The Role of Psychedelics and Counseling in Mental Health Treatment

Psychedelics such as ketamine, MDMA, and psilocybin have a long history of use for mental health and addiction, but were classified as having no medical value by the FDA after misuse and flawed trials in the mid-20th century. Recent research indicates that psychedelic-assisted therapy can significantly reduce depression and suicidal ideation in treatment-resistant clients and may help with other mental health and addiction issues. Effective therapy requires mental health counseling before, during, and after treatment. This manuscript shares the latest research and discusses how mental health counselors can contribute to this reemerging therapeutic trend.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Psychedelics (i.e., ketamine, methylenedioxymethamphetamine, psilocybin) have been effectively used globally for centuries to treat mental health and addiction issues. However, in the 1950s–1970s, a number of factors, including misuse, abuse, and poorly conceptualized and conducted clinical trials, caused the Federal Drug Administration to classify most of the psychedelic substances as having no medical value. Now, however, recent research is indicating that psychedelic-assisted therapy can significantly reduce depression and suicidal ideation in treatment-resistant clients, and it may be efficacious in treating other mental health and addiction issues as well. Researchers have also identified the critical therapeutic components that ensure effective psychedelic-assisted therapy, not least the need for mental health counseling before, during, and after treatment. The purpose of this manuscript is to share the latest psychedelic therapy research and to discuss how mental health counselors can contribute to this reemerging therapeutic trend.