Psychedelics in Practice: Science, Safety, and the Future of Healing
PROCEEDINGS OF THE SLIIT INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON ADVANCEMENTS IN SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES [SICASH] October 10, 2025 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.54389/epsd8792 via Semantic Scholar
Summary
Psychedelic-assisted therapies are re-emerging as credible options in mental health care, with evidence for treating depression, PTSD, end-of-life anxiety, and addictions. Classic and atypical compounds like psilocybin and MDMA act through mechanisms including 5-HT2A receptor effects and increased brain connectivity, creating a time-limited neuroplasticity window that psychotherapy can harness. Positive outcomes depend on the therapeutic frame—preparation, supported dosing, and structured integration—rather than medication alone. Risks, contraindications, regulatory realities, and cultural-ethical considerations, including Indigenous knowledge and equity of access, are addressed.
Study at a glance
| Design | review |
|---|---|
| Key finding | Psychedelic-assisted therapies show clinical promise for treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, end-of-life anxiety, and addictions, with outcomes dependent on a structured therapeutic frame rather than medication alone. |
Abstract
Psychedelic-assisted therapies are re-emerging as credible options in psychological care amid a high global burden of mental ill-health and limited response to first-line treatments. Once marginal, psychedelics are now part of mainstream research and policy debate, while remaining illegal or tightly restricted in many jurisdictions. Classic and atypical compounds (e.g., psilocybin, MDMA) act via mechanisms that include 5- HT2A–mediated effects, default mode network modulation, increased global connectivity, and a timelimited neuroplasticity window that psychotherapy can harness. Evidence for clinical applications spans treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, end-of-life anxiety, and addictions. Central to positive outcomes is the therapeutic frame, including preparation, supported dosing, and structured integration, rather than medication alone. Risks and contraindications, regulatory realities, and cultural–ethical considerations (including acknowledgement of Indigenous knowledge and equity of access) will be addressed. Implications for practice will be highlighted, alongside succinct directions for future research.