Amazing Psychedelic Therapy in Philadelphia

Cooperative of Psychedelic Practitioners

The Mission: Dedication to increasing Access, Safety and Understanding of psychedelic therapies and altered states of consciousness through a collaboration of like-minded practitioners.

Psychedelic Psychotherapy
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What Is Psychedelic Psychotherapy?
Dedication To Advancement For Psychedelic Therapy In Philadelphia

The Ko-Op Mission

Mission Statement

Dedication to increasing Access, Safety and Understanding of psychedelic therapies and altered states of consciousness through a collaboration of like-minded practitioners.

What is a Ko Op?

The Ko-Op is an association of allied members working together towards the shared goal of human flourishing. Our core values are Equality, Partnership and Safety. The Ko-Op provides a safe and welcoming location and a community devoted to discussion and collaboration.

Curious? Read What we have done for our patients

Testimonials

s. r.

November 16, 2023

5/5
After suffering from treatment resistant depression all of my life, I was fortunate enough to find the Ko-Op. I was scared of the treatment, but once I met my therapist for the first time my reservations fell away. The warmth and emotional support combined with the expertise of the staff is unparalleled. I have received more relief from my depression from this treatment than any other therapy I have ever done in my life. As a mental health professional myself, I know good treatment when I see it., and I highly recommend the Ko-Op!
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M. L.

October 31, 2022

5/5
My experience at The Ko-Op was nothing short of life-changing. Both the clinical director, Sophia, and my therapist, Sarah, made me feel extremely safe and comfortable during my initial intake sessions and my treatment sessions. The setting felt very safe, and having a therapist next to me assisting me in the treatments made a world of difference, allowing me to feel completely safe from start to finish. The setting was very helpful, with welcoming rooms, a judgment-free space, and complete comfortability. I went in with specific intentions and I feel like I got more out of the ketamine assisted-psychotherapy than I could have hoped for. My OCD feels significantly diminished, to say the least, and it has since I walked out of my second of six sessions. My anxiety and depression are as low as they have ever been, and these treatments allowed me to really search inward and find acceptance in my life. I strongly recommend this to anyone suffering from anxiety, depression, the feeling of loss or hopelessness, or any disorder that you feel like you can beat, but just don’t know how. I look forward to continuing in future treatments at The Ko-Op Philadelphia.
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psychedelic therapy in philadelphia
Could Psychedelic Therapy In Philadelphia Be For You

Do any of these questions resonate with your experience?

It may be beneficial to know people have found answers in psychedelic medicine....

Have you been given a diagnosis such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Treatment Resistant Depression, Anxiety Disorder, Bipolar I or II disorder, Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), psychological reactions to physical illness, or an Eating Disorder?

Are you disillusioned with the mental and behavioral-health-care system because you continue to suffer? Are you sick and tired of psychiatric medications?

Do you struggle in your relationships? Are you haunted by existential questions about life and how you’re living? Are you sleep-deprived or feeling like you’re off track? Are you worn down by the malaise of modern parenting? Do you feel burdened by trauma? 

If any of these questions resonate with you, it may be beneficial to know many people have found answers in psychedelic healing.

Why Is Ketamine Used For Treatments?

Currently, Ketamine is the only FDA legal psychedelic permitted for use in a clinical setting; hopefully this will soon change as legislation works to reclassify several psychedelic drugs. Ketamine has been used worldwide since 1970 and has been listed as an essential medicine by the World Health Organization since 1985. Over the course of its history, practitioners and medical researchers have come to understand ketamine’s psychedelic healing powers for mental health conditions and chronic pain.

The 3 Major Effects Of Ketamine

How Does It Work?

1

The Experimental Effects

Ketamine dissociates the mind from the body, providing us with a glimpse into our unconscious without losing consciousness. Many refer to this as a higher consciousness. The experience can change how we perceive the world and our present circumstance by offering a unique and objective view of oneself . Psychedelic therapy in Philadelphia has allowed many people to drastically shift their perspective to one that feels inherently true, allowing for psychedelic healing.  

