Psychedelics in Psychiatry, the Nursing Influence, and the Future of Psychedelic Therapies

Psychedelic-assisted therapies are approaching approval as medical treatments in the United States, both through FDA-regulated pathways and state-level decriminalization. This shift will require a trained workforce of facilitators, and psychiatric-mental health nurses are well positioned to fill key roles. Drawing on historical data and modern applications, the article argues that nurses have previously been involved in such therapies and can provide a wide range of functions once these treatments become available.

Study at a glance

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Psychedelics and psychedelic-assisted therapies (PATs) are on the cusp of becoming medicalized treatment modalities within the United States, both as potential U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved treatment and therapeutic options outside the medical model, through decriminalization efforts within individual states. Bringing with it a paradigm shift in the delivery of health care for both physical and mental health treatment. A workforce of highly trained facilitators will be needed to meet the anticipated demand for this type of treatment and nurses can play a key role in meeting this demand. This article serves to introduce psychedelic-assisted therapies to psychiatric-mental health nurses as we start to see this new field emerge. METHOD: Review of published literature and other media. RESULTS: Results based on historical data, modern applications, and future considerations. CONCLUSIONS: Nurses have been involved with psychedelic-assisted therapies in the past and are fully capable of providing a wide range of roles upon the anticipated approval as a treatment modality.