RCT of Psilocybin-assisted CBT for Depression
Psilocybin-Assisted Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression
University of California, Los Angeles
50 participants
Jan 5, 2026
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
The primary objectives of this clinical investigation are to (1) determine the acceptability and feasibility of joining psilocybin-assisted therapy with cognitive-behavioral therapy (PA-CBT) for patients with depression, (2) optimize CBT to most effectively integrate the psilocybin experience with psychotherapy and (3) examine the clinical benefit of psilocybin as an adjunct to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for major depressive disorder. This study is a randomized, two-arm, fixed dose trial that will test the feasibility, acceptability, and participant and therapist adherence to PA-CBT. Both treatment arms will receive two doses of psilocybin (10mg and then 25mg, separated by one month). In Phase II, participants will be randomized (1:1) to either a 12-session PA-CBT or a 6-session standard psilocybin-assisted therapy (PAT) condition (3 hours of preparation plus 3 hours of supportive therapy integration following the psilocybin experiences).
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria7
- Ages 21-60,
- Able to swallow capsules,
- Patients with a current major depressive episode or a history of major depressive episodes based on the DSM-5 criteria (American Psychiatric Association, 2013),
- Active current depressive symptoms (i.e., scores \>16 on the Hamilton-Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) covering the prior 2 weeks; Hamilton, 1986),
- Have an identified support person who can pick up the individual from UCLA Semel Institute and drive individual home following psilocybin sessions,
- For women of child-bearing potential - using one form of highly effective contraception (e.g., oral contraceptive pill) and willingness to continue contraceptive use for duration of study
- Patient has been medically cleared for the study by a physician.
Exclusion Criteria15
- A personal or family history (first or second-degree) of psychosis or bipolar disorder
- Resting blood pressure above 140 systolic, 90 diastolic (averaged across four separate measurements)
- Meeting criteria for a DSM-5 cluster B personality disorder (narcissistic, histrionic, borderline, antisocial personality disorder),
- Active suicidality (as indicated by a 3 or greater on item 3 of the HAM-D) or other psychiatric disturbance requiring acute treatment
- Current use of antidepressants or other serotonergic-affecting substances (e.g., St. John's Wort and 5-hydroxytryptophan),
- Currently receiving cognitive behavioral therapy,
- Any of the following cardiovascular conditions: uncontrolled hypertension, coronary artery disease, congenital long QT syndrome, cardiac hypertrophy, cardiac ischemia, congestive heart failure, myocardial infarction, tachycardia, artificial heart valve, a clinically significant screening ECG abnormality, or any other significant cardiovascular condition
- A history of stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
- Epilepsy or history of seizures
- Insulin-dependent diabetes
- Meeting criteria for a DSM-5 substance abuse or dependence within prior 6 months
- Positive urine drug screen for illicit substances
- Use of other psychedelics or ketamine within prior 12 months
- Adverse prior reaction to a psychedelic agent
- Pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or nursing
Interventions
Participants will receive two doses of psilocybin (10mg, 25mg).
Twelve total sessions of therapy, including manualized cognitive behavioral therapy for major depressive disorder, including psychoeducation about depression, cognitive skills, and behavioral skills as well as preparation for psilocybin.
Six total therapy sessions. Preparation for psilocybin in the first three sessions plus supportive, nondirective psychotherapy in the final three sessions.
Locations(1)
View Full Details on ClinicalTrials.gov
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NCT07281352