Psychedelics, Harm Reduction, and Ethical Care

Abstract

As public interest in psychedelics rises, psychologists will increasingly encounter clients who are considering or engaging in psychedelic use. This article provides an overview of key background contexts, the current landscape of psychedelic research, and the emerging clinical model of psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT). The author highlights key clinical and ethical challenges psychologists face: honoring client autonomy, providing harm reduction and accurate education, navigating legal constraints, and addressing systemic inequities. Evidence-based practice considerations are discussed for all psychologists, regardless of their training in psychedelic-assisted therapy. The article concludes with a call to action for culturally humble, ethically grounded, and socially just approaches to psychedelics within contemporary psychology.

Continuing Education Information

1 CE Credit, Instructional Level: Intermediate

1 Contact Hour (New York Board of Psychology)

Disclosures: Author has no conflicts of interest to disclose. Generative AI was not used for the development or content.

Learning Objectives:

1. List the stages of psychedelic-assisted therapy.
2. Describe ethical considerations involved with PAT.
3. Discuss components of effective psychedelic related care.

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