Psychedelic-Assisted Group Therapy: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Psychopharmacology
• Clinical Psychology
• Psychotherapy Research

Background:

• Early 20th-century research established foundational clinical knowledge of psychedelic substances like LSD and psilocybin.
• Recent reviews have primarily focused on psychedelic-assisted individual psychotherapy, overlooking group modalities.
• Psychedelics were historically employed to augment group therapy across diverse patient populations and conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and compile published experimental studies on psychedelic-assisted group therapy.
• To characterize these studies by clinical approach, methodology, and outcomes.
• To generate hypotheses for future research on psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, group dynamics, and interpersonal functioning.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review of published studies in English and Spanish.
• Inclusion criteria focused on experimental studies of psychedelic-assisted group therapy.
• Data extraction and synthesis of clinical approach, experimental design, and reported outcomes.

Main Results:

• Identified and compiled a body of literature on psychedelic-assisted group therapies.
• Characterized the reviewed studies based on their therapeutic models, research designs, and observed clinical effects.
• Highlighted the historical use of psychedelics to enhance group therapy efficacy.

Conclusions:

• There is a need for systematic compilation of research on psychedelic-assisted group therapy.
• This review provides a foundation for future research into group psychedelic therapy.
• Findings aim to stimulate new hypotheses regarding psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, group processes, and interpersonal outcomes.