Investing in Group Psychedelic Therapy for Latinx Immigrants.
Juliana Zambrano, Fernando Espí Forcén, Jose Hidalgo, Franklin King Iv
Journal of immigrant and minority health June 9, 2025 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-025-01702-0 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Latinx immigrants |
| Topics | Psychedelic-assisted therapy |
| Keywords | Immigrant mental health Psychedelic assisted therapy Psychedelics Hallucinogen therapy Refugee mental health Psychedelic treatment Indigenous medicine Cultural medicine Trauma treatment |
| Key points | Argues that group-based, culturally adapted psychedelic-assisted therapy models tailored to Latinx immigrants could reduce mental health disparities by enhancing accessibility and addressing cultural and systemic barriers. |
Abstract
Despite increasing interest in psychedelic-assisted therapies (PAT), there remains a critical gap in extending these treatments to marginalized and vulnerable populations, including Latinx immigrants. This underrepresentation in both research and clinical practice exacerbates disparities in mental health care access for racial and ethnic minorities, who already face systemic barriers. The Latinx population, despite experiencing mental health challenges at rates similar to their white counterparts, has lower treatment engagement due to factors like cultural stigma, language barriers, and limited access to culturally competent care. Psychedelic-assisted therapies have shown promise in treating depression and PTSD, but their current application primarily targets Western populations, often neglecting cultural adaptations. This paper explores the potential for group-based, culturally adapted models of PAT tailored to Latinx immigrants, emphasizing community healing, collective therapeutic processes, and the incorporation of cultural traditions. It highlights the benefits of group psychedelic therapy in enhancing social connections, reducing isolation, and increasing accessibility, while addressing the unique stressors faced by immigrant populations. Rigorous research and culturally competent care models are essential to ensure that PAT can effectively reach and benefit marginalized communities, reducing the mental health disparities that persist in the U.S.
Comparable studies
Other theoretical and historical papers on psychedelic-assisted therapy, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Theorizing that Psychedelic Assisted Therapy May Play a Role in the Treatment of Trauma-Induced Personality Disorders. | 2024 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Learning to Let Go: A Cognitive-Behavioral Model of How Psychedelic Therapy Promotes Acceptance | 2020 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Awe: a putative mechanism underlying the effects of classic psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy | 2018 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Ethical and legal issues in psychedelic harm reduction and integration therapy | 2021 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Towards psychedelic apprenticeship: Developing a gentle touch for the mediation and validation of psychedelic-induced insights and revelations. | 2022 | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
Citations in the library
Cites 25
- Synthesizing the Evidence for Ketamine and Esketamine in Treatment-Resistant Depression: An International Expert Opinion on the Available Evidence and Implementation American Journal of Psychiatry March 17, 2021
- Global Street Food: la cocina de la calle Diseño interior 2009
- Psilocybin-assisted group therapy for demoralized older long-term AIDS survivor men: An open-label safety and feasibility pilot study EClinicalMedicine September 24, 2020
- Inclusion of people of color in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy: a review of the literature BMC Psychiatry July 31, 2018
- Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP): Patient Demographics, Clinical Data and Outcomes in Three Large Practices Administering Ketamine with Psychotherapy Journal of Psychoactive Drugs March 15, 2019
and 20 more in the library