In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes Kevin Cannella, co-founder and executive director of Thank You Life, a nonprofit removing financial barriers to psychedelic therapy. Kevin shares his path from early mystical experiences and time at a Peruvian retreat center to becoming a licensed professional counselor and MAPS-trained therapist, then building a pay-it-forward fund that partners with clinics nationwide.

Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-325/?ref=278 

Kevin explains how Thank You Life works with 120+ ketamine clinics, why group programs matter for cost and connection, and what’s realistic about insurance coverage today. He also explores integration support, community pods, and how state partnerships could expand access for veterans, first responders, and more.

Kevin Cannella is the co-founder and executive director of Thank You Life, a 501(c)(3) psychedelic therapy access fund. A licensed professional counselor and MAPS-trained psychedelic therapist, Kevin founded the organization with Dr. Dan Engle to eliminate the financial barriers that prevent many from accessing psychedelic healing. Thank You Life partners with over 120 ketamine clinics in 35 states, offering financial assistance and group support programs to individuals in need. Rooted in his own transformative journey with meditation, intensive retreat work, and psychotherapy, Kevin is dedicated to advancing health equity, reciprocity, and compassionate care in the psychedelic field.

Highlights:

• Service-driven path into psychedelic care
• Founding Thank You Life as a pay-it-forward fund
• Partnering with 120+ ketamine clinics nationwide
• Group ketamine care: cost and community benefits
• Insurance realities: Spravato vs. generic ketamine
• Integration support through clinics and community pods
• Scaling access via philanthropy and state partnerships

Episode Sponsors:

• Golden Rule Mushrooms - Get a lifetime discount of 10% with code THIRDWAVE at checkout

• The Practitioner Certification Program by Third Wave’s Psychedelic Coaching Institute.