Social Worker Attitudes towards Psychedelics
Eva Nowakowski-Sims, Joshua Holzworth
Clinical Social Work Journal February 6, 2025 DOI: 10.1007/s10615-025-00988-9 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractSocial workers hold generally positive attitudes toward using psychedelics to treat mental health disorders, but most lack knowledge about delivering psychedelic-assisted therapy. In a survey of 168 social workers (69.3% female, 73.1% white), prior personal use of psychedelics, previous training, being male, and non-Christian identity predicted more favorable attitudes. Only 19% reported being knowledgeable about providing psychedelic-assisted therapy, yet 75% expressed interest in learning more, highlighting a gap that calls for specialized training programs.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Cross-sectional survey Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 168 |
| Population | Social workers |
| Keywords | Social work Social psychology Psychoanalysis Political science |
| Citations | 1 |
| Key finding | Social workers have positive attitudes toward psychedelics for mental health treatment, but only 19% feel knowledgeable about delivering psychedelic-assisted therapy, while 75% are interested in learning more. |
Abstract
Abstract The use of psychedelics in treating mental health disorders is gaining attention due to a growing evidence base and pending FDA approval. Very little is known regarding what social workers know and how they feel about psychedelics as a treatment for mental health disorders. The purpose of this study was to explore social worker attitudes towards psychedelics and social worker knowledge and interest in using psychedelics with psychological support (PAT). One hundred sixty-eight social workers (69.3% female, 73.1% white) completed an online survey. Overall, social workers had positive attitudes towards psychedelics. Previous use with psychedelics, previous training with psychedelics, being male, and non-Christian predicted positive attitudes toward psychedelics. Only 19% reported they were knowledgeable about delivering psychedelics with psychological support, indicating a lack of knowledge, but 75% were interested in learning more about incorporating psychedelics with psychological support, pointing to the need for specialized training.