Psychedelic Science

Psychedelic medicine is an approach to mental health care that is being reignited on the world stage. Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapies have been shown effective in addressing a multitude of mental health conditions, including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, addiction, end-of-life anxiety, and other conditions. Our lab is working to extend this work to marginalized groups and ensure access to people of color as these treatments become mainstream.

Dr. Monnica Williams appeared on Red Table Talk during a special segment about psychedelic plant medicines, where she interviewed with Jada Pinkett Smith and family. Watch the whole episode on FaceBook, with special guests Bob Parsons, Michael Pollan, and Lisa Ling.

Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy: A New Paradigm in Mental Health

Our lab's psychedelics research focuses on understanding the therapeutic potential of these substances while addressing historical and systemic inequities in the field. We acknowledge that the first wave of psychedelic research often exploited vulnerable populations, including people of color and incarcerated individuals, under covert programs like MK Ultra. To address these ethical failings, our work seeks to explore how psychedelics can serve as tools for healing, particularly among underrepresented communities. For instance, our cross-national study revealed that BIPOC individuals are increasingly using psychedelics to cope with racial stress and trauma, often experiencing significant improvements in mental health. Similarly, a case study of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy demonstrated its effectiveness in treating a client with treatment-resistant PTSD linked to experiences of racism, highlighting its promise as a culturally relevant intervention.

• The Inclusion of People of Color in Psychedelic Research
• Mechanisms of Change in Psychedelics
• Psychedelics as Treatment for Racial Trauma

Despite the growing body of evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of psychedelics, our research has exposed significant gaps in representation. Our review of ketamine treatments for mood disorders revealed a stark lack of inclusion of people of color in clinical trials, underscoring the need for more equitable research practices. Furthermore, our ongoing efforts to engage underrepresented communities include exploring innovative methods to communicate the potential benefits of psychedelic medicine in ways that resonate with diverse audiences.

Looking ahead, we are delving into the biological and cultural dimensions of psychedelic therapies. One of our projects investigates how ketamine-assisted psychotherapy for major depressive disorder may influence epigenetic regulation, potentially revealing new mechanisms for its therapeutic effects. Concurrently, we are developing culturally respectful treatment approaches to better serve individuals with diverse identities. A key area of focus is the potential of psychedelic substances to address racial trauma, an urgent and underexplored avenue for healing. Through these efforts, our lab aims to bridge scientific innovation with social justice, ensuring that the benefits of psychedelic research are accessible and meaningful for all communities.