Differences in attitudes and beliefs about psychedelic-assisted therapy among social workers, psychiatrists, and psychologists in the United States
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Published:2023-12-29
Issue:S1
Volume:7
Page:61-67
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ISSN:2559-9283
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Container-title:Journal of Psychedelic Studies
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language:
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Short-container-title:JPS
Author:
Armstrong Stacey B.1ORCID, Levin Adam W.12, Xin Yitong1, Horan Jordan C.3, Luoma Jason4, Nagib Paul2, Pilecki Brian4, Davis Alan K.125ORCID
Affiliation:
1. The Ohio State University – Center for Psychedelic Drug Research and Education, Columbus, OH, USA 2. The Ohio State University – Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA 3. Independent Researcher, Portage, MI, USA 4. Portland Psychotherapy Clinic Research and Training Center, Portland, OR, USA 5. Johns Hopkins University, Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, Baltimore, MD, USA
Abstract
AbstractBackground 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.
Funder
Portland Psychotherapy Clinic and Training Center Drug Enforcement and Policy Center at the Mortiz College of Law at Ohio State University The Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, funded by Tim Ferriss, Matt Mullenweg, Craig Nerenberg, Blake Mycoskie, and the Steven and Alexandra Cohen Foundation Center for Psychedelic Drug Research and Education, funded by anonymous private donors
Publisher
Akademiai Kiado Zrt.
Subject
Pharmacology (medical),Biological Psychiatry,Psychiatry and Mental health,Clinical Psychology,Anthropology,Health (social science),Social Psychology
Reference43 articles.
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