When clients of licensed psychotherapist Carrie “Kiki” King partake in ketamine-assisted psychotherapy at The Oracle Institute in Tucson, Arizona, they arrive at the ranch-style property and are led inside to a dimly lit room. She brings the client to a four-inch plush mat on the ground, surrounded by blankets and a bolster cushion.
Prior to the start of the experience, King lights candles and plays the singing bowls. She starts a custom playlist for her client, hands them an eye shade and pushes play on the machine emulating nature sounds.
Under the influence of ketamine — a psychedelic used for mental health treatment since the 1970s — patients can feel more able to handle thoughts and feelings they struggle with in the sober light of day.
But just as important as the sessions are what happens next: a process known as integration, wherein King guides her clients through reflecting on what happened while on the drug.
“Integration helps clients explore and implement insights,” King said. “This results in personal growth, emotional healing and lasting change.”
As more Americans partake in therapeutic psychedelic experiences — bolstered by an expanding field of research and growing list of states granting access to these mostly illegal drugs — integration is an apt theme for Psychedelic Science 2025, being held June 16-20 at the Colorado Convention Center in downtown Denver.
“There is a lot for us to integrate right now, across disciplines and across communities,” said Zane Bader, communications manager for conference host Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS). “This conference is not just about showcasing everything that’s new; it’s also about discussing how as a movement, we can carry this work forward in responsible ways.”
A new era in psychedelic healing
MAPS spinoff Lykos Therapeutics received a lot of attention last year for its failed attempt to make MDMA a federally approved and regulated treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder. But the organization’s role in supporting and advancing the psychedelic space is much broader. MAPS’ International Therapist Education Program has trained more than 350 therapists in over 30 countries since 2023.
The stakes are high, with millions of Americans struggling with their mental health. Mental Health America’s 2024 report revealed that 23% of adults experienced a mental health illness in the past year — almost 60 million people.
John Williamson, a Honolulu resident, began ketamine therapy earlier this year amid a lifelong struggle with depression.
“After January, the news environment became increasingly negative, and I experienced a decrease in social activities because of my recent retirement,” Williamson wrote via email in response to questions. “I sank into depression, and at that point, I thought it would be worthwhile to take a radically different approach and try ketamine. I’m glad I did. Since starting ketamine therapy, I’ve had more energy, been more productive and felt more hopeful about the future.”
Willamson will also be attending the conference in Denver for the first time. He looks forward to interacting with others on a similar healing journey.
“Psychedelic Science 2025 seemed like the best place to access the latest information on these therapies,” he said. “I have long been interested in how psychedelic medicine can help me, people I care about and our contemporary society with emotional and psychological challenges.”
Meeting the movement
The event will be the largest conference in the world on consciousness-expanding substances, including psilocybin, LSD, MDMA, ayahuasca and ibogaine. More than 7,000 people are expected to attend from all 50 U.S. states and 39 countries.
There have been massive legislative shifts since the first conference in Oakland in 2017. As of May 2025, Oregon and Colorado are the only two states with regulated access to psychedelic therapy and healing centers. New Mexico allows growing psilocybin mushrooms, and 19 states have active legislation related to decriminalization, regulation and medical oversight or licensure requirements. Six other states allow for medical research.
Williamson said he is glad to see more states moving to dismantle the “fear-based restrictions” established during Richard Nixon’s War on Drugs, which long demonized psychedelics.
MAPS’ Zane said honest, nuanced conversations are needed about the risks of psychedelic medicines, but it’s just as important to acknowledge the risks of criminalization.
“Keeping them subject to prohibition — where people can get incarcerated for possession — contributes to stigma.”
Psychedelic Science 2025, Monday, June 16 to Friday, June 20, Colorado Convention Center, 700 14th St., Denver. $309-$1,839.
This article has been updated to reflect the anticipated crowd and to specify that Lykos Therapeutics applied for approval from the FDA for MDMA-assisted therapy.