For those who have experienced psychosis or love someone who has, many questions about psychedelics and their potential harm and benefits remain ambiguous, such as, do psychedelic substances cause or trigger psychosis? can psychedelics help those who experience psychosis? what is the difference between the psychotic and psychedelic state? and many more. Come hear our panel of experts discussion these questions and those from the audience regarding this important topic.

Please consider making a donation when you register (not required). Synaptic Institute is 501(c)3 non-profit.

Speaker bios:

Dr. Christina Bjorndal, ND brings her lived experience with depression (suicide survivor), anxiety, bulimia, and bipolar disorder type 1 (psychosis survivor) as well as her clinical training as a naturopathic doctor, along with her additional training in mind, body medicine when striving to address patients mental health concerns. Having overcome many mental health challenges, Dr. Chris is a gifted speaker and best selling author who has shared her wellness philosophy with platforms such as Mariel Hemingway’s Out comes the Sun show, the Jenny McCarthy show, the International Bipolar Foundation, and many health summits and docuseries. She is recognized as a top ND to follow by two independent organizations. Her book “Beyond the Label” is a comprehensive guide to naturopathic mental health. She has written four books on mental health as well as created two courses – 1) a 10-week course for individuals and 2) a Clinician’s Integrative Mental Health 10 week course.

Kevin Fitts’ journey in mental health advocacy and empowering individuals began at the age of 19 when he faced homelessness as a patient in a state hospital. Over the course of thirty years, his dedication has shaped his experiences and contributions to the community. In 1991, Kevin chaired a pioneering consumer conference, Alternatives in Berkeley, CA, showcasing his collaborative spirit as a psychiatric survivor and peer supporter. He then founded Oregon’s first statewide consumer technical assistance program in 1998, leading to him receiving the Governor’s Disability Leadership Award in 1999. Throughout his journey, Kevin has volunteered for several years in hospice care, produced amateur television shows, and hosted a podcast called “Fittsian Dialogues.” In his recent work with the Oregon Mental Health Consumers Association (OMHCA), Kevin has helped establish a peer leadership office at Multnomah County and influenced state laws for funding peer respites in Oregon. As OMHCA’s executive director, he promotes consumer voice, choice, peer support, mentoring, and technology to empower individuals with disabilities. His collaborative achievements have been recognized with the Peer Leader of the Year award in 2018 and the national Judi Chamberlain Award for Advocacy in 2021. A sought-after speaker, Kevin shares insights on peers and policy at conferences, guided by a vision of transformational leadership. His mission is to build systems that liberate people to shape their destinies together.

Dr. Matthew Hicks, ND, MS, CPTR is the founder and president of Synaptic Institute, a non-profit integrative mental health clinic and training institute for entheogenic medicine. He is a research fellow and Oregon Health Science University in neuroscience and stress, a graduate of the National University of Natural Medicine where he earned a doctorate in naturopathic medicine and a master of science in integrative medical research. He also completed a Certificate in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy and Research from the California Institute on Integral Studies.