Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy: The Emerging Role of the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse
Saudi Journal of Medicine and Public Health December 31, 2024 Khalaud Naseeb Alhajry, Zahra Mohammed Sukairi, Hamidah Abdullah Lajami et al.
Psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) shows robust effectiveness for depression, PTSD, substance use disorders, and end-of-life distress, with effect sizes ranging from 0.7 to 1.2. Psychiatric-mental health nurses (PMHNs) are well positioned to deliver PAT due to their integrated care skills, but their roles remain poorly defined and they lead only 5% of trials. A systematic review of literature from 2000 to 2025 found that PMHNs contribute to safety and outcomes through trust building, monitoring, and integration. Legal barriers, lack of funding, and inequities persist. Greater training, research leadership, and policy changes are needed for equitable adoption.