Mental health professionals' attitudes toward psilocybin were neutral, but their self-rated knowledge of the substance was low. Whether the survey used the term 'Psilocybin' or 'Magic Mushrooms' did not significantly affect responses. Gender, attitudes toward medical cannabis, and personal history of psychedelic use were associated with ratings of psilocybin. These findings offer a baseline of mental health professionals' views on psilocybin, which may inform considerations if it receives FDA approval.
Medical students hold generally positive attitudes toward psychedelic-assisted therapy, but their attitudes are significantly more favorable when the term "psilocybin" is used instead of "magic mushrooms." Personal experience with psychedelics is linked to more positive attitudes, beliefs, and higher self-rated knowledge. Attitudes and beliefs are stronger predictors of willingness to recommend psychedelic-assisted therapy, if FDA approved, than personal experience alone. The findings suggest that using the term "psilocybin" may be preferable in research and educational contexts.