Psychedelic-Assisted Groups in the U.S.: A Culturally Responsive Counseling Approach
International Journal for the Advancement of Counselling June 14, 2025 Isaac Burt
Psychedelic-assisted groups (PAGs) may help clients who do not respond to traditional talk therapy, but U.S. practitioners often hesitate due to societal perceptions and scope-of-practice concerns. The article provides a historical overview of psychedelic treatments, emphasizing Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) ancestral group practices alongside Westernized methods. It addresses group dynamics including recruitment, screening, selection, and therapeutic processes, with attention to multicultural and social justice aspects and facilitator characteristics. The author contends that if reconnected to its BIPOC roots, PAGs can serve as a culturally responsive intervention for diverse clients.