Emerging Drug-Assisted Therapies and the Future of Behavioral Health

On July 22, 2021, the Pennsylvania Office of Advocacy and Reform hosted the webcast joined by Bessel van der Kolk, MD, Rick Doblin, Ph.D., Hannah McLane, MD, Joseph McCowan, PsyD. One of the goals set by the PA Office of Advocacy and Reform for the upcoming year was to explore innovative and evidence-based approaches that could help vulnerable populations heal from trauma. As part of this effort, we have set up an educational presentation with some of the leading doctors, therapists, and thought leaders in the field of psychedelic-assisted treatment. The field of psychedelic-assisted treatment is blossoming and several medicines currently in Phase 3 studies have been designated as breakthrough therapies by the FDA due to their high effectiveness in addressing treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, and end-of-life anxiety among participants.

Watch the recording:

Speaker Bios:

Bessel van der Kolk, MD

Bessel van der Kolk, MD, is a psychiatrist, researcher, professor of psychiatry at Boston University, and one of the world’s leading experts on post-traumatic stress — especially when it comes to how trauma affects the brain, body, and nervous system. He has pioneered approaches for trauma treatment that focus on calming the nervous system, increasing executive function, and grounding patients in the present. In his research, Bessel has worked with a variety of clinical approaches, including neurofeedback, EMDR, psychodrama, and yoga. Bessel is the author of over 150 peer-reviewed scientific publications and multiple books, including The Body Keeps the Score. To learn more about Dr. van der Kolk, please visit https://www.besselvanderkolk.com/.

Rick Doblin, PhD

Rick Doblin, PhD is the founder and executive director of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS). He received his doctorate in Public Policy from Harvard's Kennedy School of Government, where he wrote his dissertation on the regulation of the medical uses of psychedelics and marijuana and his Master's thesis on a survey of oncologists about smoked marijuana vs. the oral THC pill in nausea control for cancer patients. His undergraduate thesis at New College of Florida was a 25-year follow-up to the classic Good Friday Experiment, which evaluated the potential of psychedelic drugs to catalyze religious experiences. He also conducted a thirty-four year follow-up study to Timothy Leary's Concord Prison Experiment. Rick studied with Dr. Stanislav Grof and was among the first to be certified as a Holotropic Breathwork practitioner. His professional goal is to help develop legal contexts for the beneficial uses of psychedelics and marijuana, primarily as prescription medicines but also for personal growth for otherwise healthy people, and eventually to become a legally licensed psychedelic therapist. He founded MAPS in 1986, and currently resides in Boston with his wife, dog, and empty rooms from three children, one of whom is in college and two have graduated. If you would like to learn more about the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies please visit www.MAPS.org.

Hannah McLane, MD, MA, MPH

Hannah McLane, MD is a physician, psychotherapist, entrepreneur, and nonprofit founder. In 2010 she founded the SoundMind Project, which is a global organization aimed at providing alternative therapies for neurologic and mental health disorders. She is the clinical director of the SoundMind Center (www.soundmind.center), a psychedelic therapy center and nonprofit in West Philadelphia, which also aims to be a collaborative-thinktank-space to re-envision what medicine could be. She also has a background in teaching meditation and has participated in numerous silent retreats over the past two decades. Dr. McLane holds degrees from McGill University (BA, International Development Studies), Temple University (MA, Communication Sciences), Brown University (MD, Doctor of Medicine), and Harvard School of Public Health (MPH, Global health and Bioethics). Her residency experiences include neurology and Occupational and Environmental Medicine (University of Pennsylvania). Her post-residency training includes postdoc fellowship in Patient Safety (VA Medical Center, Philadelphia), psychoanalytic training (PCOP), and MDMA-Assisted-Psychotherapy training (MAPS). She can be reached at info@soundmind.center

Joseph McCowan, Psy.D

Joseph McCowan, PsyD, is a licensed clinical psychologist and psychotherapist, currently working in Los Angeles as a co-therapist in the MAPS sponsored Phase 3 clinical trials of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD. He is an alumni of MAPS’ MDMA Therapy Training for Communities of Color, held in August 2019. Additionally, Joseph works as a Clinical Supervisor and Training Coordinator at the non-profit St. Joseph Center in Venice, California, which provides mental health support to low income and unhoused individuals and families. Joseph is deeply passionate about furthering education and awareness of the healing benefits of psychedelics for communities of color and in working to improve mental health outcomes for historically underserved communities. Joseph received his undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and his doctorate in clinical psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. He can be reached at DrJMccowan@gmail.com