Moving psychedelic-assisted therapies from promising research into routine clinical practice: Lessons from the field of implementation science
Danielle R Adams, Heidi Allen, Ginger E. Nicol, Leopoldo J Cabassa
Translational Behavioral Medicine October 17, 2024 DOI: 10.1093/tbm/ibae053 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Commentary Randomized Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Psilocybin Psychedelic-assisted therapy |
| Keywords | Equity Implementation science Mental health Safety-net health settings Psychedelic medicine psychedelics Hallucinogens Entheogens Psychiatric care Behavioral health Access to care Healthcare |
| Citations | 7 |
| Key points | Proposes that implementation science can help translate psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy into real-world practice, especially in safety-net settings serving historically marginalized populations. |
Abstract
Abstract Psychedelics (e.g., 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine [MDMA], lysergic acid diethylamide [LSD], psilocybin) are molecules that have the potential to produce rapid therapeutic effects when paired with psychotherapy. Randomized clinical trials of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy (PAT) have shown promising results for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and substance use disorders. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has acknowledged the promise of PAT, signaling potential approval of psilocybin-assisted therapy for depression by 2026. Given this timeline, implementation scientists must engage with PAT researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to think critically about bringing these promising new treatments into routine practice settings while maintaining quality and safety. This commentary aims to initiate a dialogue between implementation scientists and PAT researchers and practitioners on addressing these questions with a lens toward equity. Specifically, we discuss how the field of implementation science can support PAT stakeholders to accelerate the translational process from research into practice, focusing specifically on safety-net settings (i.e., Federally Qualified Health Centers and Veterans Affairs health systems) that serve historically marginalized populations. We use the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) Framework to illustrate five critical areas where implementation science can help move PAT from research into real-world practice. For each RE-AIM dimension, we highlight ways the field of implementation science can contribute tools (e.g., implementation strategies), methodologies (e.g., pragmatic hybrid implementation-effectiveness trials), and approaches (community-based participatory research) for establishing the safety, effectiveness, and accessibility of PAT for historically underserved communities.