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Differences in attitudes and beliefs about psychedelic-assisted therapy among social workers, psychiatrists, and psychologists in the United States

Bibliographic Data

ID5305183
AuthorsB Armstrong (0000-0003-0869-7511, Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies, corresponding author), Adam W Levin (0000-0002-9167-462X, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center), Yitong Xin (0000-0001-5871-1137, Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies), Jordan C Horan (Independent Researcher, Portage, MI, USA), Jordan Horan, Jason Luoma, Jason B Luoma (0000-0002-3601-7037, Oregon Clinic), Paul Nagib (0000-0001-8538-3116, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center), Brian Pilecki (0000-0002-3943-3386, Oregon Clinic), A K Davis (0000-0003-4770-8893, Johns Hopkins University)
Year2023
Volume7
IssueS1
Pages61-67
Publication date2023-12-29
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Psychedelic Studies (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2559-9283 • E-ISSN: 2559-9283
PublisherAkademiai Kiado Zrt (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1556/2054.2023.00245
OpenAlexW4386021334
LanguageEN
Citations received5
References cited23

Background and aimsBecause psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) is likely to be provided by interdisciplinary professional teams comprised of social workers, psychologists, and psychiatrists, understanding the acceptability of this treatment approach among these professional disciplines is essential as the treatment advances through approval processes at the Food and Drug Administration.MethodsThe study includes data from three separate survey studies investigating the attitudes and beliefs about PAT among national samples of social workers (n = 309), psychiatrists (n = 181), and psychologists (n = 366). The combined sample (n = 856) was predominantly female (64.3%), with a mean age of 49 (SD = 16.13), and 17 (SD = 13.56) years of professional experience.ResultsThere were no significant differences between groups in confidence that PAT would be effective. However, there were significant between-group differences in psychiatrists' understanding of PAT compared to social workers. Next, psychologists' mean ratings of the acceptability of PAT were significantly greater than social workers' ratings. Mean ratings about believing that PAT was a reasonable treatment approach were higher among psychologists compared to social workers and psychiatrists. Additionally, mean ratings regarding the disadvantages of PAT were significantly greater among social workers compared to psychologists and psychiatrists. Lastly, social workers' ratings that PAT could permanently improve clients' lives were significantly lower than psychiatrists and psychologists.ConclusionsFindings help elucidate overall impressions of PAT among disciplines likely involved in providing this treatment should it be approved and suggest the need for education and training across professions. However, given the inconsistencies across disciplines, more research is needed to inform successful interdisciplinary training programs and better understand potential barriers to dissemination of this new treatment

Psychiatry · Body Image and Dysmorphia Studies · Clinical Psychology · Complementary and Alternative Medicine Studies · Psychedelics and Drug Studies · Psychology · Social Work

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Unique citing works5
Citations per year5
Citation span2025 - 2026 (2)
Citation velocitycurrent
Highly citedNo
Citation typesNeutral: 5

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