Psychedelic Therapies for Mental Health: History, Research, and Possibilities Ahead presented by: Albert Garcia-Romeu, Ph.D.

Workshop Level: All levels

Program Description: 

This workshop will provide a basic overview of the science of psychedelics, beginning with a discussion of their pharmacology and historical use. Early and contemporary research studies investigating drugs like LSD, psilocybin, and MDMA will be presented, describing how these substances work, their risks, and their therapeutic potentials for treating conditions such as depression, existential distress, substance use disorders, and post-traumatic stress. Clinical and sociocultural considerations on the application of psychedelic therapies will be reviewed in light of the current scientific evidence. To conclude, an interactive discussion session will provide opportunity to ask questions and share concerns and opinions about the possible role of psychedelic therapies as an emerging modality in psychology.

Learning Objectives: After attending this workshop, it is expected that participants will be able to:

• Identify different types of psychedelics and their basic pharmacology and legal status
• Evaluate research to date on psychedelic-assisted therapy for the treatment of mental health conditions
  
• Critically examine key ethical considerations regarding use of psychedelics in mental healthcare

About the Presenter:

Albert Garcia-Romeu, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. His research examines the effects of psychedelics in humans, with a focus on psilocybin as an aid in the treatment of addiction. He earned his doctorate in psychology in 2012 from Sofia University in Palo Alto, CA where he studied self-transcendence, spiritual experiences, and their relationship to mental health. He completed a postdoctoral fellowship in behavioral pharmacology at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine where he trained in the conduct of clinical research with psychedelics and subsequently joined the faculty. Dr. Garcia-Romeu has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and commentaries on psychopharmacology and mental health, and has been interviewed widely in popular media. He is a founding member and Associate Director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic and
Consciousness Research. He serves as an Associate Editor for the journal Psychedelic Medicine.

Disclosures: AGR is a paid scientific advisor to Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization Inc.,
and the Chair of the Scientific Advisory Board for Psyence BioMed. AGR has received research funding from MicroDoz Therapy Inc., Mydecine Innovations Group Inc., Unlimited Sciences, the Council on Spiritual Practices, the Heffter Research Institute, NIH, and DoD. AGR has received research funding support through the Johns
Hopkins Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research provided by Tim Ferriss, Matt Mullenweg, Blake Mycoskie, Craig Nerenberg, and the Steven and Alexandra Cohen Foundation.

The views expressed in this presentation are the presenter’s own and do not reflect those of Johns Hopkins Medicine.

References:

• Garcia-Romeu, A., & Richards, W. A. (2018). Current perspectives on psychedelic therapy: use of serotonergic hallucinogens in clinical interventions. International Review of Psychiatry, 30(4), 291-316.
• Richard, J., & Garcia-Romeu, A. (2025). Psychedelics in the treatment of substance use disorders and
  addictive behaviors: a scoping review. Current Addiction Reports, 12(1), 15.
• Garcia-Romeu, A. (2025). Deconstructing the trip treatment: are hallucinogenic effects critical to the
  therapeutic benefits of psychedelics? NPP—Digital Psychiatry and Neuroscience, 3(1), 22.

APP is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. APP maintains responsibility for this program and its contents. For more information contact apponline.org.