CANCELED: An Introduction to the Use of Psychedelics in Mental Health Treatment

About this event

An Introduction to the Use of Psychedelics in Mental Health Treatment

In-person only

3.5 CEUs

After a two-decade moratorium on psychedelic research in the United States, new studies on psychedelic assisted psychotherapy have shown promising results in the treatment of psychiatric disorders and the betterment of well people. In the past three years, numerous cities have voted to decriminalize some psychedelics, and the state of Oregon is working on a legal framework for psilocybin therapy centers which will open in 2023.

Psychedelic use is becoming more common and many of our clients have had or will have a psychedelic experience. Whether or not one has interest in the potential use of these medications as a catalyst for the psychotherapy process, being familiar with and having a framework for psychedelic experience will help us make meaning of these experiences with our clients.

This workshop will briefly cover the history of the use of psychedelics in mental health treatment, some psychological and neuroscientific theories around how these treatments work, and a look at what mental health professionals need to know about the current research.

At the conclusion of this workshop participants will be able to:

1. Describe psychedelic assisted psychotherapy in contrast to other psychopharmacological treatments.

2. Describe the history of psychedelic use in mental health treatment.

3. Explain how psychedelics are currently being used in research studies to treat various mental health disorders.

4. Compare multiple theories of therapeutic action in psychedelic research.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Kevin Barrett received his master’s degree from the Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice. He is in private practice in Chicago, IL and a lecturer at the Crown Family School. Kevin was an APsaA. Teachers’ Academy Fellow in 2020, and is a Clinical Associate Faculty Member at the Chicago Center for Psychoanalysis.

Mask optional. This convening is open to all invitees who are compliant with UChicago vaccination requirements and, because of ongoing health risks, particularly to the unvaccinated, participants are expected to adopt the risk mitigation measures (masking and social distancing, etc.) appropriate to their vaccination status as advised by public health officials or to their individual vulnerabilities as advised by a medical professional. Public convening may not be safe for all and carries a risk for contracting COVID-19, particularly for those unvaccinated. Participants will not know the vaccination status of others and should follow appropriate risk mitigation measures.