2

The Psychological Effect

Ketamine therapy can’t undo negative past experiences. It can, however, help us view our experiences without judgment. The perceptual shift can move us out of feeling stuck in our troubles to seeing new possibilities and ways of being. For many patients, the ketamine experience can be a potent catalyst for change that might otherwise take months or years to access using more commonplace therapeutic techniques.

3

The Biological Effect

Ketamine is known for its antidepressant effect. Long-term depression can cause a loss of important connections in our brains, called synapses, that facilitate nerve cell communication. Research shows that within 24-hours of receiving the first dose of medically-supervised ketamine, lost connections begin to regrow. Regrowing and reactivating synapses can support the brain in shifting out of depression. 

Ok, it's for me, I understand the effects, but...

How Does It Feel?

Trance and Transformation – the Journey

Once taken, ketamine can facilitate a respite from ordinary thought. There can be a complete shut off from negativity and ruminating thoughts, facilitating an openness to your mind’s capacity and allowing more access to and acceptance of yourself through psychedelic healing.

The 3 Classification of the Ketamine Experience

Psychedelic therapy in Philadelphia can be categorized three ways: psycholytic, psychedelic, and anesthetic.

Psycholytic

The psycholytic effect occurs at lower doses and the intention is to bring on the expanded state of consciousness while staying connected to the present moment. A trance-like feeling is experienced without a loss of objectivity, allowing for a deeper dive into therapeutic material.

Psychedelic

The psychedelic experiences occur at moderate doses, with the intention of creating a deeper dissociative state. This experience produces the feeling of observing one’s mind, body, and life from an objective lens. The patient is gently guided into their psychedelic experience and supported closely throughout the process. You may experience genuine calmness, quieting of the mind, feelings of gratitude, a connection ecstatic, death of your ego, and reliving past experiences from a different perspective. These psychedelic experiences can be complex and multifaceted, including visual and auditory distortions and complex closed-eye “visions,” profound changes in emotions and mood, and heightened sensitivity to internal and external contexts.

Anesthetic

The anesthetic effect occurs at high doses, such as those administered in hospital settings. Effects include sedation and reduced sensation of pain.

FAQ's

To get request an appointment for psychedelic therapy in Philadelphia its very simple! You can click any of the buttons that say “Request Appointment” or you can navigate to the contact page and fill out our appointment request form there. Lastly, you can schedule an appointment for psychedelic therapy in Philadelphia  directly from any of The Ko-Op clinician’s profile pages. We look forward to providing you with psychedelic therapy in Philadelphia!

After you request your first psychedelic therapy in Philadelphia session you will receive a confirmation email as well as a text message letting you know that your request has been received. Shortly after that you will be contacted via your contact preferences about scheduling your first session with the clinician you selected when you submitted your appointment request. All of your questions can be answered about what your psychedelic therapy in Philadelphia will be like. We look forward to speaking with you!

The entire psychedelic therapy in Philadelphia treatment is multiple sessions and each session is multi hour and are usually anywhere between 1.5 to 2 hours in length. It truly depends on the individua. We make sure to tailor all sessions and treatment regimens on a per patient basis; no one size fits all.   

We use a PO Ketamine (Lozenges/Troches: 16-20% bioavailability. This means it is taken orally and allowed to dissolve in your mouth.  Durations of action is 2-3 Hours. Before we ever start your psychedelic therapy in Philadelphia session we will address and discuss the benefits of this option.

Meet Our Clinicians

Ko-Op Clinicians

Choose A Clinician

These clinicians below have all been trained to provide Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy. All Ko-Op Clinicians are supported during their sessions by Ko-Op Harm Reduction Specialists.

General Request

Maybe you don't know what you want and picking between clinicians in a large list can be overwhelming! Just simply request an appointment and choose help me pick, and we will assist in matching you with a team member.

Financial Assistance

If you feel you may meet criteria for our lower fee option please email us and tell us about your financial situation. We hear you and want to make sure individuals from all socioeconomic backgrounds have the opportunity to heal.

