Considerations in the Application of Psychedelic-Augmented Psychotherapy: A Commentary on Clinical Mechanisms
Psychoactives May 12, 2023 DOI: 10.3390/psychoactives2020011 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Citations | 2 |
| Key points | Argues that psychedelics should not be positioned as standalone medicines akin to SSRIs or SNRIs, and that their unique neurochemical action and potential for psychological transformation call for integrating counseling and psychotherapy into a bio-psychosocial model of psychedelic treatment. Proposes that more balanced attention be given to treatment and support mechanisms across medical and allied professional fields. |
Abstract
Psychedelics have been studied extensively in their broad treatment potential for a variety of mental health disorders. Recently, scholars have turned their attention to the role of psychotherapy in the augmentation, follow-up, and support mechanisms relevant to psychedelic administration. While it is tempting to position psychedelic substances as standalone medicines akin to SSRIs or SNRIs, their unique neurochemical action and potential for psychological transformation calls for a broader examination of the role of counseling and psychotherapy, within the context of a bio-psychosocial model. I outline well-established and emerging therapeutic modalities that are well-placed in complementary and augmented psychedelic treatment. I do so with the intention of opening a broader conversation to those situated in medical and medical-adjacent fields, including psychoanalysts, counselors, support workers, and other allied professionals. Ultimately, practitioners working in medical-aligned fields hold diversly vested interests in understanding the place of psychedelic therapies in mental health, and more attention should be given to a balanced consideration of treatment and support mechanisms.