Event Description:
Psychedelic-assisted therapies are emerging as a promising new approach to treating substance use disorders. This presentation will provide an overview of the current regulatory landscape, commonly studied psychedelic compounds, and the rationale for their use in SUD treatment, with attention to proposed mechanisms of action including shifts in narrative and sense of self. We will also review current clinical evidence, harm reduction strategies, and key considerations for individuals in long-term recovery, along with future directions for research.
Speakers:
Jae Sevelius, PhD, is a Professor of Medical Psychology in the Department of Psychiatry at Columbia University Medical Center, Research Scientist at New York State Psychiatric Institute, and a licensed clinical psychologist. Dr. Sevelius’ NIH-funded research focuses on developing evidence-based interventions to improve mental health, substance use, and HIV outcomes among gender-expansive people in the United States and Brazil using community-engaged and trauma-informed approaches. Their research on psychedelics focuses on psychedelic-assisted therapy for identity-based trauma, as well as mixed methods for exploring naturalistic use and psychedelic therapy practices.
Heidi Allen, MSW, PhD is a Professor at Columbia University in the School of Social Work and Mailman School of Public Health, Department of Health Policy and Management. Dr. Allen studies the impact of social policies, such as Medicaid, America’s health insurance for the poor, and the therapeutic approval of psychedelic medicines on access, health and mental health, and financial well-being. In 2024, Dr. Allencreated the Columbia Psychedelic Therapy Training Program (PTTP), the first comprehensive within-degree psychedelic therapy training program in an academic professional school. Embedded within the Advanced Clinical Practice track of Columbia’s MSW program, participants are provided with 120+ hours of didactic education and 600 hours of clinical training in a psychedelic practicum. In 2026, Columbia’s School of Social Work will additionally launch a minor in Psychedelic Therapy.
A Zoom link will be provided upon registration.
