What is a Peer Treatment Monitor (PTM)?

A PTM is a trusted adult—such as a partner, family member, close friend, or roommate—who stays nearby during your session to help create a safe, calm, and supportive environment. This person “holds space” for you, helping you feel grounded and protected while you focus inward.

While they’ll mostly remain a passive observer, your PTM should be someone who can provide emotional support and contact your care team if needed. We recommend choosing someone with whom you share a positive and uncomplicated relationship, as their energy and presence can shape your overall experience.

PTM Responsibilities

Before the session

• Be physically present and review these instructions
• Join the first session’s virtual visit for a brief orientation with the care team

During the session

• Stay within earshot and visually check in every 15 minutes
• Avoid making noise or creating distractions (including phones, pets, or kids)
• Assist if needed, such as helping with movement or trips to the restroom
• Gently remind the participant to start journaling about an hour after taking the medicine

After the session

• Offer something refreshing like fruit, caffeine-free tea, or sparkling water
• Remind the participant to rejoin the follow-up video session with their clinician
• Stay nearby until they are fully alert and able to move around safely—usually 2 hours after dosing

What to Expect as a PTM

• Effects typically begin within 10 minutes of taking the medicine and peak between 30–60 minutes
• The person may lie quietly in a sedated or dissociative state
• Some individuals may laugh, cry, mumble, moan, or move in unusual ways
• Side effects such as dizziness, nausea, or fatigue may persist up to 90 minutes after the peak effects
• In some cases, effects can be delayed or prolonged for several hours

When to Reach Out for Help

Contact the care team if:

• The participant appears unusually disoriented or distressed
• They experience physical discomfort like vomiting
• They request emotional support or you believe they may need it

Call 911 immediately if:

• They stop breathing
• You can’t detect a pulse
• They make any immediate threats of harm to themselves or others

Let your presence be calm, caring, and non-intrusive—you’re here to support their journey, not to fix or judge. Your role makes a meaningful difference.