Indications
Primary Indications
Treatment-resistant depressionPost-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)Substance use disordersAnxiety and existential distressPalliative care and end-of-life concerns
A traditional Amazonian plant brew containing DMT and harmala plant chemicals, now being studied for depression, trauma, addiction and distress about death.
It is not FDA-approved and is mostly only available in research studies.
Reviewed by the HeyPsych Medical Review Board · Reviewed November 24, 2025
Choose a condition to see how it's used for it.
Used for
Also prescribed for (off-label)
Common use
Ayahuasca Therapy is used for Treatment-Resistant Depression. The full guide below has the details.
About Treatment-Resistant DepressionHow many people in 100 notice each one in clinical studies. Many early side effects fade within a few weeks.
Choose what applies to you.
Should not be used during pregnancy
General information, not advice for your case. Talk it through with your prescriber or pharmacist.
serotonin: agitation, fever, shaking, fast heartbeat — get urgent help)
Severe psychiatric destabilization
Thoughts of suicide? Call or text 988, any time.
Everything we know about Ayahuasca Therapy, section by section.
15 chapters · about 15 min to read it all. Open any one.
Frequency: Single ceremony or multiple ceremonies over days/weeks
Duration: 4–6 hours per session
Total Treatment Time: Variable: retreat-based or integrated clinical protocol
Medical screening, intention setting, ritual/therapeutic preparation
Integration therapy, sharing circle, follow-up psychological support
typical session cost: $100–500 per ceremony (variable; research typically free to participants)
total treatment cost: Depends on retreat model or clinical protocol
insurance coverage: Not covered; investigational/ceremonial only
cost effectiveness: Preliminary evidence suggests durable benefit after few sessions; more research required
Small sample sizes, limited randomized trials, variability in brew composition and ceremonial context.
This treatment information is for educational purposes only. Treatment decisions should be made in consultation with qualified healthcare professionals based on individual circumstances, symptoms, and medical history. Do not attempt treatment without professional guidance.
Thinking about Ayahuasca Therapy? A prescriber can tell you if it fits.
Find a psychiatrist