An Overview of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy

Chapter 1 introduces psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) and the EMBARK model, a new transdiagnostic and trans-drug approach adaptable to various conditions and psychedelic medicines. It critiques conventional PAT history for omitting harm and marginalized groups' stories. The chapter outlines common PAT elements: preparation, medicine, and integration phases; therapist dyads; set and setting; and the therapeutic container. It notes growing interest in psychedelic medicines for mental health disorders, especially depression, and mentions ongoing randomized clinical trials piloting EMBARK, plus a free open-access training program.

Study at a glance

Abstract

AbstractChapter 1 introduces the concept of psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) and the EMBARK psychedelic therapy model, a new approach to PAT and psychological support. The chapter serves as an orientation to the book, outlining its structure and intended audiences. It discusses the growing interest in psychedelic medicines for treating mental health disorders, particularly depression. The authors provide a conventional history of PAT research and criticize this history for missing critical histories of harm and the stories of marginalized groups. The EMBARK model is introduced, offering a transdiagnostic and trans-drug approach adaptable to various indications and psychedelic medicines. The authors review common PAT elements, including the preparation, medicine, and integration phases of treatment; therapist dyads; set and setting; and the importance of providing a therapeutic container. The chapter also characterizes the emerging evidence base for EMBARK, mentioning ongoing randomized clinical trials piloting the EMBARK model and the free EMBARK Open Access training program.