MISSION
The Psychedelic Mental Health Access Alliance (PMHA) is building the body of evidence policymakers need to expand Medicaid coverage for psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT). Through data-driven pilot programs, research partnerships, and workforce development, we are ensuring these treatments can be delivered safely, effectively, and affordably to those who need them most.
VISION
We envision a future where psychedelic-assisted therapy is a standard, accessible treatment within the U.S. healthcare system. By working with Medicaid, policymakers, and healthcare providers, we are creating a pathway for PAT to become a practical, affordable solution for mental health care nationwide.
CORE FOCUS AREAS
Building the Evidence for Medicaid Coverage
To ensure Medicaid coverage for psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT), we must generate strong, real-world evidence of its feasibility, safety, and effectiveness. Our approach includes:
Designing and curating demonstration pilots that produce real-world data on PAT’s impact.
Partnering with researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to create the evidence Medicaid needs to support coverage.
Influencing key decision-makers in Medicaid who determine access to PAT and support services.
Developing care models that proactively address barriers such as cost, transportation, social support, and representation in the therapeutic alliance to ensure trust and effectiveness in care.
Integrating PAT into Community-Based Mental Health Services
For PAT to be truly accessible, it must be integrated into trusted community-based mental health services. We work to:
Collaborate with healthcare organizations to introduce PAT within existing healthcare systems.
Partner with communities and community-based organizations (CBOs) to ensure care models fit local needs and improve research outcomes (No Research Without Us).
Advocate for the inclusion of PAT in mental health policy and funding initiatives.
Supporting Medical Professionals and Training Programs
Equipping medical professionals with the right tools and knowledge is essential for ensuring PAT is accessible and effective for communities with complex needs. We provide:
Education on how social determinants of health impact access to PAT and influence treatment outcomes.
Training on care models and frameworks that improve PAT accessibility and effectiveness for high-impact communities.
Guidance to help providers recognize and address barriers to care, ensuring treatment models lead to the best possible health outcomes.
2024 UPDATES
Amidst a tumultuous year for psychedelics, we are proud to report on the amazing progress we have made, thanks to the support and partnership of many of you.
★ Launched Phase 1 of our groundbreaking New Mexico pilot!
The goal of the pilot is to show that Psychedelic Assisted Therapy can safely and feasibly be provided to people from marginalized communities in real-world settings to inform the design of a state-fundable PAT system that prioritizes equity, accessibility and necessary support services.
Phase 1 focuses on community engagement to pave the way for group psilocybin therapy for veterans, first responders with PTSD, and individuals with opioid use disorder. The success of this pilot can have huge implications for other states in creating PAT access.
★ Developed health equity frameworks and tools
These will allow us to identify gaps, map social services, and prepare communities to integrate psychedelic-assisted therapy into care systems. We are rolling this out in the New Mexico pilot, as well as future pilots.
★ Developed a core set of unified variables for care delivery
These unified variables will set a standard for data collection and evidence generation across all of our pilots, allowing us to build a sufficient dataset to influence Medicaid decision makers. We are partnering with leading psychedelic research organizations to have this tool become a basis for unified variables across the field.
★ Initiated the development of assessments evaluating two key areas. We are partnering with Access to Doorways to access 1) the efficacy of PAT training programs for trainees from marginalized communities, and 2) the presence and depth of health equity frameworks, such as cultural and structural competency, within current curricula. These findings will guide the creation of future training tools to address gaps across the field.
Serious ground has been taken in establishing the foundational elements necessary to secure Medicaid funding pathways for PAT and support services for marginalized communities! We are excited for 2025 and beyond!
WHO WE ARE
UPCOMING EVENTS!
Thank you to Dr. Bronner’s supporting our mission and a deep bow for all the efforts for justice they continue to support year after year.