Psychedelic Learning Center
The fields of psychedelic medicine and science are expansive, rooted in ancient traditions, enriched by decades of research, and rapidly evolving in today’s clinical and cultural landscapes.
Our Learning Center offers resources that help explain the basics of psychedelic-assisted therapy and psychedelic medicines and includes summaries and links to some of our most informative and inspiring books, websites, and podcasts. Together, they explore the historical, social, scientific, spiritual, and therapeutic dimensions of psychedelics and altered states of consciousness.
What is a Psychedelic?
The term “psychedelic,” literally meaning "mind manifesting" or "soul revealing," was first coined by British psychiatrist Dr. Humphry Osmond. He introduced the word through his correspondence with author Aldous Huxley, whom he dosed with mescaline in 1953, ultimately inspiring Huxley’s seminal 1954 work The Doors of Perception. Psychedelics encompass a class of natural and synthetic compounds that alter perception, mood, and cognition, often enhancing self-awareness and connection to others. When used in safe, structured settings, these substances can open new pathways for healing, creativity, and spiritual exploration.
What is Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy?
Psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) is a groundbreaking mental health treatment that combines the controlled use of psychedelic medicines structured around psychotherapy. In this approach, substances such as psilocybin, LSD, DMT and MDMA are administered in carefully supported settings to catalyze emotional insight, neuroplasticity, and psychological healing. PAT sessions are typically conducted under the guidance of trained clinicians and therapists, with preparatory and integration sessions before and after dosing to help patients translate their experiences into lasting behavioral and emotional change.
Books
Spanning 70 years of inquiry, memoir, science, and cultural reflection, these books trace the evolving story of psychedelics from the mid-20th century to today. From Huxley’s pioneering mescaline experience published in 1954 to present day neuroscience perspectives, this curated albeit incomplete collection includes works by chemists, clinicians, indigenous ethnobotanists, therapists, and journalists. Together, they offer a multidimensional view into the historical, therapeutic, philosophical, and spiritual dimensions of psychedelics.
Websites
These websites reflect the expanding ecosystem of psychedelic science, therapy, education, and innovation. They include research institutes, clinical trial trackers, data repositories on psychedelic experiences and molecules, cultural and policy advocates, and sites focused on the business and regulatory landscape of psychedelic pharmaceuticals. Together, they offer up-to-date insights into the therapeutic, scientific, societal, and commercial dimensions around psychedelics.
Podcasts
This sampling of podcasts offers a window into the evolving ecosystem around psychedelic science and medicine. Hosted by clinicians, researchers, journalists, and thought leaders, they cover topics ranging from psychedelic-assisted therapy and neuroscience to personal healing journeys, ethics, care delivery models and emerging business trends. These conversations provide accessible and thought-provoking perspectives on psychedelics and mental health.