with Manish Agrawal, MD, Mark Bates, Betsy Jenkins, and Norma Mancini Stevens, MS, LCPC, NCC

Part of the 15th annual Horizons: Perspectives on Psychedelics conference in New York City.

Wednesday, May 8, 2024, 8am-6pm
at the New York Academy of Medicine

Building upon pioneering research from over half a century ago exploring the efficacy and safety of psychedelics for treating psycho-spiritual and existential distress in advanced cancer, research is again investigating the therapeutic utility of psychedelics in end-of-life and palliative care.

Clinicians and others interested in novel therapies for treating emotional suffering near the end of life and in hospice and palliative care will learn about the history, scientific findings from FDA-approved trials, and implications of the psychedelic treatment model as they consider how psychedelic psychotherapy might serve their patient populations. This presentation will also include discussions on the nature of emotional suffering in advanced illness, the importance of death awareness, and a description of the psychedelic therapeutic model for palliative care.

The Instructors

Manish Agrawal, MD, has extensive background and experience that span Medicine, Engineering, Philosophy, Ethics, and research. He currently serves as Co-Founder and CEO for Sunstone Therapies, a company committed to accelerating and scaling the gold standard of psychedelic therapy in the medical setting by conducting clinical trials, providing training for therapists in the field, and developing centers of excellence.

Mark Bates is a clinical psychologist who focuses on whole person healing and believes that psychedelic therapy helps people heal core wounds and access their higher selves in unique ways. Mark has extensive experience in psychological health promotion, leading that mission for the military’s Psychological Health Center of Excellence for over nine years.

Betsy Jenkins is a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) who brings a wealth of experience in supporting individuals and families affected by cancer to her current role as a therapist at Sunstone Therapies.

Norma Stevens serves as the Lead Therapist for Operations at Sunstone Therapies in the Bill Richards Center for Healing in Rockville, MD. She has worked as a therapist for fifteen years and has a deep passion for psychedelic assisted therapy.

This workshop will encompass:

1. Discussion of the personal/professional qualities that appear to enhance safety and efficacy in treatments that employ psychedelic substances;
   
   
2. Exploration of basic principles that have been found to expedite the beneficial exploration of consciousness;
   
   
3. Facilitation of comprehension of the potential therapeutic potency of visionary and unitive forms of consciousness and how their occurrence and integration may contribute to changes in attitudes and behavior;
   
   
4. Survey of practical procedures in structuring set and setting in psychedelic therapy, including the use of music;
   
   
5. Consideration of potential therapeutic applications in the near future, notably in the treatment of depression, addictions and end-of-life issues. Implications of the varieties of alternative states of awareness occasioned by psychedelics for education and religion, as well as medical treatment, will also be considered.
   

8:00am | Doors open
9:00am | Convene
9:30am | Morning session
1:00pm | Lunch
2:00pm | Reconvene
2:15pm | Afternoon session
5:15pm | Session concludes
6:00pm | Adjourn

Registering for catered lunch on-site is strongly recommended, as neighborhood lunch options are limited.

Horizons offers all-day introductions to psychedelic-assisted therapy led by leading researchers and experienced practitioners. These classes are designed with medical and mental health professionals and students in mind, but may also be attended by others. These classes are limited in size, not recorded or broadcast, and are intended to foster interaction between the students and instructors. The class is one full day of instruction with breaks in mid-morning, midday, and late afternoon.

Lunch is available at The New York Academy of Medicine for an additional fee, available through registration.

Due to changes in CE / CME requirements and providers, Horizons will not be offering CE / CME credits for any workshops or presentations.

Scholarships

Our scholarship programs allows community members to attend who may not have the resources to support our standard rates.

The scholarship program is available to anyone, not just students and academic professionals.

Applications for this year's scholarships will open shortly.

Learn more >

The New York Academy of Medicine

1216 5th Ave, New York, NY 10029

Since its founding in 1847, the Academy has been a vital source for thought and action regarding healthcare and public health in New York City and beyond. 

Its landmarked building on Fifth Avenue facing Central Park was completed in 1927 and houses one of the most comprehensive and historic medical libraries in the country.

Over the last two decades, some of the most prestigious medical institutions in North America, the UK, and Europe have resumed the study of psilocybin-assisted therapy as a treatment for depression, trauma, addiction, and other disorders.

The results of these studies have led the US Food & Drug Administration to grant Breakthrough Therapy status to research programs that advance the development of psilocybin into a medicine.

INSTRUCTORS

Our 2022 conference + classes will be produced in accordance with requirements and best practices for safety, as dictated by the federal, state, and local health authorities.

Statement on Covid-19 & safety >