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Essentials: Psychedelics for Treating Mental Disorders | Dr. Matthew Johnson

Jul 24, 2025 39m 9s 17 insights
In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, my guest is Dr. Matthew Johnson, PhD, a senior researcher for the Center of Excellence for Psilocybin Research and Treatment at Sheppard Pratt’s Institute for Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics. We explore the science and therapeutic potential of psychedelic medicine, including psilocybin, MDMA and LSD. We discuss how these substances can profoundly alter perception and self-identity, providing long-lasting relief from depression, addiction and trauma when used in controlled clinical settings. We also discuss microdosing and emerging research on psychedelics’ potential to support recovery from neurological injuries. Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com.
Actionable Insights

1. Prioritize High-Dose Psychedelic Therapy

For profound and long-lasting changes in conditions like depression or addiction, focus on high-dose psychedelic experiences, which have shown sustained improvements months to over a year later.

2. Reshape Your Sense of Self

Understand that psychedelics can profoundly alter your self-representation and identity, allowing you to step out of limiting models (e.g., “I’m a smoker,” “I’m a failure”) and gain a new sense of agency.

3. Supercharge Personal Agency

Leverage the profound sense of agency gained during a psychedelic experience to make fundamental decisions and commit to behavioral changes, such as quitting an addiction or altering self-defeating thoughts.

4. Surrender Control During Psychedelics

To facilitate a meaningful psychedelic experience, consciously let go of the need for control and allow the experience to unfold naturally.

5. Surrender to Psychedelic Reality Shifts

When facing reality-shattering moments during a classic psychedelic experience, choose to completely surrender to it rather than trying to resist or ‘hang on,’ as resistance can lead to a ‘bad trip.’

6. MDMA for Trauma Treatment

For trauma treatment, MDMA may offer a lower chance of experiencing an extremely challenging ‘bad trip’ compared to classic psychedelics like psilocybin or LSD.

7. Explore Psychedelic Clinical Trials

If you have a diagnosable issue or are a healthy normal, you could explore participation in clinical trials for psychedelics, as issues often come to the surface even in healthy individuals.

8. Pre-Psychedelic Health Screening

Undergo thorough psychiatric and cardiovascular screening before a psychedelic experience to identify potential disqualifying conditions like severe psychiatric illnesses (schizophrenia, bipolar mania) or heart disease.

9. Prepare with Guides & Expectations

Before a psychedelic session, build trust and rapport with your guides and receive a comprehensive explanation of the wide range of possible experiences to minimize surprises.

10. Welcome All Emotional Responses

During a psychedelic session, welcome and fully express all emotional responses, including intense ones like crying hysterically, as they are part of the therapeutic process.

11. Avoid Psychedelics with Severe Illness

Do not use psychedelics if you have severe psychiatric conditions such as psychotic disorders (schizophrenia) or mania associated with bipolar disorder, as these experiences can be profoundly destabilizing.

12. Mitigate Psychedelic “Bad Trip” Risk

Be judicious about psychedelic use, as anyone can experience a ‘bad trip,’ especially with high doses or in less than ideal environments; a safe container is crucial.

13. Caution on Microdosing Psilocybin

Understand that current peer-reviewed studies do not support claims of microdosing psilocybin for improved creativity, cognition, or sustained mood, and some data suggest mild impairment, though specific long-term protocols haven’t been fully studied.

14. Have Medical Safety Protocols

Be aware that physiological responses like increased pulse and blood pressure can occur during a psychedelic session, and ensure medical protocols (e.g., nitroglycerin for high blood pressure) are available to manage them safely without disrupting the experience.

15. Engage in Online Therapy

Utilize BetterHelp for professional online therapy to build rapport, receive emotional support and guidance, and gain useful insights for overall mental health.

16. Supplement with AG1 Daily

Consume AG1 daily to improve mental health, physical health, and performance, benefiting from its blend of vitamins, minerals, probiotics, prebiotics, and adaptogens.

17. Try David Protein Bars

Consume David protein bars to get 28 grams of protein in 150 calories, helping to hit protein goals without excessive calories, and serving as a delicious, satisfying snack.