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Improving Access to Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy: Barriers, Challenges, and Recommendations

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 August 2024

V. Tsang*
Affiliation:
UBC, Vancouver, Canada
C. Roney
Affiliation:
UBC, Vancouver, Canada
*
*Corresponding author.

Abstract

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Introduction

Psilocybin-assisted therapy (PAT) has demonstrated significant potential in alleviating anxiety, depression, and psychological distress among individuals with terminal illnesses. However, numerous barriers prevent equitable access to this transformative treatment.

Objectives

This study seeks to gather the perspectives of patients on the waitlist of PAT.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews highlight the challenges faced by patients seeking PAT and their care providers and propose recommendations to enhance accessibility.

Results

Through a case study of Roots to Thrive, a non-profit healthcare practice offering group-based PAT, obstacles such as complex application processes, fear of judgement, logistical and financial constraints, and systemic inequities are revealed. Moreover, Health Canada’s stringent control of PAT access via clinical trials and the Special Access Program (SAP) presents challenges for primary care providers and hinders the involvement of trained practitioners. The moral distress experienced by patients and providers due to delayed or denied access further emphasizes the urgency of addressing these barriers.

Conclusions

Advocates are calling for streamlined referral systems, expedited services for end-of-life patients, formal billing infrastructure, practitioner education, expanded coverage, legislative adjustments, post-therapy support, and collaboration with non-profit organizations and Indigenous Healers to promote equitable and effective PAT. By implementing these recommendations, barriers to PAT can be overcome, allowing more individuals to benefit from this therapy and find relief from the psychological distress associated with their conditions.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared

Type
Abstract
Creative Commons
Creative Common License - CCCreative Common License - BY
This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted re-use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2024. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of European Psychiatric Association
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