46) Political Battle Over Psychedelic Research (1:21:09) Big Pharma, Profits, and the Fight Over Access (1:30:26) Final Thoughts and Where to Learn More Also mentioned in this episode: Psychedelic Therapy: A Revolutionary Approach to Restoring Your Mental Health and Reclaiming Your Life LSD Psychotherapy Somatic Experiencing International For more on Dr. Derveer, follow him on Instagram, Threads, YouTube, LinkedIn, or visit his Websites: Integrative Psychiatry Institute and Will Van Derveer MD. This episode is brought to you by Sunlighten, Puori, One Skin, and LMNT. Right now, Sunlighten is offering exclusive savings for my community. You can save up to $2,100 plus free shipping when you go to sunlighten.com and use the code DHRU when you fill out the Get Pricing form. Quality protein matters. Get 32% off Puori Grass-Fed Whey Protein and a free shaker when you start a subscription at puori.com/DHRU and use code DHRU at checkout. Right now, One Skin is offering my community 15% off; just go to oneskin.co and use the coupon code DHRU to save 15% and give your skin the scientifically proven, gentle care it deserves. Check out LMNT’s new refreshing iced tea lemonade flavor. Right now, LMNT is offering my listeners a free 8-count sample pack with any purchase. Head over to drinkLMNT.com/dhru today. Sign up for Dhru’s Try This Newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices