Compass Psychological Support Model for COMP360 Psilocybin Treatment of Serious Mental Health Conditions
Namik Kirlic, Molly Lennard-Jones, Merve Atli, Ekaterina Malievskaia, Don Koelpin, Nadav Liam Modlin, Stéphanie Knatz Peck, A.w.k. Gaillard, Guy M. Goodwin
American Journal of Psychiatry 2025 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.20230884 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Participants with treatment-resistant depression in Compass-sponsored clinical trials of investigational COMP360 psilocybin treatment |
| Intervention | Compass Psychological Support Model (CPSM) |
| Topics | Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Mental health Psychotherapist Compass Hallucinogen Clinical psychology |
| Citations | 27 |
| Key points | Argues that the Compass Psychological Support Model provides a structured framework for psychological support during investigational psilocybin treatment, with associated training and fidelity programs to ensure consistent delivery. |
Abstract
The psychedelic experience can be challenging. There is a need for a structured framework for providing psychological support to individuals with mental health conditions receiving investigational psilocybin treatment. The primary benefit of such a framework is to support a safe and meaningful psilocybin experience. It also enables future research on the facets of psychological support and/or psychotherapy that most optimally complement psilocybin treatment. The authors describe the Compass Psychological Support Model (CPSM), currently used to support participants with treatment-resistant depression in Compass-sponsored clinical trials of investigational COMP360 psilocybin treatment. The authors also outline the therapist training, mentoring, and fidelity assessment programs they have developed to ensure the quality and consistency of the CPSM delivery.