Psychedelics and Racial Justice
Monnica T. Williams, Victor Cabral, Sonya C. Faber
International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction April 1, 2024 DOI: 10.1007/s11469-023-01160-5 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Narrative review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Psychedelics Racism Mental health Culture Racial trauma Cultural appropriation |
| Citations | 22 |
| Key findings | People of color have been largely excluded from psychedelic therapy research, and culturally inclusive practices are needed to ensure equitable access as treatments advance. |
Abstract
Psychedelics are being studied for the treatment of numerous mental health disorders, as well as a means of bringing people together. Nonetheless, people of color and those with other marginalized identities have not been fully included. Studies and research on psychedelic-assisted therapies have largely excluded people of color, leaving out fundamental clinical issues for these populations. This paper provides a narrative review of relevant research on this topic, racial trauma, ethnic minority mental health, and how psychedelic therapies can advance recovery for people of color. It also discusses potential harms and steps needed to promote culturally inclusive access to care. Many psychedelic therapy trials are in their final stages and access is being expanded, making it important to consider equitable practices in research that can foster inclusion, such as community-based participatory research and culturally informed research design.