If you’re exploring mental health treatment options, researching psychedelic-assisted therapy, or considering participation in a clinical trial, you may have questions about who Sunstone Therapies is and how we approach care.
Who Is Sunstone Therapies?
Sunstone Therapies is a mental healthcare company focused on advancing and delivering psychedelic-assisted therapy through clinical research and patient care within a dedicated, medical setting. Our work is grounded in a simple belief: meaningful change requires more than a medicine alone. For this reason, our focus is the entire care process, not just the dosing itself.
What Is Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy?
Psychedelic-assisted therapy is a structured therapeutic approach that combines psychological support delivered by specially trained clinicians and a psychedelic compound.
Psychedelic-assisted therapy typically involves multiple elements:
- Thorough screening
- Preparation before treatment
- One or more dosing sessions
- Integration sessions afterward
Preparation helps patients understand what to expect during dosing and develop a foundation of trust and safety with their therapist and care team. Integration helps patients process experiences, apply insights, and translate them into meaningful changes in daily life.
At Sunstone, we view these phases as equally important components of care.
What services, offerings, and areas of expertise does Sunstone Therapies offer?
Clinical Research: clinical trials help researchers better understand safety, effectiveness, patient experience, and best practices for delivering care. Sunstone conducts and supports clinical trials investigating psychedelic-assisted therapies for conditions such as:
- Depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Mental health struggles related to serious illness
- Other conditions being studied through FDA-regulated research, like post-partum depression and end-of-life anxiety
Psychedelic-Assisted Therapist Training: Sunstone trains clinicians and research teams in the principles, competencies, and ethical considerations necessary for delivering psychedelic-assisted therapy safely and responsibly.
Advancing the Field: Through research, publications, training, and collaboration, Sunstone contributes to the development of standards and best practices for psychedelic-assisted therapy.
Sunstone Therapies’ approach to psychedelic care
The therapeutic relationship matters: research and clinical experience suggest that trust, safety, and connection are essential components of effective care. We view the relationship between therapist and patient as a central part of treatment—not simply a support around treatment.
Preparation matters: preparation helps patients understand the process, build skills, establish goals, and develop a sense of safety before deeper work begins. These sessions create space to build strong rapport with therapists and allow them to learn each individual’s background so they can provide optimal support.
Integration matters: integration focuses on helping patients make sense of their experiences and apply newfound insights and meaning within their relationships, routines, and daily lives.
Safety matters: every aspect of our work is centered around patient safety. That includes clinical screening, medical oversight, structured protocols, informed consent, and ongoing support throughout the treatment process.
What is the patient journey experience at Sunstone Therapies?
While every program is different, most Sunstone care models include four phases: application, screening, enrollment, and therapy.
1. Initial Inquiry and Screening
The process begins with an application, consultation, or screening to determine eligibility and fit. This may include:
- Medical history review
- Mental health assessment
- Discussion of goals and expectations
- Eligibility evaluation for specific programs or studies
2. Preparation
Before any treatment session, patients meet with clinicians to prepare for the experience ahead. Preparation often focuses on:
- Building therapeutic rapport
- Understanding the treatment process
- Discussing concerns and questions
- Establishing a foundation for the work based on each patient’s needs and experiences
3. Treatment Sessions
Depending on the program, there may be one or more dosing sessions. Sessions take place within a structured clinical environment with trained professionals providing support throughout the process.
4. Integration
Following treatment sessions, patients continue working with their therapists to process and integrate what emerged. Integration helps bridge the gap between an experience and meaningful changes in everyday life.
We believe that preparation, therapeutic support, integration, and long-term follow-up are not secondary considerations—they are fundamental components of responsible care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need prior experience with psychedelics? No. Many people who explore Sunstone’s programs have never used psychedelics before.
Does Sunstone offer psychedelic treatment today? Available programs depend on regulatory status, location, and eligibility requirements.
Is psychedelic-assisted therapy right for everyone? No treatment is right for everyone. Eligibility depends on many factors, including medical history, mental health history, goals, and program requirements.
How can I learn more? The best place to start is by exploring our resources, subscribing for updates, or speaking with our team about available programs and opportunities.