Pasifika healthcare professionals' perspectives on psychedelic-assisted therapy
Journal of Psychedelic Studies June 12, 2025 Musheerah Nuha, Lisa Reynolds, Jessee Fia’ali’i 2 citations
Pasifika healthcare professionals in New Zealand generally have low awareness of psychedelics and psychedelic-assisted therapy, but they support further research and see potential benefits, especially when spiritual and Indigenous elements are prioritized. Openness to such therapy is linked to awareness and ethnic identity, while strong religious or spiritual beliefs, prior research roles, or experience treating anxiety/depression in professional roles hinder it. Qualitative interviews confirm openness to research despite cultural and religious concerns, driven by inadequate mental health treatments for Pasifika communities, but impeded by insufficient information on efficacy.