Search & Sort Clinicians

Interesting & Insightful Content

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Constance Cosby LCSW

LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER (LCSW)

HI, I’m Constance, a highly trained and experienced licensed clinical social worker, certified clinical trauma professional and certified oncology social worker.  In my past experiences,  I have worked in various settings with diverse individuals.  My focus is complex trauma and Women’s issues. My passion and purpose are helping women reconnect with themselves lovingly and healthily BY utilizing evidence-based treatment methods that are mindfulness-based and emotionally focused such as ACT and DBT. The goal is to empower women to live their best lives by helping them develop the skills they need to overcome challenges and thrive.

As a trauma therapist, I was drawn into KAP for its abiity to move those with complex trauma forward and productively in their therapeutic work. I was trained with the KO-OP where I was able to safely practice with my own clients in a comfortable setting. In doing this work, I have seen this medicine help with effective trauma processing, increased connection with self and opportunities for sustainable change. I believe this is a powerful tool for those who struggle with emotional suffering and self acceptance. 

If you’re ready to take the first step towards self love & acceptance please reach out.

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Dr. Christopher Deussing

LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER (LCSW) Doctor of Social Work (DSW)

I’m a clinician who strongly believes in the power of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy to heal the mind, body, & spirit. I’ve seen these medicines help many clients.

Currently, I focus on using Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP), which can catalyze the discovery of deep emotions, thoughts, & experiences. KAP sessions can create profound opportunities for growth. Sometimes KAP is like compressing years of therapy in just a few hours.

Having a therapist’s support throughout a psychedelic process is crucial. I work hard to construct a robust treatment relationship to make your journeys meaningful & safe.

I want to create an individualized plan that works for you, so let’s discuss your hopes, wants, & needs. A psychedelic experience is very personal, & I’m here to help you explore what’s possible with KAP.

I have 25+ years of clinical experience helping people cope with a wide variety of psychological challenges, such as mood disorders, trauma, grief, addiction, & personality disorders. I earned my Master’s & Doctor of Clinical Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania, & am certified in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies through the California Institute of Integral Studies.
Arnold B. Meshkov MD

Arnold B. Meshkov MD

Medical Provider

Arnold B. Meshkov MD is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology and board certified in Internal Medicine.  He is a former Professor of Medicine at Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia, and trained at the University of Pennsylvania, Temple University, and Yale University. He has extensive experience and expertise in the assessment of patients prior to surgical procedures and new medication.  Dr. Meshkov has practiced at Temple University School of Medicine as a academic, and also has many years of experience in the private practice of Internal Medicine and Cardiology  He is a former Professor of Medicine at Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia, and trained at the University of Pennsylvania, Temple University, and Yale University. He has extensive experience and expertise in the assessment of patients prior to surgical procedures and new medicationDr. Meshkov has practiced at Temple University School of Medicine as a academic, and also has many years of experience in the private practice of Internal Medicine and Cardiology 

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Sarah Lobb

LICENSED SOCIAL WORKER (LSW)

Psychedelic assisted psychotherapy is a modality that is particularly good at helping develop our awareness by allowing us to encounter ourselves and our experiences in unique and poignant ways. Inviting and working with expanded consciousness in therapy often begets sessions full of rich content, permitting a more authentic self to emerge in therapy and beyond. As a psychotherapist whose practice is rooted in psychodynamic and relational theories, I’m attentive to how past experiences inform present circumstances, and this helps me provide attuned support throughout the ordinary and extraordinary experiences of psychedelic assisted psychotherapy.

I appreciate helping people through transitions such as navigating grief and loss, adjusting to major life changes, and addressing shifts in motivation and focus. I have extensive experience supporting people who are tackling addiction and recovery, either for themselves or within their families and communities. For many, compulsive behavior, or addiction, begins as a way of enduring but over time the behavior can end up inhibiting our ability to relate to others and ourselves. I offer a place to build resilience and rediscover the self.

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Jennifer O’Donnell

M.A., Counseling Psychology, Certified Psychedelic Facilitator through Soundmind in Phila.

