The code less travelled: Can the Canadian Psychological Association code of ethics support ethical decision making in the new era of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy?
Sarah Mcnamee, David Nickles, Lily Kay Ross, E. Tumilty, Heather B. Macintosh
Canadian Psychology / Psychologie canadienne October 20, 2025 DOI: 10.1037/cap0000451 via Semantic Scholar
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractThe Canadian Psychological Association Code of Ethics provides a framework that can support ethical decision-making in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, but its application requires careful consideration of unique challenges such as managing altered states of consciousness, ensuring informed consent, and addressing boundary issues. The code's principles of respect for dignity, responsible caring, integrity, and social responsibility offer guidance, yet the novel therapeutic context demands additional ethical reflection and potential adaptations to maintain professional standards.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Psychology |
| Key finding | The Canadian Psychological Association Code of Ethics can be applied to psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy but requires careful adaptation to address unique ethical challenges in this emerging treatment context. |
Abstract
The Code Less Travelled: Can the Canadian Psychological Association Code of Ethics Support Ethical Decision Making in the New Era of Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy?