MADISON, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Psychedelic therapy in the treatment of mental health disorders is quickly moving from novel theory to pragmatic possibility. Researchers and clinicians will gather to advance this conversation at the 2019 International Forum on Consciousness May 16-17, 2019 in Madison, WI where they will delve into “Psychedelic Therapy in Society: Exploring the Mechanisms of Action and Delivery of Care.” The Forum, now in its 10th year, draws thought leaders from around the world for a lively two days of multidisciplinary information-sharing and discussion regarding important – and often challenging – topics.
"As MDMA/psilocybin approach rescheduling, we are bearing witness to the psychedelic medicine movement transitioning from what has been a long focus on medicalization/legalization, to diversification, implementation, and best practices,” says New York psychiatrist Dr. Will Siu, who will be one of several presenters at this year’s Forum. “More energy and resources are being used to understand how different psychedelics work, for what ailments, and how clinicians will implement these powerful healing tools in everyday practice.”
Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris, Head of Psychedelic Research at Imperial College London, will open the Forum with a discussion that presents a model on the brain action of psychedelics. Presenters will then explore topics ranging from the biological effects of psychedelics to understanding the practicalities of using psychedelics in mainstream medicine while also mitigating disparities in mental health access.
Panel discussions during each day of the conference, moderated by Wisconsin Public Radio host Steve Paulson, will offer opportunities for synergistic discussion and real time collaboration among presenters, as well as audience members. The Forum also integrates music, art and experiential movement sessions for attendees that include yoga, Qigong and guided meditation.
The International Forum on Consciousness is open to the general public but limited to 300 participants. Some seats are still available but pre-registration is required. Visit www.btci.org/forum for registration, presenter and schedule information.
"Psychedelic therapy promises to revolutionize mental healthcare,” says Bennet Zelner, Ph.D., Associate Professor at University of Maryland and Forum presenter. “For this potential to be realized, novel treatment approaches should be paired with equally innovative advances in the organizational models used to deliver care. I can’t imagine a better setting for exploring this topic than the 2019 International Forum on Consciousness, where a multidisciplinary cast of experts will provide insight into factors ranging from the molecular to the macroeconomic."
The International Forum on Consciousness is co-hosted annually by the BioPharmaceutical Technology Center Institute (BTC Institute) and Promega Corporation. View videos of previous Forums here.
About the BTC Institute
The BTC Institute is a not-for-profit organization operated exclusively for educational, scientific and cultural purposes. Learn more about its K–12 programs, scientific course offerings, and annual educational forums and symposia at btci.org.
