An Overview of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy
EMBARK Psychedelic Therapy for Depression April 23, 2024 DOI: 10.1093/9780197762622.003.0002 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Randomized Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Interventions | Psychedelic-assisted therapy EMBARK model |
| Topics | Psychedelic-assisted therapy |
| Keywords | Psychedelic medicine Entheogenic therapy Mental health Mental wellness Behavioral health Psychiatric care Therapeutic models Treatment frameworks Clinical approaches Intervention models Medical innovation Healthcare innovation Novel therapies Clinical advancements |
| Key points | Argues that the EMBARK model offers a transdiagnostic and trans-drug framework adaptable to various indications and psychedelic medicines, and that conventional PAT histories have missed critical harms and marginalized perspectives. |
Abstract
AbstractChapter 1 introduces the concept of psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) and the EMBARK psychedelic therapy model, a new approach to PAT and psychological support. The chapter serves as an orientation to the book, outlining its structure and intended audiences. It discusses the growing interest in psychedelic medicines for treating mental health disorders, particularly depression. The authors provide a conventional history of PAT research and criticize this history for missing critical histories of harm and the stories of marginalized groups. The EMBARK model is introduced, offering a transdiagnostic and trans-drug approach adaptable to various indications and psychedelic medicines. The authors review common PAT elements, including the preparation, medicine, and integration phases of treatment; therapist dyads; set and setting; and the importance of providing a therapeutic container. The chapter also characterizes the emerging evidence base for EMBARK, mentioning ongoing randomized clinical trials piloting the EMBARK model and the free EMBARK Open Access training program.