"Honoring Beautiful Connections": LGBTQA+ Perspectives on Providing Safe and Inclusive Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy.
Riccardo Miceli Mcmillan, James A Fowler, Tamara Erbacher, Renee E E Ireland, Samantha J Brown, Annette Brömdal, Grace Y Wang, Amy B Mullens
Journal of homosexuality July 8, 2025 DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2025.2526046 via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractLGBTQA+ individuals who have used classic psychedelics emphasize that healthcare providers must examine their own biases and learn relevant language to build trust and ensure safety during preparation sessions. Providers should adopt a flexible, client-led approach when supporting identity exploration, particularly around returning from a 'universal consciousness' experience. They also need to thoughtfully modulate their presence during clients' psychedelic experiences. These findings highlight the need for psychedelic-assisted therapy protocols that acknowledge the varied experiences and needs of LGBTQA+ communities.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 43 |
| Population | LGBTQA+ individuals aged 18+ who had used a classic psychedelic at least once in a non-microdose manner |
| Keywords | Lgbtqia+ Psychedelics Acceptability Affirming care Intervention design |
| Citations | 2 |
| Key finding | LGBTQA+ individuals consider it important for healthcare providers to reflect on their biases, learn LGBTQA+ language, adopt a flexible client-led approach to identity exploration, and thoughtfully modulate their presence during psychedelic experiences. |
Abstract
Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy (PAT) is a rapidly growing therapeutic approach that to date has rarely considered the nuanced needs of LGBTQA+ individuals. This study explores what LGBTQA+ individuals consider important for healthcare providers (HCPs) to consider when providing PAT. A global sample of LGBTQA+ individuals aged 18+ who had experience using a classic psychedelic compound at least once in a non-microdose manner were recruited into an online survey. Of 130 responses, 43 provided qualitative data relevant for the present study. Data were analyzed using an inductive reflexive thematic approach and three themes were developed. Theme 1 "Reflect on Your Biases and Learn the Language" described how HCPs should learn about LGBTQA+ issues to build trust and ensure safety during preparation sessions. Theme 2 "Identity and the Return from Universal Consciousness" described how HCPs should adopt a flexible, client-led approach when supporting identity exploration. Theme 3 "The Art of Being-There"described how HCPs should thoughtfully modulate their presence during clients' psychedelic experiences. These findings offer nuanced insights into enhancing the development of PAT protocols tailored for clients from LGBTQA+ communities, underscoring the need for care that acknowledges the variety of experiences and needs of LGBTQA+ individuals.