Attitudes toward psychedelics and psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy among Australian mental healthcare providers
Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry July 15, 2025 Zohaib Nadeem, Stephen Parker, Hugh McGovern et al. 7 citations
Australian mental health clinicians—general practitioners, psychiatrists, and psychologists—generally hold positive attitudes toward psychedelic-assisted therapy, but concerns about safety and efficacy persist, especially among psychiatrists. Psychiatrists were significantly more likely than psychologists to perceive psychedelic use as unsafe under medical supervision and to question the scientific rigor of current research. Many clinicians relied on informal sources like podcasts and internet media for information, indicating gaps in evidence-based education. Clinicians who had personal experience with psychedelics were more likely to agree that these substances improve outcomes when combined with psychotherapy and show promise for treating psychiatric disorders. Targeted educational initiatives from professional bodies are needed to support informed clinical decision-making.