Improving Access to Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy: Barriers, Challenges, and Recommendations
European Psychiatry April 1, 2024 Venessa Tsang, C. Roney 1 citation
Patients awaiting psilocybin-assisted therapy (PAT) face complex application processes, fear of judgement, logistical and financial constraints, and systemic inequities. Health Canada's strict control through clinical trials and the Special Access Program creates challenges for primary care providers and limits involvement of trained practitioners. Moral distress from delayed or denied access underscores the urgency of addressing these barriers. Advocates recommend streamlined referrals, expedited services for end-of-life patients, formal billing infrastructure, practitioner education, expanded coverage, legislative adjustments, post-therapy support, and collaboration with non-profits and Indigenous Healers to promote equitable and effective PAT.