Psychedelic- and Substance-Assisted Therapies in Global Mental Health: Bridging Cultures, Evidence, and Access.

Psychedelic- and substance-assisted therapies for PTSD and depression are mostly developed in high-income countries, but they could be relevant for global mental health, especially in conflict zones and humanitarian settings. Their equitable use faces cultural, ethical, regulatory, and resource challenges. Responsible implementation needs culturally grounded, ethically robust, and context-sensitive approaches, not uncritical expansion.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Psychedelic- and substance-assisted therapies, including MDMA, psilocybin, and ketamine, are gaining attention for conditions such as PTSD and depression, yet their development and implementation remain largely concentrated in high-income settings. This graphical abstract summarizes the central argument of the commentary: while these interventions may hold relevance for global mental health, particularly in conflict-affected and humanitarian contexts, their equitable use is constrained by cultural, ethical, regulatory, and resource-related challenges. Responsible implementation requires culturally grounded, ethically robust, and context-sensitive pathways rather than uncritical expansion.