Geneva Psychedelic Psychotherapy Patients Access Fund
The Geneva PAT Access Fund addresses a critical need in Geneva's mental health landscape, specifically targeting the financial barriers that restrict access to psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT). Recognizing the need for Psychedelic Assisted Therapy, which is routinely performed in Geneva University Hospital, the ALPS Foundation seeks to provide subsidies for PAT to those who cannot afford it.
Mental Health Landscape in Switzerland and Geneva
In 2017, the Swiss Federal Office of Statistics released a report on mental health, highlighting that major depression is the most prevalent mental illness in the country, affecting 9% of the population. This rate is notably higher than the global average of 5%. The report also uncovered notable regional disparities in depression rates within Switzerland. A larger proportion of the population in the French- and Italian-speaking regions is affected by major depression compared to the Swiss-German-speaking regions.
Efficacy of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy
In research published by the ‘Journal of Clinical Psychiatry’, it was found that 30.9% of patients treated for major depression did not adequately respond to two or more antidepressant therapies, classifying them as having treatment-resistant depression (TRD).
PAT has shown promising results in the management of TRD. A notable study published in the ‘Journal of Psychopharmacology’ highlights this progress, with over 80% of participants experiencing a significant decrease in depressive symptoms following PAT. This therapy offers a new ray of hope, redefining treatment possibilities for one of the most challenging mental health conditions.
Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy in Switzerland: the Swiss Exceptional Use Program
Since 2014 in Switzerland, the Exceptional Use Program allows the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) to authorize PAT for patients with TRD on a case-by-case basis, providing a vital alternative for patients who have exhausted all of their options.
Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy in Geneva
Under the Exceptional Use Program, HUG has administered PAT with success, treating 107 patients and conducting 280 sessions from June 2020 to June 2023. ~3,000 sessions have been conducted in Switzerland since 2014, meaning HUG has conducted ~10% of the total sessions in Switzerland since the beginning of the Exceptional Use Program, despite starting in June 2020.
The clinical ongoing evaluation of this program has shown significant improvements in the patients treated so far. However, the true impact of this treatment is best understood through the experiences of the patients themselves.
To witness firsthand accounts from patients treated at HUG and gain deeper insights into their experiences with this form of therapy, we invite you to view the comprehensive documentary available here, at the emission Temps Présent (https://www.rts.ch/play/tv/temps-present/video/depression-addiction-guerir-grace-aux-psychedeliques?urn=urn:rts:video:13926338).
The Problem: Accessibility of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy
Despite the observed efficacy of PAT under the Exceptional Use Program, this form of treatment is not fully covered by insurance.
The problem is clear - access is only limited to those who can afford it out-of-pocket, leaving a substantial segment of the population, particularly those most in need, without viable treatment options. Preliminary analysis from HUG population suggests that around 15% of those who have applied have stated that they are not able to afford this treatment.
Opportunity
In bridging the gap between the urgent need addressed in our project, we find a compelling opportunity for action. The ALPS Foundation commitment to enhancing patient access brought us to the elaboration of a project for financial supports for PAT : the Geneva PAT Access Fund. Our project, aimed at subsidising PAT for those in financial need, directly contributes to improving mental health care accessibility – a vital aspect of social well-being and cohesion - for the most in need.
What can I do?
To add yourself in the waiting list for the evaluation of your financial need, if you want tu subsidize this project or have more detailed informations on the structure of it, please send an email to patientaccessfund@alps.foundation
DISCLAIMER: PAT in Switzerland is legally available as a form of psychotherapy ONLY for Swiss residents, presenting a treatment resistant mental health condition and having already tried without success other pharmacological interventions.
The PAT access fund is not yet active because of the lack of funds. We will update this page when and if this will change.
Updated 5 march 2024