Emerging Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies: Implications for Nursing Practice

Psychedelic-assisted therapy is showing unprecedented success in treating mental illness, addictions, and end-of-life distress, marking a turning point in how complex human conditions can be treated. A scoping review of the literature found that the nurse's role in this field has been mostly invisible and remains under-explored and undefined. However, the nursing profession is ideally positioned to contribute to the future of this promising field. As advocates for safe, ethical, and interdisciplinary practice, nurses can lead development in psychedelic-assisted therapy practice, ethics, research, advocacy, policy, and education.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Background Psychedelic-assisted therapy research is demonstrating unprecedented rates of success in treating mental illness, addictions, and end-of-life distress. This psychedelic renaissance is a turning point in how complex human conditions can be treated and has implications for nursing knowledge, advocacy, and practice internationally. Objective This article aims to explore the current state of knowledge in the field of psychedelic-assisted therapy and the practice implications for nurses. Methods A scoping review of the literature was undertaken with a focus on mental health, addictions, and palliative care indications. Commentaries, syntheses, and reviews from the last 20 years were included, as well as all relevant primary study results. We then explored what is known about the nurse's past and present role in this field. Results The nurse's role in psychedelic-assisted therapy and research has been hitherto mostly invisible and thus remains under-explored and undefined. The profession is ideally positioned, however, to contribute to the future of this promising field. Conclusion As advocates for safe, ethical, and interdisciplinary practice, nurses can lead the development of psychedelic-assisted therapy practice, ethics, research, advocacy, policy, and education. This article provides guidance and support for prescient nursing leadership in these areas.