Groundbreaking Series Explores Psychedelic Therapy Landscape

School of Pharmacy partners with School of Social Work on online interprofessional series focused on pharmacology of psychedelics, clinical trial findings, legal and regulatory considerations, and best practices for preparing and supporting patients

By Lorri Angelloz
October 14, 2024

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 on 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 now 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?’”

Combining scientific rigor with ethical best practices, Multidisciplinary Perspectives on the Science and Practice of Psychedelic Therapies features eight online workshops. Led by experts from UMB and beyond, the workshops will provide an in-depth look at the science behind psychedelics, practical guidance on integrating evidence-based knowledge into clinical practice, and a comprehensive overview of the legal and cultural considerations surrounding their use.

 A Growing Demand for Insight into Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy 

Funded by a grant from UMB’s Center for Interprofessional Education, the series will address a critical knowledge gap in the health care workforce.

Research on the therapeutic use of psychedelics has expanded considerably in recent years, with studies exploring the potential of PAT to treat a range of health conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, major depressive disorder, addiction, and chronic pain, as well as use in palliative care. However, many health care professionals remain unfamiliar with these therapies and their potential risks and benefits. Furthermore, the clinical use of psychedelics is still subject to complex legal and regulatory frameworks, making it essential for providers to stay informed about current guidelines.

The series builds on nearly two years of interdisciplinary collaboration across the University’s Schools of Social Work, Pharmacy, and Nursing. It also draws on prior research funded by the University’s Center for Addiction Research, Education, and Service, and aligns with the School of Pharmacy’s recent addition of a 3-credit elective course on psychedelic science to its Master of Science in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics program.

Andrew Coop, PhD, MA, professor, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and associate dean for graduate programs at the School of Pharmacy, who is leading the series’ first workshop, explained, “There is growing interest in understanding the scientific evidence related to these medicines and how to regulate their use. For example, the state legislature recently created the Maryland Task Force on Responsible Use of Natural Psychedelic Substances. I’m honored to have been appointed to this task force and am eager to work with my colleagues in other schools on campus to create the high-quality, accessible and multidisciplinary training our health care workforce needs.”

Equipping Healthcare Providers for the Future of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy 

Designed for professionals across health care disciplines, Multidisciplinary Perspectives on the Science and Practice of Psychedelic Therapies will provide participants with critical perspectives on the emerging field of PAT.

The online workshops will cover the pharmacology of psychedelics, clinical trial findings, and best practices for preparing and supporting patients through these treatments. The series will also address legal and regulatory considerations in an environment where state-level legislation is changing the landscape for the use of psychedelic medicines and assisted therapies. Ethical, cultural, and societal dimensions of PAT are also emphasized, with a focus on honoring indigenous practices and communities and the importance of ensuring equitable access to these therapies.

Registration is now open for health care professionals, students, and those interested in these innovative treatments. Attendees can choose to register for individual sessions or the entire series, with a discount available when signing up for all eight sessions. Additionally, UMB students are eligible for a fee waiver for the entire series; fee-waiver spots are limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Registration information, including a form for students interested in the fee waiver, can be found here.

• Psychedelic Psychopharmacology and Clinical Research Findings for PTSD, Addiction, Depression, and Pain
  Oct. 25, 2024 (Noon–3:15 p.m. EDT)
  An introduction to the pharmacological mechanisms of psychedelics and their therapeutic potential for various health conditions. Led by Andrew Coop, PhD, professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and associate dean for graduate programs at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy (UMSOP) and Leah Sera, PharmD, MA, BCPS, associate professor of practice, sciences, and health outcomes research and associate dean for recruitment and admissions at the School of Pharmacy.
• Sunstone Therapies: Clinical Research Findings and Therapist Training Challenges
  Nov. 22, 2024 (Noon–1:30 p.m. EST)
  A discussion of clinical trial research and the complexities of training therapists in psychedelic-assisted therapy. Led by Rachel Winzer, MS, director of the Therapist Program at Sunstone Therapies and Manish Agrawal, MD, co-founder and CEO of Sunstone Therapies.
• Honoring Indigenous Wisdom: Traditional Use of Psychedelics in Indigenous Communities
  Jan. 24, 2025 (Noon– 1:30 p.m. EST)
  A look at the history of Indigenous practices with sacred psychedelic medicines and the responsible and ethical use of these medicines by health care providers working in clinical settings. Led by Allison Kelliher, MD, a research associate at the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing and Bloomberg School of Public Health Center for Indigenous Health; she is a Koyukon Athabascan, Dena, from Nome, Alaska, and is the first and only physician trained as a Traditional Healer in a Tribal Health setting.
• Sacred and Safe Passages: Preparing and Holding Space for Psychedelic Journeys
  Feb. 7, 2025 (Noon–3:15 p.m. EST)
  A workshop on creating safe, supportive environments for patients undergoing psychedelic therapy. Led by Candace Ogelsby, LCPC; the program director for Fluence Trainings Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) certificate program, she has extensive training in Ketamine, MDMA, and 5-MeO-DMT assisted therapies.
• Liberation-Informed Psychedelic Care: Healing Beyond Trauma
  Feb. 28, 2025 (Noon–1:30 p.m. EST)
  An exploration of how psychedelic therapies can move beyond a medicalized approach by focusing on ancestral reclamation and liberation, addressing the societal impacts of poverty and oppression in healing from trauma. Led by Charlotte Duerr James, an educator and initiated Medicine Woman of Afro-Caribbean and Germanic lineage; she uses her skills as an educator, therapeutic coach, and ceremonial facilitator to build and engage a community focused on pursuing collective liberation.
• Foundations of Psychedelic Harm Reduction and Integration Therapy
  March 28, 2025 (Noon–3:15 p.m. EST)
  A look at best practices to reduce the risks for clients considering the use of psychedelics and/or helping clients who have had psychedelic experiences process those experiences – what some have called Psychedelic Harm Reduction and Integration Therapy (PHRT). Led by Lauren Going, LCSW-C, co-founder of Inner Path Wellness in Baltimore City and a leader in the burgeoning field of ketamine assisted and psychedelic assisted therapies.
• Expanding Access to Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy
  April 25, 2025 (Noon–1:30 p.m. EDT)
  A session on expanding access to PAT through innovative insurance models, therapist reimbursement, and employer-sponsored benefits, creating new opportunities for providers and improving patient care. Led by Sherry Rais, CEO and co-founder of Enthea, a third-party administrator of health plan benefits with a mission to provide safe and affordable access to mental health benefits, starting with ketamine-assisted therapy.
• Psychedelic Legal Landscape 101: Law and Best Practices
  May 9, 2025 (Noon–1:30 p.m. EDT)
  A comprehensive overview of the legal and regulatory frameworks for psychedelics, with a focus on ethical governance and health equity. Led by Karina Bashir, JD, an attorney and thought leader with a specialized focus on the intersection of law, business ethics, and psychedelics.