The Role of Music in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Research
Why Is Music Used in Psychedelic Therapy Studies?
Music is often used in psychedelic therapy studies because it can shape mood, attention, and a sense of safety. It is one part of a larger care setting that also includes screening, preparation, trained staff, and follow-up. Music is not a treatment on its own and does not make a psychedelic experience predictable (1) (2).
In research, music may help participants stay with feelings or images that arise. Some studies use a planned playlist. Others discuss personal fit and flexibility. Researchers are trying to understand which parts of music matter most: tempo, lyrics, familiarity, cultural meaning, or the way the music changes over time.
What Does the New Review Suggest?
A 2026 scoping review of 19 papers, with 330 human participants in total, identified three possible roles for music during psychedelic therapy. It may heighten emotion, engage meaning and visual-imagery processes, and relate to changes in neural entropy. The review also found major gaps in the evidence (1).
The researchers did not find a single best song list. Studies used different drugs, settings, measures, and music choices. Many were small. That makes it hard to compare results or say which music works for whom. The review supports more careful study, not one-size-fits-all advice.
Can Music Change What a Person Feels?
Music may influence what a person notices, feels, or remembers during an altered state. It can bring up joy, grief, fear, or a sense of connection. Those responses can be meaningful, but they are personal. A piece of music that feels calming to one person may feel upsetting or distracting to another (2) (3).
A recent paper based on clinical-trial accounts described music as a “collaborating actor.” In other words, music and the participant’s inner world can shape each other during a session (3). That is why research teams pay attention to the person, not just the playlist. Emotional attunement matters.
Does the Type of Music Matter?
The type of music may matter, but the research does not yet point to a universal answer. A small randomized study compared two music styles during a psilocybin tobacco-cessation study. It showed that musical genre is a setting factor worth studying, but its sample size was only ten people (4).
Some protocols favor music with few words so it does not pull attention toward a fixed message. Others include familiar music that feels comforting. There is no evidence that a certain genre can reliably produce insight, prevent distress, or guide a person toward a specific result. Claims like that go beyond the data.
Can Music Control a Psychedelic Experience?
No. Music may influence an experience, but it cannot safely control one. Psychedelic effects can be intense and unpredictable. A supportive clinical setting includes far more than sound: it includes professional screening, preparation, medical awareness, and people who can respond if someone becomes distressed (1) (2).
It is also important not to turn research findings into “trip tips.” A playlist cannot replace clinical care. It cannot tell someone whether a psychedelic is safe for their health history. It cannot prevent all difficult feelings. Research is studying a complex therapy setting, not a single stand-alone technique.
What Can Help After a Difficult Experience?
After a strong experience, people may need time to sort out emotions, memories, and changes in perspective. Grounding, sleep, supportive relationships, and a calm routine can help. A trained therapist can also offer a private space to explore what feels confusing without judging the person’s story or telling them what it must mean.
For more context, read Serenity’s article on preparation and integration in psilocybin therapy. Serenity also offers psychedelic integration counseling for people who want support after a past experience. If distress is urgent or safety is at risk, call or text 988 in the United States or call 911.
Disclaimer: The information in this article, including discussions of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, is for informational purposes only. Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy has not been approved by all established. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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About the Author
About the Author: This article was written by Jeff Jones, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Texas in practice since 1999. He is a 2024 graduate of the CIIS Center for Psychedelic Therapies and Research program. With a compassionate and evidence-based approach, he helps clients navigate life's challenges and find a path toward healing.