Improving access to psilocybin-assisted therapy: barriers, challenges, and recommendations
Vivian W. L. Tsang, Camille Roney, Pamela Kryskow, Shannon Dames
Frontiers in Public Health January 29, 2026 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2026.1767210 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Commentary Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Intervention | Psilocybin-assisted therapy |
| Topics | Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Intervention counseling Existentialism Transformative learning Multidisciplinary approach Health care Palliative care Psychotherapist Quality philosophy Psychological distress Dyad Psychological trauma Therapeutic relationship Identity music |
| Key points | Argues that psilocybin-assisted therapy should be understood as a relational intervention, contending that much psychological, emotional, and existential distress—particularly at end of life—is relational in nature and that relational wounds can only be healed in relationship with other humans. |
Abstract
Psilocybin-assisted therapy (PAT) is an emerging intervention that combines the administration of psilocybin with structured psychological support to address profound psychological, emotional, and existential distress. Central to this model is the recognition that many forms of suffering-particularly at end of life-are relational in nature and require relational forms of healing. It is our belief that the relational wounds that keep us from connection can really only be healed in relationship with other humans (Tsang et al. , 2023b).
Citations in the library
Cites 9
- Psilocybin produces substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer: A randomized double-blind trial Journal of Psychopharmacology November 30, 2016
- Psilocybin can occasion mystical-type experiences having substantial and sustained personal meaning and spiritual significance Psychopharmacology July 7, 2006
- Effects of Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy on Major Depressive Disorder JAMA Psychiatry November 4, 2020
- A Pilot Study Comparing a Community of Practice Program with and without Concurrent Ketamine-Assisted Therapy Journal of Psychoactive Drugs September 1, 2023
- The Effect of Ketamine-Assisted Group Therapy on Treatment-Resistant Mental Health Conditions in Firefighters: A Prospective Observational Case Series. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine June 1, 2025
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