At the Forefront: Social Workers’ Role in Psilocybin Treatment for Depression and Substance Misuse

Social workers have a critical role in harnessing the therapeutic potential of psilocybin for treating major depressive disorder and substance use disorder. Contemporary treatments for depression often have side effects, and success rates for substance use disorder treatments remain low. Clinical trials show psilocybin-assisted therapy is effective in mitigating depression and shows promise in reducing substance use disorder symptoms, with long-lasting effects after a single dose. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has recognized psilocybin as a breakthrough therapy, and accelerating psychedelic reform bills indicate growing acceptance. Recommendations for social workers to engage in investigation, advocacy, and implementation are provided.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract This article underscores the critical role of social workers in harnessing the potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin for treating major depressive disorder (MDD) and substance use disorder (SUD). Contemporary treatments for MDD often have side effects, and the success rate for SUD treatments remains low. The pervasiveness of MDD, combined with the challenges in treating SUD, highlights a need for innovative treatments. This article provides an overview of the resurgence of literature over the past two decades that illuminates the therapeutic promise of psilocybin for mental health treatment; clinical trials elucidate the efficacy of psilocybin-assisted therapy in mitigating MDD and demonstrate great promise in reducing SUD symptoms. The long-lasting posttreatment effect emphasizes its potential as a novel treatment modality. Furthermore, psilocybin’s recognition as a “breakthrough therapy” by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the accelerating pace of psychedelic reform bills indicate growing acceptance and interest in its therapeutic capacities. Psilocybin-assisted therapy emerges as a potent treatment option, showcasing remarkable effectiveness even after a single dose. Recommendations and pathways for social workers to be involved in psilocybin-assisted therapy investigation, advocacy, and implementation are provided.