# Psychedelic‐ and Substance‐Assisted Therapies in Global Mental Health: Bridging Cultures, Evidence, and Access,

## TL;DR

Psychedelic therapies like MDMA and ketamine show promise for mental health but face challenges in global access and cultural adaptation.

## Contribution

Highlights the need for culturally and ethically sensitive implementation of psychedelic therapies in global mental health.

## Key findings

- Psychedelic therapies are mainly developed in high-income countries.
- Cultural and regulatory barriers limit their equitable global use.
- Responsible implementation requires context-sensitive approaches.

## Abstract

Psychedelic‐ and substance‐assisted therapies, including MDMA, psilocybin, and ketamine, are gaining attention for conditions such as PTSD and depression, yet their development and implementation remain largely concentrated in high‐income settings. This graphical abstract summarizes the central argument of the commentary: while these interventions may hold relevance for global mental health, particularly in conflict‐affected and humanitarian contexts, their equitable use is constrained by cultural, ethical, regulatory, and resource‐related challenges. Responsible implementation requires culturally grounded, ethically robust, and context‐sensitive pathways rather than uncritical expansion.