Ethics of Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy
Cureus January 25, 2026 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.102251 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Psychedelic-assisted therapy |
| Keywords | Psychological intervention Transformative learning Field mathematics Virtue ethics Psychotherapist Engineering ethics Personal narrative Compassion Ethical issues Mental health care Ethics of care |
| Key points | Argues that integrating narrative ethics and virtue ethics can guide ethical psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy by centering patient experience and clinician character, promoting holistic and inclusive care. |
Abstract
Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy is gaining recognition as a novel approach in mental health care, with the potential to support emotional processing, self-understanding, and personal growth. Early evidence suggests that psychedelic-assisted therapies can catalyze transformative experiences that traditional interventions may not access. This article explores the ethical considerations of these therapies through narrative ethics, which centers the patient's lived experience and cultural context, and virtue ethics, which emphasizes the clinician's moral character and relational presence. By integrating these frameworks, this article discusses the importance of holistic and patient-centered care that attends to psychological, social, and cultural dimensions of recovery. Ethical practice in this emerging field involves building trust and inclusivity, ensuring that psychedelic-assisted interventions contribute to resilience, empowerment, and well-being for diverse communities. This discussion aims to provide guidance for clinicians, researchers, and policymakers seeking to navigate the ethical complexities of integrating psychedelics into mental health care.