Jennifer is an experienced mindfulness-based psychotherapist. She holds
a Master’s degree from Delaware Valley University in Counseling
Psychology, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from
Temple University. Jennifer is a certified sexual assault counselor, an
experienced certified yoga therapist, and a certified yoga and Pilates
instructor. Jennifer has completed post graduate training with
Soundmind Institute in Philadelphia as a certified Psychedelic
Facilitator. She offers an array of therapeutic techniques which include:
Trauma Focused – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Dialectical
Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction
strategies and trauma informed yoga therapy. Jennifer’s therapeutic
approach encompasses the integration of therapy, yoga, breath work and
mindfulness and includes a blend of therapeutic modalities such as
somatic experiencing, attachment theory, psychodynamic, and Hakomi.

“ I see counseling as a safe and therapeutic relationship. My approach
is a blend of both clinical and alternative therapies designed to meet the
needs of each individual. The goal is for you to gain insight and clarity
into your thoughts and feelings in a supportive and encouraging
relationship as we uncover new paths to your personal healing and
transformation. I believe we all carry inner wisdom, and when we start
quieting our minds and listening to our bodies the wisdom can then be
heard.”
Jennifer has experience in treating trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, bipolar
disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, women’s issues, family
conflict, sexual and gender identity issues, grief, behavioral issues and
life transitions. Jennifer has a deep understanding of how trauma shows
up in the body, and continues her personal practices to deepen her own
understanding of self, consciousness, and collective healing.

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Sophia Polin

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

I am an integrative therapist whose practice combines relational theory with elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. In my standard practice I work with adults and adolescents with histories of trauma, who are facing major life transitions, struggling with anxiety and depression, who are dealing with relationship discord, or who want to explore their full potential. I have substantial experience working with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder as well as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. I practice Exposure and Response Prevention (E/RP) for OCD, and take expert care in helping my clients face and overcome what they fear most.

In session, I emphasize attuning to the mind-body connection, habituating to feelings of vulnerability, and integrating disparate “parts” of the psyche in order to guide clients towards conscious, intentional lives and relationships. I consider early life and relationships to be integral in the formation of the personality and of patterns of behavior later in life.

I have recently expanded my practice to include psychedelic therapy. The use of psychedelics in a therapeutic setting gives clients the unique opportunity to distance from ingrained ways of thinking, connect with their own healing intuition, and dissolve the boundaries of self that are no longer serving them. The transformative shifts we are seeing in Ketamine treatments are the result of— the creation and reorganization of pathways in the brain (neurogenesis and neuroplasticity). These are the same processes therapists have been using traditionally to support their client’s growth and healing. I like to think of it as automating what has traditionally only been achievable manually.

Occupying altered states can be scary at first. My role as a psychedelic therapist is to lay the grounds for a safe and revelatory journey. In our preparation sessions we will build essential trust, explore your history, and collaboratively set your intention for your psychedelic experience. We will use our integration sessions post- treatments to synthesize and apply the wisdom gleaned from your journey to affect lasting, meaningful change. Whether you are experienced with psychedelics or exploring psychedelia for the first time, I am with you every step of the way.

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Stephanie Josephson

LCSW

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 20+ years of experience working with people in Philadelphia, New York City and San Francisco.  I am certified in Psychedelic Assisted Therapy and practicing Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy at the Ko-op.  My client may be a person who currently feels stuck in their life, dealing with chronic health issues, issues related to being queer, trans or non-binary,  concerns about use or mis-use of substances, or dealing with depression or anxiety.  My focus is to work collaboratively with clients to foster growth and personal development in a supportive, judgement-free environment. We can develop skills to deal more effectively with overwhelming feelings, identify your strengths, and work together to overcome challenges in your life.
Psychedelic Assisted PsychoTherapy is a tool to help feel unstuck, expand your perspective and deal with events in your life that, in the past, you have been unable to fully address.  I offer Preparation sessions where we build rapport, gain an understanding of what to expect during a medicine session, and set intentions for what you would like to achieve. I also offer Integration Sessions, weaving the insights gained during your psychedelic journey into your conscious living.
I look forward to speaking with you, and discussing how we can work interactively so that you can better navigate your way forward
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Megan Remsen

Licensed Social Worker (LSW)

I am a psychodynamic therapist trained in the analytic tradition with specialization in integrated trauma treatment. My practice is grounded in using psychedelic psychotherapy to promote relational and internal acceptance and stimulate growth in spaces that previously seemed stagnant. My kaleidoscopic background and diverse trainings in social work, anthropology, native plant medicine and community healing support my practice. I value and feel curious about the use of dreams, mythology, and intangible heritage as insights into our construction of Self. I embrace the use of non-ordinary states to support the work of engaging with these inner realms.

