Psychedelic group-based integration: ethical assessment and initial recommendations

Abstract

A number of organizations have developed or are developing psychedelic integration groups, held in person or online. In parallel, there have been calls to make enhanced integration available in the community after clinical trials. Here, we explore a potential reason why individuals may seek out these groups: namely, the feelings of disconnection and loneliness that may arise after the psychedelic experience (noting that there may be other reasons that individuals may seek out these groups). Integration groups can offer significant benefits to participants (e.g. a sense of community, shared coping strategies); however, there may also be a number of associated risks. In this essay, we aim to explore the benefits and risks of integration groups, and offer a preliminary set of guidelines to physicians, researchers and individuals to help assess and evaluate these groups.