Promoting Equitable and Safe Access to Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies: A European Initiative
The mental health crisis in Europe is more pressing than ever. One in six individuals struggles with mental health issues, and nearly half of the population has experienced anxiety or depression within the past year. Current psychiatric treatments often fail to meet the needs of patients, with up to 50% not responding to existing therapies. Despite rising mental health challenges, there has been little innovation in treatments, and only one psychiatric drug has been approved in the EU in the last three years.
In light of these challenges, we are calling on the European Commission to take action. The goal is to promote equitable, timely, affordable, safe, and legal access to innovative psychedelic-assisted therapies. Backed by growing scientific evidence, these therapies have shown promise in treating conditions like PTSD, depression, OCD, and substance use disorders, offering rapid and long-lasting improvements.
Key strategies for this initiative include:
- Establishing EU-wide standards for psychedelic-assisted care, ensuring ethical guidelines, psychological support, and safety measures.
- Supporting multidisciplinary training programs to equip healthcare professionals with the skills needed for psychedelic therapies.
- Funding EU research on the safety and efficacy of these therapies, expanding knowledge and strengthening research networks.
- Encouraging international collaboration for progressive and pragmatic regulation of psychedelic compounds.
This movement aligns with broader EU goals, as member states are obligated under international agreements to uphold the right to the highest attainable mental and physical health. Additionally, the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (Article 168) provides a legal foundation for the Commission to take action to improve public health and safety.
By fostering collaboration between EU institutions, member states, and research bodies, we can ensure that patients across the EU have access to these groundbreaking treatments. This is an opportunity for the European Commission to take a leadership role in integrating psychedelic therapies into mental health care, enhancing both public well-being and the economy.
For more information and to join this movement, visit the official campaign website: www.psychedelicare.eu.
To sign and stay updated about this campaign visit this page
