Integration in classic psychedelic-assisted therapies for mental health conditions: a scoping review
Nicholas Vucak, Raimondo Bruno, Julio Quealy, James G. Casimaty, Susan L. Rossell, David Castle, Nicola Acevedo
Psychedelics July 1, 2026 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyche.2026.100030 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Scoping review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Clinical studies of classic psychedelics published in English between 1990 and January 2025 |
| Topics | Psychedelic-assisted therapy |
| Keywords | Facilitator Clinical trial Mental health Medline Fidelity Psychotherapist Psycinfo |
| Key findings | Integration delivery in psychedelic-assisted therapy trials is vaguely operationalized, with minimal reporting of session content, therapeutic conduct, and facilitator training, particularly outside psilocybin studies. |
Abstract
Background: Integration — the ongoing process of revisiting, making sense of, and incorporating the content of a psychedelic experience into daily life — is a core component of psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT), but is variably operationalised and poorly reported in clinical research.
Objective: To map how integration is described, delivered, and reported in clinical studies of classic psychedelics and to identify common practices and research gaps.
Methods: A PRISMA-ScR scoping review was conducted searching PubMed, Scopus, and CENTRAL for English-language studies between 1990 and January 2025. Data was extracted on integration session structure (number, timing, duration), therapeutic frame, and facilitator training and conduct.
Results: Forty-four articles met inclusion, comprising 30 clinical trials, eight prospective trial protocols, and six therapeutic manuals. Psilocybin was the most studied classic psychedelic (k = 37 publications). In clinical trials that reported integration (k = 24), 1-4 integration sessions were provided per dose (median = 2); reported session duration was between 1-3hrs (median = 1.5hrs). Typically, clinical trials provided an initial integration session 24-48hrs post-dose and a second session approximately 1 week later. Reporting of integration content, therapeutic conduct, and facilitator training was minimal, particularly outside psilocybin-assisted therapy trials.
Conclusion: Psychedelic integration is central to PAT, yet its delivery remains vaguely operationalised in clinical research. Future trials should routinely publish comprehensive protocols specifying integration session goals and timing, facilitator roles, therapist qualifications, and fidelity monitoring. Standardised, transparent reporting will improve participant safety and continuity of care, enable cross-trial comparisons, and support safe progression to phase III trials.