Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies |
Our Program |
The experience of cancer and cancer care is often accompanied by emotional and existential distress, which can include symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as crisis of meaning, fear of death, and loss of morale. The Department of Psychosocial Oncology & Palliative Care at Dana-Farber delivers state-of-the-art interdisciplinary care to address these needs and yet, existing treatments are often limited in their effectiveness and tolerability.
Psychedelics are a diverse set of compounds that induce an expanded state of consciousness, and have been used for millenia as sacraments and healing agents around the world. Psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) combines a psychedelic medicine with psychotherapy to strengthen coping resources, alleviate psycho-existential distress, and improve quality of life. There is a growing body of evidence suggesting PAT's safety and effectiveness in improving symptoms of distress and well-being in patients with cancer. |
We are a team of interdisciplinary clinicians within the Department of Psychosocial Oncology & Palliative Care at Dana-Farber dedicated to alleviating suffering and promoting existential growth in patients with cancer and their families. We investigate the potential of PAT in service of this mission. We welcome you to explore our page to learn more about who we are and the work we are doing.
Our Mission & ValuesOur mission is to develop and assess psychedelic-assisted therapies in the context of cancer care through research, education and clinical implementation.
Our priorities are to develop safe, effective, and equitable models of psychedelic-assisted therapy that are rooted in humanity and authentic relationships, allowing the powerful potential of psychedelics to facilitate deepening healing through connection, meaning, and transcendence. |