Ethical Considerations in Psychedelics in Mental Health Treatment

In recent years, the landscape of psychedelic therapy has evolved dramatically. Cities and states have begun to decriminalize certain psychedelics, and substances such as psilocybin and MDMA are nearing FDA approval for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder and PTSD.

As the use of psychedelics becomes more common in therapeutic settings, it is crucial for practitioners to be well-versed in the ethical considerations unique to this modality. Understanding the clinical ethics of psychedelic therapy helps us provide safe, competent, and legally sound recommendations for clients.

This workshop will cover crucial topics in clinical ethics related to psychedelic therapy, including scope of practice when recommending psychedelic treatment, navigating the legal landscape at both local and federal levels, and addressing other key ethical considerations.

Learning Objectives

Participants will gain insights into the following:

· The history of medical use of psychedelics.

· Psychological and neuroscientific theories around how these treatments work.

· An overview of current research into the use of psychedelics in mental health treatment.

This workshop satisfies the State of Illinois ethics requirement for social workers and clinical psychologists.