Roots of Renewal: Psychedelic Therapy for Black Women’s Well-Being

Hallucinogens benefits and barriers for improving our mind, body, and spirit.

The Black community has been largely overlooked in the evolving landscape of psychedelic research, both in terms of participation in clinical trials and representation among researchers in the field. This lack of inclusion is particularly troubling when considering the profound potential of psychedelics to address and heal deep-seated traumas that are often a result of systemic racialization and discrimination. Historical injustices, such as slavery, segregation, and ongoing systemic racism, have created a unique set of psychological and emotional challenges for Black individuals and communities. These experiences can lead to a range of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD, which psychedelics have shown promise in treating.

Furthermore, the absence of culturally diverse voices in psychedelic research not only limits the diversity of perspectives that contribute to the understanding of these substances but also raises ethical concerns about equity in mental health treatment. One person working to change this is Dr. Monnica T. Williams, a board-certified licensed clinical psychologist and Professor at the University of Ottawa, where she holds the Canada Research Chair in Mental Health Disparities. She is the Clinical Director of Behavioral Wellness Clinics in Connecticut and Ottawa, specializing in empirically supported treatments and clinician training. Her

research focuses on BIPOC mental health, racial trauma, cultural competence, structural racism, and advancing psychedelic therapies, with over 200 scientific publications on these topics. She has held leadership roles in organizations such as the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies and the International OCD Foundation, where she co-founded the Diversity Council. Dr. Williams frequently provides diversity training and has been featured in prominent media outlets, including NPR, CBS, and The New York Times.

To learn more about Dr. Williams, click here.

• Deliberate Practice in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy

• A Clinician’s Guide to Healing the Wounds of Racial Trauma

• instagram.com/drmonnica

• https://www.facebook.com/monnica.t.williams

•  @drmonnica

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/monnicawilliams/

THIS PODCAST WILL BE AVAILABLE APRIL 28, 2025.

Season 2 Episode 9

Podcast Running time: 26 minutes