Psychedelics in NHS services: exploring a model for real-world implementation of psilocybin
Katharine A. Smith, Edward Harcourt, Andrea Cipriani
The British Journal of Psychiatry March 30, 2026 DOI: 10.1192/bjp.2026.10612 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | NHS service context |
| Topics | Psilocybin |
| Citations | 1 |
| Key findings | The authors propose a model for delivering psychological support alongside psilocybin treatment in publicly funded health services and call for further research to identify essential support elements for equitable clinical implementation. |
Abstract
Psychedelics are increasingly described as a new therapeutic approach in a variety of mental disorders including depression. Oral psychedelics such as psilocybin have an acute effect evolving over 6-8 h and are generally given in combination with psychological support. There is debate on the exact role of this support and how and by whom it should be delivered. This has significant implications for real-world implementation in health services post-licensing. In this feature, we discuss these issues and outline a model for psychological support delivery in publicly funded health services such as the National Health Service. We also suggest further research to explore the exact role of support in psilocybin treatment and identify the essential elements to direct service plans for clinical implementation. These steps are important: over recent decades, there have been few new treatments for depression, moreover, psychedelic drugs are appealing to patients, and accumulating data suggest that their efficacy may be long-lasting. However, realistic plans for implementation must be based on high-quality evidence and the needs of the whole patient population. This will ensure that these treatments, if licensed, are available not only for those able to pay but to all on an equitable basis.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on psilocybin, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic psychedelics: An integrative review of epidemiology, therapeutics, mystical experience, and brain network function. General population | 2019 | Integrative review | |
| The pharmacology of psilocybin | 2002 | Review | |
| Serotonin research: contributions to understanding psychoses | 2008 | Review | |
| Psychedelics, Meditation, and Self-Consciousness | 2018 | Review | |
| The abuse potential of medical psilocybin according to the 8 factors of the Controlled Substances Act | 2018 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cites 18
- Single-Dose Psilocybin for a Treatment-Resistant Episode of Major Depression. New England Journal of Medicine November 3, 2022
- Extended difficulties following the use of psychedelic drugs: A mixed methods study PLoS One October 24, 2023
- Preparing for the Bursting of the Psychedelic Hype Bubble. JAMA Psychiatry October 1, 2022
- Adverse Events in Studies of Classic Psychedelics JAMA Psychiatry September 4, 2024
- Treatment with psychedelics is psychotherapy: beyond reductionism The Lancet Psychiatry December 12, 2023
and 13 more in the library