Assessing logistical and ethical barriers for psychedelic-assisted therapy implementation: A cross-sectional pharmacist survey
Psychedelics April 20, 2026 Sophia M. Castillo, Noelle Cataldo, Cody J. Wenthur
Pharmacists perceive treatment costs and legal barriers as significantly greater obstacles for psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) than for current major depressive disorder treatments, while ethical barriers are seen as similar. Pharmacists express significantly greater support for prescription use of psychedelics over self-medication for depression in scenarios including post-suicide attempt, suicide prophylaxis, and after failing two or more antidepressants, as well as in elderly, incarcerated, active-duty military, and veteran populations. Overall, pharmacists view PAT as a helpful addition to existing depression treatments.