# Psilocybin-assisted therapy for treatment-resistant depression in the US: a model-based cost-effectiveness analysis

- URL: https://theranews.net/blog/2025-08-29-psilocybin-assisted-therapy-for-treatment-resistant-depression-in-the-us-a-model-3e519a/
- Published: 2025-08-29
- Type: Archive summary (AI-assisted summary of third-party reporting)
- Original outlet: Nature
- Original report: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41398-025-03556-4
- Topics: psychedelic-therapy
- Publisher: TheraNews, operated by AdvancedCare USA Inc.
- Notice: Educational content, not medical, legal, billing or financial advice. Cite the original outlet, not this summary.

> A cost-effectiveness analysis examining psilocybin-assisted therapy (PAT) for treatment-resistant depression in the United States found that the approach may offer economic value when costs are…

---
A cost-effectiveness analysis examining psilocybin-assisted therapy (PAT) for treatment-resistant depression in the United States found that the approach may offer economic value when costs are controlled. The study used a simulation model comparing PAT to standard treatments for major depressive disorder, evaluating both healthcare and societal perspectives.

The analysis assumed a total cost of PAT at $5000, which was varied in sensitivity analyses ranging from $3000 to $20,000. Results showed PAT leads to an additional 0.031 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) gained compared to standard care over 12 months, with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $117,517 per QALY gained from a limited healthcare perspective. Using a $150,000 cost-effectiveness threshold, PAT had a 75% probability of being cost-effective, with a lower expected loss than standard care ($301 vs. $1307).

Early clinical trials demonstrated promising results: a 6-week trial with 104 participants found 25% achieved sustained remission with single-dose PAT compared to 9.1% in the active placebo group. Among individuals specifically with treatment-resistant depression, single-dose PAT led to a three-week remission rate of 29%, higher than the 13.7% remission rate for standard third-line antidepressants.

However, cost remains the most influential factor determining PAT's economic value. When costs reached $10,000 per treatment, PAT had only a 1% probability of being cost-effective. Conversely, when costs were $3000, the probability increased to 95%. The analysis identified future research needs, including longer-term effectiveness data and strategies to reduce costs of both therapist support and the psilocybin itself, while emphasizing concerns about affordability and equity of access across different populations.

---

*This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: [https://www.nature.com/articles/s41398-025-03556-4](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41398-025-03556-4)*