Multidisciplinary Recommendations on the Clinical Use of Psychedelic Substances

On the upcoming May 12th at 5:30 PM, the Auditorium of the Champalimaud Foundation will host a landmark event: the public presentation of the Multidisciplinary Recommendations on the Clinical Use of Psychedelic Substances. Bringing together the presidents of the professional orders of pharmacists, physicians, and psychologists, as well as leaders of ethical and scientific authorities in Portugal, this initiative marks an important step in establishing common guidelines for the therapeutic use of psychedelic substances and it reflects the collaborative work of these professional, ethical, and scientific bodies over nearly two years.

The event will feature a roundtable discussion with the following institutional representatives:

- Dr. Carlos Cortes, President of the Portuguese Order of Physicians
- Dr.ª Sofia Ramalho, President of the Portuguese Order of Psychologists
- Prof. Helder Mota Filipe, President of the Portuguese Order of Pharmacists
- Prof. João Bessa, President of the Portuguese Society of Psychiatry and Mental Health (SPPSM)
- Prof.ª Maria do Céu Patrão Neves, President of the National Council of Ethics for the Life Sciences (CNECV)

Prof. João Bessa will present the scientific foundations and clinical relevance of psychedelic substances. Following that, Prof. Maria do Céu Patrão Neves will address the ethical dimensions associated with their use. The Presidents of the Medical, Psychology, and Pharmacy Orders will highlight the challenges faced by each profession and the urgent need for clear and precise recommendations.

The event will also include the official presentation of the Multidisciplinary Recommendations on the Clinical Use of Psychedelic Substances, developed by representatives from the three professional Orders, the SPPSM, and the CNECV. These recommendations aim to guide the evidence-based integration of psychedelics into clinical practice in Portugal and were subject to public consultation in 2024. The presentation will be delivered by Prof. Albino J. Oliveira Maia, a member of the working group behind the recommendations.

The session will conclude with a second roundtable, in which attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions directly to the institutional representatives who contributed to these recommendations, in a live Q&A session.

This gathering highlights the growing recognition of the therapeutic potential of psychedelic substances and the importance of a coordinated and ethically grounded approach to their clinical use.

Participation in the event is free and open to the public, but registration is mandatory.

Registration via this link