Session: Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy (Society for Social Work and Research 29th Annual Conference)

Psychedelics (e.g., 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine [MDMA], lysergic acid diethylamide [LSD], psilocybin) are classes of psychoactive agents that alter consciousness and can produce therapeutic benefits when paired with psychotherapy. Over the past decade, clinical trials of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy (PAT) have shown promising results for treating a number of mental health conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety/depression associated with life-threatening illnesses (e.g., cancer), eating disorders, and alcohol use disorder and tobacco use disorder. Regulatory agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have acknowledged the promise and safety of PAT. For example, in 2017 MDMA-assisted therapy received Breakthrough Therapy designation for the treatment of PTSD, and in 2018 and 2019, psilocybin-assisted therapy received breakthrough designation for treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder, respectively. Both are unique for pairing a drug under investigation with assisted-(psycho)therapy (AT). The FDA has approved a drug application for MDMA-AT with designated Priority Review and a decision is expected by September 2024. Psilocybin-AT is anticipated to be reviewed in 2026. Given this timeline, social work researchers and practitioners must think critically about how to best translate this promising treatment from randomized control trials to real-world settings where it has the potential to improve health outcomes for marginalized communities. Through this SIG, we aim to convene and organize a group of social work researchers and practitioners interested in PAT to advance the science and practice of this innovative treatment.