From trials to clinics: investigators’ perspectives on translating psychedelic research into clinical care
Translational Behavioral Medicine January 1, 2026 Joshua Mitchell, Logan Neitzke-Spruill, David S Mathai et al. 1 citation
Clinical investigators anticipate that psychedelic medicine, including MDMA and psilocybin, could eventually fit into routine clinical care and may even improve it, despite distinct challenges. These treatments differ from existing ones in drug effects, treatment models, and broader goals. Key translational challenges include uncertainty about the role of psychotherapy, high treatment costs and scalability issues, and the effects of hype and stigma on clinical uptake. The findings are based on interviews with 21 investigators at major academic psychedelic research centers across the United States.