The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has held a public hearing on the potential therapeutic use of psychedelic drugs as interest in psychedelic-assisted treatments continues to grow.

The September 14 hearing brought together doctors, veterans, pharmacists, therapists and other stakeholders to discuss how psychedelic therapies could be developed and potentially used in supervised medical settings.

A major focus of the discussion was patient safety. Experts called for clear standards covering patient screening, provider training, monitoring during treatment sessions and follow-up care.

Some participants said trained staff should remain present during psychedelic-assisted treatment sessions. They also highlighted the importance of longer-term safety data and community-based support after treatment.

Access was another concern raised during the hearing. Experts noted that treatment costs and insurance coverage could influence who is able to access psychedelic therapies if they are eventually approved for medical use.

The hearing forms part of broader FDA efforts to examine the potential therapeutic use of psychedelic drugs for serious mental health conditions. The agency says it is supporting research into psychedelic medicines while maintaining requirements for safety and effectiveness.

The Trump administration has also pushed to accelerate research and development of psychedelic therapies. The FDA has said its work includes scientific guidance, regulatory actions and collaboration with federal partners.

The hearing itself does not mean psychedelic drugs have been approved as treatments. Any future authorization would depend on the FDA’s regulatory review and evidence on safety and effectiveness.