Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy: Emerging paradigm.
Daniel Shane, Sabrina Akhtar, Emma Hapke
Canadian family physician Medecin de famille canadien October 2026 DOI: 10.46747/cfp.7210605 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Psychedelic-assisted therapy |
| Key findings | The authors argue that psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy is an emerging intervention with potential relevance for select patients, supported mainly by phase 2 and 3 trials in specialized settings. They note that systematic reviews and meta-analyses suggest possible benefit but heterogeneity is high and long-term comparative effectiveness versus standard treatments remains uncertain, so cautious, evidence-informed engagement by family physicians is warranted. |
Abstract
To review psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy (PAP), including its principles, mechanisms of action, safety considerations, and current state of evidence relevant to Canadian primary care. The evidence of PAP is evolving and is primarily derived from phase 2 and 3 clinical trials in specialized research settings. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses suggest potential benefit for selected conditions, though heterogeneity is high, and long-term comparative effectiveness relative to standard treatments remains uncertain. PAP combines structured psychotherapy with supervised administration of psychedelic medicines in controlled settings. While not a first-line treatment or a primary care-delivered intervention, family physicians may encounter patients seeking information, referral, or guidance regarding PAP and should be familiar with basic evidence, contraindications, access pathways, and harm-reduction considerations. PAP represents an emerging intervention with potential clinical relevance for select patients. As research and regulatory frameworks continue to evolve in Canada, cautious, evidence-informed engagement by family physicians is warranted.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on psychedelic-assisted therapy, most cited first.