Real-world evidence of the collective effects of psychedelic therapy: Evaluating from the grassroots
Journal of Psychedelic Studies May 27, 2024 Tehseen Noorani, R. Liebert 2 citations
As psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) faces criticism of its trial evidence and moves toward legalization in some places, this paper proposes evaluating PAT not only through individual-level data but also through its collective, societal effects. Drawing on the transformative paradigm of evaluation, which prioritizes social justice and marginalized expertise, the authors outline a 'grassroots' approach. They offer eight examples of social issues linked to PAT and psychedelic use, suggesting relevant expertise and evaluation questions for each. The approach is guided by three values: rhizomatic accountability, dark reflexivity, and more-than-human hosting, which align with the contemporary practice of PAT. The aim is to spur discussion and action toward study designs that capture psychedelics' transformative potential in medicalized societies.