Uploaded August 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
What Did Clinical Trials Teach Us About Mitigating Risks in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy?
Psychedelic-assisted therapy holds transformative potential but also carries unique risks that must be addressed through rigorous protocols and specialised training. Drawing on Clerkenwell Health’s experience as a contract research organisation conducting psychedelic clinical trials, this session will explore key lessons learned about identifying and mitigating risks in psychedelic therapy. Led by Clerkenwell Health’s Clinical Director and Therapy Lead, the talk will focus on strategies for managing adverse psychological reactions, creating safe and supportive therapeutic settings, and designing protocols that prioritise both patient and therapist safety. Attendees will gain insights into evidence-based approaches to risk mitigation that balance innovation with responsibility.
Bio:
4 years’ experience as liaison psychiatrist with a core specialist area in chronic health conditions such as chronic pain. Has worked in public health services in the UK and Ireland for over 20 years. Honorary Senior Lecturer at The University of Oxford with 10 years as Consultant Psychiatrist at Oxford University Hospital NHS Foundations Trust. Trained in multiple forms of psychotherapy and psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy clinical trial delivery.
What Did Clinical Trials Teach Us About Mitigating Risks in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy?
Psychedelic-assisted therapy holds transformative potential but also carries unique risks that must be addressed through rigorous protocols and specialised training. Drawing on Clerkenwell Health’s experience as a contract research organisation conducting psychedelic clinical trials, this session will explore key lessons learned about identifying and mitigating risks in psychedelic therapy. Led by Clerkenwell Health’s Clinical Director and Therapy Lead, the talk will focus on strategies for managing adverse psychological reactions, creating safe and supportive therapeutic settings, and designing protocols that prioritise both patient and therapist safety. Attendees will gain insights into evidence-based approaches to risk mitigation that balance innovation with responsibility.
Bio:
4 years’ experience as liaison psychiatrist with a core specialist area in chronic health conditions such as chronic pain. Has worked in public health services in the UK and Ireland for over 20 years. Honorary Senior Lecturer at The University of Oxford with 10 years as Consultant Psychiatrist at Oxford University Hospital NHS Foundations Trust. Trained in multiple forms of psychotherapy and psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy clinical trial delivery.
