Teenagers could benefit from psychedelic therapy, but they’ve been systematically excluded from clinical research
Why have teenagers been left out of psychedelic therapy research, and what are the ethical considerations for including them in the future?
Synopsis
This article explores a significant gap in the current psychedelic research landscape: the exclusion of adolescents. While psychedelic-assisted therapies are showing promise for treating mental health conditions in adults, teenagers have been systematically left out of clinical trials due to a host of ethical and safety concerns. We will discuss a 2025 McGill University study that highlights this knowledge gap, examines the potential risks and benefits for young people, and calls for a cautious, ethically responsible approach to future research. This is a crucial conversation for parents, teens, and clinicians navigating the complex world of adolescent mental health.
The teenage years can be a turbulent time, with many young people struggling with mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and trauma. For some, standard treatments like therapy and medication don’t provide the relief they need, leaving them and their families searching for alternatives. As psychedelic-assisted therapies gain mainstream attention for their potential to treat these very conditions in adults, a critical question arises: could these treatments also help adolescents? And if so, why are they being left out of the research?
The answer is complex, rooted in a web of ethical, legal, and safety concerns. A revealing 2025 study led by McGill University found that despite a boom in psychedelic research, adolescents under 18 have been almost entirely excluded [1]. The researchers reviewed 1,600 studies conducted over two decades and found that none had been completed or published that included minors. This has created a significant knowledge gap, leaving clinicians and families without the data needed to make informed decisions about this potential treatment avenue for young people.
This exclusion comes from a place of protection. The developing adolescent brain is particularly sensitive, and there are valid concerns that psychedelics could have unknown long-term effects on cognitive and social development. However, the researchers argue that this protective stance, while well-intentioned, may inadvertently cause harm by withholding a potentially effective treatment from a vulnerable population. The reality is, many standard psychiatric medications are already prescribed to teens “off-label,” without age-specific clinical trial data. The authors warn that psychedelic therapies may follow the same path if responsible research isn’t conducted before they become more widely available.
The Ethical Tightrope: Balancing Protection and Access
The core of the issue is an ethical dilemma: how do we protect young people from potential harm while also ensuring they have access to treatments that could alleviate their suffering? The McGill study points out that for some adolescents with severe, treatment-resistant mental illness, the risks of not finding an effective treatment can be devastating, leading to lifelong impairment or even death. For this group, the potential benefits of a novel therapy might outweigh the risks, but without research, it’s impossible to know for sure.
The authors of the study are not advocating for a reckless rush to include teens in psychedelic trials. Instead, they are calling for a thoughtful and cautious approach. They suggest that initial research should proceed with extreme care, focusing on adolescent populations with the most severe, treatment-resistant conditions, where the potential benefit is highest. These trials would need to have incredibly robust safeguards in place, including rigorous consent processes involving both the teen and their guardians.
This is not about opening the floodgates for teenagers to use psychedelics. It is about conducting responsible science to answer critical questions. What are the real risks for adolescents? How do they differ from adults? What kind of therapeutic support is needed to ensure their safety? By beginning to explore these questions in a controlled, ethical manner, we can move beyond speculation and start to build a foundation of evidence. This would allow for the development of clear guidelines and best practices, ensuring that if these therapies are ever offered to young people, they are done so in the safest and most effective way possible.
A Conversation for Families in Texas
For parents and teens in Texas navigating the challenges of mental health, this conversation is incredibly relevant. It highlights the complexities of finding effective care and the importance of staying informed about the latest scientific developments. While psychedelic-assisted therapy is not currently an option for adolescents, understanding the ongoing ethical and scientific dialogue can empower families to ask informed questions and advocate for the best possible care.
If your family is struggling, know that you are not alone. The first and most important step is to seek support from qualified professionals who can provide guidance and evidence-based care. Whether it’s exploring traditional therapy, seeking a new medication, or simply needing a space to talk, help is available. The path to healing is a journey, and it starts with a single, courageous step.
If you are seeking support for mental health challenges or wish to discuss how to best support a teenager in your life, we invite you to connect with us. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and begin the conversation.
References
Disclaimer: Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy has not been approved by any regulatory agencies in the United States, and the safety and efficacy are still not formally established at the time of this writing.