Thank you for your interest in our study!
As access to psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) expands, there is an active debate regarding how the therapists delivering it should be trained. What qualifications should they have? What clinical experience matters? And what should they bring to the role – in terms of training, skills, and personal experience? One important question is whether those delivering PAT should have their own first-hand psychedelic experience, and whether this should be built into their training. Several studies have explored therapist views on this topic, but there is little research asking patients what they think.
As such, we want to understand your views. Should therapists delivering PAT have personal experience with psychedelics? How important is this to you? Should they tell you about it? And what shapes your thinking on this?
Approved by the University of Exeter Psychology Research Ethics Committee (ID: 12593264)
PAT is an emerging treatment that combines the use of psychedelics and psychotherapy, with promising findings for treating conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD and addiction. A number of countries have now licensed PAT for clinical use, and research continues across the UK, Europe, and the US.
Unlike standard medication which is typically prescribed and taken independently, PAT involves close therapeutic support, with a therapist guiding the patient through each stage of the process.
Preparation sessions focus on building trust, establishing safety, and helping patients feel ready for the psychedelic experience. During the dosing session, patients lie down wearing eye shades and listen to carefully curated music, creating a setting designed to support inward focus. The therapist remains by the patient’s side throughout to offer support as they work through difficult thoughts, feelings, and memories. This is followed by integration sessions, where patients work with their therapist to process and make sense of what they experienced.
Illustrative image of a PAT treatment room.
We are keen to hear from two groups:
1: Those who have never undergone PAT, but have experienced a mental health difficulty at some point in their life (a formal diagnosis is not required).
2: Those who have already undergone PAT in any setting, such as clinical trials, private medical clinics including ketamine clinics, legal retreats (abroad), ceremonial or traditional settings, and underground or private practice.
If either of these applies to you, we’d love to hear from you.
At the end of the survey, you can choose whether to enter a prize draw for £200 and/or register interest in a 30-minute follow-up interview (£25 for your time), where we can explore your views in more depth. Contact details are collected separately and stored apart from your survey responses.
Please read the full Participant Information Sheet before completing the survey. You can also download it as a PDF. You will also be asked to confirm consent at the start of the survey. All responses are anonymous.
Some questions in this study ask about mental health history, previous drug use, and personal therapeutic experiences. If taking part brings up any difficult feelings, you may wish to contact Samaritans (116 123) for general emotional support. For difficulties specifically related to psychedelic experiences, please visit ICEERS or Fireside Project.
Dan Kirkland – dk476@exeter.ac.uk
Professor Celia Morgan – celia.morgan@exeter.ac.uk
If you have concerns about the conduct of the study, please contact the Psychology Research Ethics Committee at psychologyethics@exeter.ac.uk (Ethics Application ID: 12593264).