A systematized review of 82 sources examined best therapeutic practices during administration sessions with serotonergic psychedelics and entactogens as adjuncts to psychotherapy. Information about substances, dosages, number of sessions, common client issues, types of experiences, music, and therapeutic conduct was summarized and compared. The effects of different therapeutic models, methods, techniques, and complex interventions on outcomes have not been rigorously investigated. Most available evidence was anecdotal, limiting conclusive statements about appropriate therapeutic conduct. Essential components of therapeutic interventions remain largely tentative, necessitating systematic investigation.
Serotonergic psychedelics and entactogens are being studied as adjuncts in substance-assisted psychotherapy (SAPT) for various disorders. SAPT includes three phases: preparation, administration, and integration, where insights from the psychedelic experience are applied to everyday life. A systematised review of 75 publications found that the effects of different therapeutic approaches for integration sessions on outcomes have not been rigorously investigated. Most available evidence lacks empirical data, limiting conclusions about appropriate frameworks. Current clinical studies mostly draw from the humanistic–experiential tradition. Although integration is considered crucial for safe SAPT, there is insufficient evidence to suggest any therapy type is effective for guiding integration sessions.