Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy: Emerging paradigm.

OBJECTIVE

To review psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy (PAP), including its principles, mechanisms of action, safety considerations, and current state of evidence relevant to Canadian primary care.

SOURCES OF INFORMATION: The evidence of PAP is evolving and is primarily derived from phase 2 and 3 clinical trials in specialized research settings. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses suggest potential benefit for selected conditions, though heterogeneity is high, and long-term comparative effectiveness relative to standard treatments remains uncertain.

MAIN MESSAGE: PAP combines structured psychotherapy with supervised administration of psychedelic medicines in controlled settings. While not a first-line treatment or a primary care-delivered intervention, family physicians may encounter patients seeking information, referral, or guidance regarding PAP and should be familiar with basic evidence, contraindications, access pathways, and harm-reduction considerations.

CONCLUSION

PAP represents an emerging intervention with potential clinical relevance for select patients. As research and regulatory frameworks continue to evolve in Canada, cautious, evidence-informed engagement by family physicians is warranted.