Attitudes and Beliefs about the Therapeutic Use of Psychedelic Drugs among Psychologists in the United States

Clinical psychologists in the United States hold cautiously favorable attitudes toward psychedelic-assisted therapy but express concerns about psychiatric and neurocognitive risks. Most surveyed psychologists report lacking a full understanding of psychedelics' effects and indicate a need for additional consultation. They endorse positive beliefs about the potential of psychedelic treatment and the need for further research. The findings highlight the need to increase education and training about psychedelics for psychologists to enhance knowledge and reduce stigma.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Psychologists are a vital component of mental health treatment and their perceptions of psychedelic-assisted therapy are critical for future implementation. This cross-sectional quasi-experimental electronic survey study explored the attitudes about psychedelics used in treatment among 366 clinical psychologists in the United States. Participants expressed cautiously favorable attitudes toward therapeutic psychedelic experiences but indicated concern about possible psychiatric and neurocognitive risks. Most participants indicated that they lack an understanding of the full range of effects of psychedelics, would need to seek out additional consultation, and endorsed positive beliefs in the potential of psychedelic treatment and the need for further research. Overall, this research identified the need to increase education and training about psychedelics for psychologists in order to help increase knowledge and reduce stigma about psychedelic therapies.