Psychedelic journeying provides expansive opportunities to engage with and feel curious about the events and beliefs that have shaped our experiences. Our sessions will prioritize interpreting and integrating the insights from your journey into your conscious experience, in support of your relationship with new ways of being. The elasticity of journeying benefits from a secure and stable holding relationship, I will provide collaboration and witnessing through every step, and I recognize and will respond to the vulnerabilities of these new states.

Much of my work centers on supporting the effects of transitions and change on the mind, spirit and body. In our sessions, we will examine the systems, early childhood experiences and deeply internalized messaging that continues to constrain the expansiveness of who we are. Together, we will move towards illuminating those spaces and undoing their harm.

I recognize the oppressive impact of contemporary conditions on the human experience, and I strive to hold the complexity of the treatment I offer and meet clients where they are. I collaborate on a course of treatment that fosters a sense of physiological, emotional, and relational security, while addressing economic realities. I offer a sliding scale and I am happy to consult on a course of treatment to meet unique needs. I center social justice in my work, welcome all sexual and gender identities and make an LGBTQ+ affirming space a priority. Whether you are new to Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy or returning to continue your insights, I offer a constructive space to work through the subconscious to foster connectedness and curiosity in support of relief from severe depression, attachment injuries, PTSD and anxiety.

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Dr. Sophia Brandstetter

LCSW, PSYD CLINICAL DIRECTOR

I am a licensed psychotherapist who is rooted in psychoanalysis and psychodynamic and relational theories. In recent years, as a compliment to my psychotherapeutic approaches, I’ve shifted my training to include psychedelic medicines as a method for integrating the mind, body, and soul. In many ways we are rediscovering verifiable facts about the impact of psychedelic medicines on our neurochemistry, physiology, and psychology. I have witnessed plant medicine as a power catalyst for change for my patients.

At this time our work must center around Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy. Ketamine is renowned for uncovering our intrinsic healing capacity while transporting us to a place of higher consciousness. The ketamine psychotherapy experience can bring attention to deep-rooted emotions, patterns, narratives, and/or experiences that could be unconscious sticking points or barriers to our growth. Ketamine sessions often access an abundance of material that might take months or years to uncover in traditional psychotherapy. Previous patients have stated, I have felt in a couple of hours, I have learned more about myself than I have in several years of psychoanalysis. Confirmations like this are common and the insight the ketamine sessions impart can remain long after the effects of the ketamine have dissipated.

At higher dosages, psychedelic medicines have the capacity to allow for significant disruptions of self‑consciousness, a phenomenon known as medicine-induced ego dissolution. Using your experience with the medicine as a guide, we can collaborate in understanding the experience of dissolution to create opportunities for regeneration and integration.

As you can see, I believe providing therapeutic support to be a vital part of the curative mechanism of the psychedelic experience. Together we will work on building a therapeutic relationship founded on trust, safety, and mutual respect for the sacred work the medicine can help facilitate. The approach we co-create can enhance the experience and make way for relief and change.

If you’re entering treatment to address trauma or if you’ve experienced trauma, it’s important to understand the healing significance of the therapist as a witness. Research on treating trauma explores how the witnessing (experiencing the presence of another) is considered an essential prerequisite for our capacity to narrate our experiences. One of the crucial impacts of a trauma is the damaging effect caused by the absence of a witness: without a witness we may have lost touch with how to make sense of what has happened, but when we gain a witness, the experience becomes more possible to know and understand, and healing can begin. As your witness in your psychedelic journey my role is to be visible in all the necessary ways to offer support.

My intention is to design a program that meets your expectations. I’m open to the many possibilities of what may work for you and want to invite you to imagine and share your hopes and needs for the journey. A psychedelic experience is a personal process and I welcome the opportunity to meet for a free consultation to answer all your questions and provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the possibilities

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