Journal of mood and anxiety disorders
December 1, 2023
Sierra Carter, Grace Packard, Callan Coghlan et al.
18 citations
Black Americans reported more positive views of psychedelic-assisted therapy than White Americans after receiving brief psychoeducation about MDMA and psilocybin-assisted therapy. Among 294 adults (44% Black/African American or Mixed Race with Black ancestry, 56% White American; average age 36.3 years), psychoeducation increased interest and positivity across both groups. Greater depression and PTSD symptom severity was linked to higher baseline interest in both groups, and Black participants with more severe depression showed even greater interest and more positive views. The findings suggest that research groups, not potential participants, are responsible for diversifying clinical trial samples and that rebuilding trust and providing culturally attuned interventions is needed.
Military Medicine
December 24, 2022
Joshua C. Gray, Mikela A. Murphy, Sierra Carter et al.
10 citations
Service members and veterans with traumatic brain injury and co-occurring symptoms initially held neutral views of psychedelic drugs and psychedelic-assisted therapies (PAT). After a brief psychoeducation session, their views of psychedelic drugs and interest in PAT became significantly more positive. Most participants supported making PAT available in medical settings if proven beneficial and would support a loved one engaging in PAT. The most common health concerns were long-term effects (43%), fear of losing one's mind (33%), fear of personality changes (33%), and fear of traumatic brain injury complications (24%). Logistical barriers included time, transportation, finances, work, and childcare, though 48% reported no barriers.
Journal of mood and anxiety disorders
March 1, 2024
Abigail Powers, Emma C Lathan, Elizabeth Mcafee et al.
7 citations
An adapted 8-week virtual mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) group intervention for Black adults with posttraumatic stress disorder and depression symptoms showed fair feasibility (70% overall) but low completion in the MBCT group (54%) compared to a waitlist control (90%). Among the 46 participants (89.3% women) recruited from an urban safety net hospital, acceptability was high for those who completed the program. Perceived barriers to psychological treatment were high (over 9). The intervention improved coping skills and led to positive health changes, but success depends on reducing engagement obstacles; further studies are needed.
Journal of mood and anxiety disorders
December 1, 2024
Malin Au, Rebecca Lipschutz, Yara Mekawi et al.
4 citations
Black adults in low-income urban settings experience high rates of trauma, PTSD, and depression but face treatment barriers. In a pilot randomized controlled trial, 80 Black adults with repeated trauma exposure and comorbid PTSD and depression were assigned to an adapted 8-week Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) or a waitlist control. No significant difference in overall PTSD or depression symptom reduction emerged between groups. However, avoidance symptoms—a specific PTSD cluster—decreased more in the MBCT group. These preliminary results suggest MBCT may help address avoidance in this population, but the study lacked statistical power for definitive conclusions.
Psychedelic medicine (New Rochelle, N.Y.)
June 1, 2025
Sierra Carter, Grace Packard, Jessica L Maples-Keller
Black Americans are underrepresented in psychedelic trials despite high mental health needs. In four focus groups with low-income, urban Black participants, three themes emerged: informed hesitation mixed with openness; trust, autonomy, and choice; and practical solutions to improve access. Participants voiced concerns about racism in healthcare, research, drug policy, and criminalization. They emphasized building trust through community investment, autonomy, and addressing barriers like childcare and transportation. The findings support centering Black Americans' needs in psychedelic-assisted therapy to improve access and care quality.