Clinical psychologist Brian Richards, Psy.D., explains how psychedelics can transform palliative care—from creating truly healing therapeutic spaces to supporting patients facing the end of life.
Brian Richards, Psy.D., is the Experiential Medicine Program Development Director at Gladstone Psychiatry and Wellness. He is a clinical psychologist working at the intersection of psychedelics and palliative care. His research explores how these substances can support patients with serious illnesses. In this interview, filmed at the Psychedelic Science 2025 conference in Denver, we talk about designing therapeutic spaces, selecting appropriate patients, and the future of end-of-life psychedelic care.
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Find more inspiring stories and articles about psychedelic science here! This video is part of our Drugreporter Café series, where we discuss new developments in drug policy with professionals, activists, and decision makers.
It was an absolute honour to attend and film the world’s largest gathering of the psychedelic science community — Psychedelic Science 2025 in Denver, Colorado. We are grateful to the many outstanding scientists, healers, and activists who shared their wisdom with us. Watch our short documentary “The Psychedelic Renaissance is Alive and Well” to learn more!
Interview: Péter Sárosi
Video: István Gábor Takács
