Music Playlist Use in Clinical Trials of Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy: A Systematic Review
Lucas Cruz, Fernando R. Beserra, Julia M.k. Freind, Sandro Rodrigues, Daniel C Mograbi
Journal of Clinical Psychology June 15, 2026 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.70167 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 36 |
| Population | Articles on psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy |
| Topics | Psilocybin Psychedelic-assisted therapy |
| Keywords | Music therapy Clinical trial Scopus Systematic review Medline Psychotherapist Clinical psychology Protocol science Applied psychology Stress reduction Recreation |
| Key findings | Music use in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy varies considerably, with no standardized protocol across studies. |
Abstract
Recent studies have shown promising results for psychedelics in the treatment of psychiatric disorders. Both in clinical and recreational settings, contextual elements, such as music, can influence the experience of users and may be linked to positive outcomes. This systematic review identifies how music is being selected and used in psychedelisc-assisted psychotherapy (PAP). The search adopted PRISMA criteria and was conducted using PubMed, PsycNet, Web of Science, Scopus and Cochrane as databases. The use of music in PAP was compared, considering aspects such as the creation of a playlist, playlist features and characteristics of the setting. A total of 36 articles were found, with 25 articles mentioning the use of music, predominantly addressing depressive disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder using psilocybin and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). There was considerable variation in terms of procedures, mostly because studies explored different disorders and substances, but also because there was no standardized protocol regarding music. Understanding which aspects are being privileged when choosing music for use in PAP may orient future clinical and research efforts.
In the evidence
This study is part of the evidence base for a synthesis in the library. Here is how each one recorded it.
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Music use in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy varies considerably with no standardized protocol across studies.
Synthesized
Comparable studies
Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on psilocybin and psychedelic-assisted therapy, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| A Meta-Analysis of Placebo-Controlled Trials of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy | 2020 | Systematic review | |
| Psychedelic therapy for depressive symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Participants in studies of psychedelic therapy for depressive symptoms (Major... | 2023 | Systematic review with meta-analysis | n = 14 |
| Psilocybin-assisted therapy for depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Patients diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses or major depressive disorder | 2023 | Systematic review and meta-analysis | n = 686 |
| United States National Institutes of Health grant funding for psychedelic-assisted therapy clinical trials from 2006-2020. | 2022 | Systematic review | |
| Safety and risk assessment of psychedelic psychotherapy: A meta-analysis and systematic review. Human subjects in studies of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy | 2024 | Systematic review and meta-analysis | n = 30 |