Psychedelic Use and Psychological Healing Among Gender Exploring Clients: Clinicians’ Perspectives
Women & Therapy May 12, 2026 Esenia Cassidy, Juliana Riccardi, Britt Healy et al.
Gender-exploring individuals use psychedelics outside clinical settings for psychological healing, and these experiences influence their psychotherapy, according to mental health professionals interviewed. Four themes emerged: processing gender-based rejection, engaging with gender role models, seeking exploration and authenticity, and striving for healing through psychedelics—including breakthrough moments and self-acceptance. The findings suggest psychedelics can facilitate gender exploration and psychological healing, pointing to a need for more inclusive approaches in psychedelic research and therapy.