What is a Peer Treatment Monitor?

You’ve decided to embark on a healing journey with Mindbloom—congratulations! If you’re feeling a mix of excitement, hope, maybe some nerves, that’s entirely normal and okay. Some clients have a Peer Treatment Monitor (PTM) in mind, while others may feel unsure about finding theirs. In this article, we’ll explain the role of a PTM, how you can identify someone who feels right for you, and why it's necessary for treatment.

If you have any questions about your PTM that are not covered here, please reach out to your guide or Mindbloom's Support Team. PTMs are a required part of our program and we want you feel prepared.

What is a 'Peer Treatment Monitor' and what do they do?

Your PTM is a trusted adult (18+ years old) who is physically present onsite during your treatment sessions. They do not need to be located in your private treatment space, just nearby within voice range. Why? For a few key reasons:

• To help create a safe, comfortable, and distraction-free environment so you can fully focus inward during treatment
• To know the safety protocols and expectations, checking in on you every 15 minutes to ensure you are safe and comfortable
• To be a positive, supportive presence if anything challenging arises for you throughout your session
• To help you go to the washroom if you're feeling a bit unsteady post-session
• In more serious, but rare edge cases, your PTM will contact your Mindbloom guide directly for additional assistance
  

If all goes smoothly, as we expect it should, your PTM is simply a facilitator who helps move the process along safely and securely. They'll be mindful not disturb you unless needed, and help you return to a waking and lucid state at the conclusion of your medicine experience.

What does a Peer Treatment Monitor need to know?

There are no specific requirements, training, or certifications that a PTM needs to have in order to be eligible to help you with your experience. They'll briefly connect with your guide during the initial Session 1 Zoom call, exchange numbers, review specific guidance, and ask any additional questions they may have.

There are some qualities that are extremely helpful to be a PTM, including:

• An empathetic, compassionate, calm, and supportive personality
• Able to follow the directions and guidance given by the Mindbloom guide
• Able to be present and available throughout the entirety of the medicine session.
  

A few timeless reminders that are helpful to share with your PTM:

• 'If in doubt, simply text my Mindbloom guide for a secondary opinion. They are on-call and available throughout the session.'
• 'If I need you during my session, try not to intervene or influence—sometimes just being a strong presence is enough. Let me be in my experience as fully as possible.'
• 'There may be some mild side-effects, like dizziness, nausea, elated moods, or confusion. If you have concerns, you can contact my guide.'

How do I choose the right Peer Treatment Monitor?

Psychedelic therapy can bring up sensitive and strong emotions, so the best criteria for determining a good PTM is to find someone who makes you feel safe and cared for.

You want your PTM to be encouraging of the work you are doing. It can be challenging to have someone support you who does not believe in the power and potential of the healing path you’ve chosen. This may seem obvious, but it does impact your mindset and setting before sessions and throughout treatment more broadly.

It’s important to be fully transparent with your PTM about the nature of this experience, what may arise throughout the process, and get their confirmation that they are able to provide the support you need. We encourage you to choose someone you can trust and depend on.

Frequently asked questions

Can I do my sessions without a PTM?

No, PTM’s are required to be there in the physical space with you for the medicine sessions. This is for your safety, and is a requirement to continue treatment with Mindbloom.

Can I change my PTM?

Yes, you can change PTMs. Just ensure that they have the information they need, as well as contact information for your guide and Mindbloom Support.

Does my PTM need to be in the room with me?

No, they don’t need to be in the same room, though they do need to be onsite in the same physical location for the duration of your session. They will visually check in every 15 minutes, making sure not to disturb you until it's time to return from the medicine journey (about the 1 hour mark).

What if I don’t live with anyone?

You can ask a trusted friend, neighbor, or family member to be present in your home just for the medicine session (usually 1.5 hours). If your PTM can't come to you, you can do your session in their space if you're both open to this.

Some clients worry that this role is a burden for others, but often the hardest part is simply asking. You may be surprised that many people are willing to help when they know what’s needed, and even express feeling honored to be chosen.

Read below for additional ways to find a PTM outside of your immediate network.

Does my PTM need to appear on video?

Yes, just during the preparation call on Zoom with your guide before Session 1. You'll meet your guide first to walk through some important steps, and then they'll ask to speak briefly with your PTM. They must be present and available to speak at this time in order to move forward with your medicine session.

Can I use a 3rd party option if I can't identify anyone in my personal network?

You absolutely can! Some Mindbloom clients enjoy using CareLinx or Care.com to find a PTM for flexibility and assurance. These services are relatively inexpensive (~$20-$40/hr), offer background-checked professionals, and have thousands of excellent reviews. You’ll need a PTM for about 3 hours during your first session, and 1.5 hours for each following session.

For step-by-step instructions to sign up, along with a message template you can copy, personalize, and send to professionals on each platform, here's a helpful article that outlines everything.

Conclusion

Peer Treatment Monitors are an essential component of the Mindbloom psychedelic therapy program and protocol. They help ensure safe, supportive, and powerful healing experiences for you.

If you ever have questions about PTMs, please reach out to your Mindbloom guide or to our Support Team. We are here to help clarify and ensure you're well-resourced!