“Multidisciplinary Perspectives on the Science and Practice of Psychedelic Therapies” will look at the use of psychedelic-assisted therapies in health care.
The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) is launching a groundbreaking interprofessional education series, “Multidisciplinary Perspectives on the Science and Practice of Psychedelic Therapies” to expand understanding among health care professionals about the evolving landscape of psychedelic medications and the use of psychedelic-assisted therapies (PAT) to treat health conditions.
The series, which runs from October 2024 through May 2025, offers a unique opportunity for those across the health care professions to stay informed about the latest scientific and clinical advancements in PAT and prepare for the future of this emerging field.
Once confined to clinical trials and underground practices, psychedelics are gaining acceptance in mainstream therapeutic settings, particularly following the legalization of psilocybin therapy in Oregon and Colorado. Oregon became the first state to legalize the supervised use of psilocybin in 2020 with Measure 109, followed by Colorado in 2022 with Proposition 122, which allowed clinical access to psilocybin and other plant-based psychedelics.
In 2023, California passed a bill to decriminalize psychedelics for therapeutic use, set to take effect in 2025, while other states like Washington and Michigan are advancing similar legislation in 2024.
“UMB, with its graduate programs in social work, nursing, pharmacy, medicine, and law, is uniquely positioned to become an early mover in training the health care workforce in this innovative field,” said Megan Meyer, PhD, MSW, associate professor at the University of Maryland School of Social work, who helped lead the psychedelic education initiative.
“This multidisciplinary series brings together experts from our region who will tackle critical questions related to psychedelic therapies: ‘What’s the scientific evidence?’ ‘What best practices can we identify and what training do clinicians need to minimize harm and effectively deliver on the promise of these treatments?’ and ‘How can these therapies be delivered safely and equitably, with cultural humility and respect for indigenous practices and communities?’ ”