CME | Psychedelics and Mental Health - A New Frontier for Medicine?

In this episode of CME on the Go, host Dr. Lauren Brown-Berchtold, MD, FAAFP, engages in a detailed discussion with Dr. Robert Grant, a pulmonary and critical care specialist, about the potential of psychedelics in mental health treatment. The conversation centers on the medical uses of ketamine, its history, safety, and practical approaches for its integration into clinical care. Dr. Grant also shares his personal journey from HIV research to exploring alternative treatments for PTSD and mental health crises. This episode provides valuable insights for family physicians interested in incorporating ketamine as a therapeutic option for patients with treatment-resistant depression and suicidal ideation.

Topics By Timestamp

00:00 Welcome to CME on the Go

00:44 Meet Dr. Robert Grant

01:26 The Journey into Psychedelics

07:18 Understanding Psychedelics

14:27 Ketamine in Mental Health

22:32 Safety and Concerns with Ketamine

27:24 Integrating Ketamine into Clinical Practice

32:53 Closing Remarks and Gratitude

Credit Claiming

After listening to the podcast episode, claim 0.5 AAFP credit by following the provided link:  

https://www.aafp.org/assessment/take/17837/e

Learning Objectives

1. Define the term psychedelics and describe the main types of psychedelic substances and their effects on the brain and body.

2. Compare and contrast the potential benefits and risks of using psychedelics for treating various mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction.

3. Identify the legal and ethical issues involved in prescribing, administering, or recommending psychedelics to patients in different jurisdictions and settings.

4. Evaluate the current evidence and best practices for integrating psychedelics into a holistic and patient-centered approach to mental health care.

Disclosure: It is the policy of the AAFP that all individuals in a position to control content disclose any relationships with commercial interests upon nomination/invitation of participation. Disclosure documents are reviewed for potential conflicts of interest and, if identified, conflicts are resolved prior to confirmation of participation. Only those participants who had no conflict of interest or who agreed to an identified resolution process prior to their participation were involved in this CME activity. 

All individuals in a position to control content for this session have indicated they have no relevant financial relationships to disclose. 

 

Disclaimer:  Copyright 2025. AAFP. The views presented in this broadcast are the speaker's own and do not represent those of AAFP.  The information presented is for general, educational, or entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal, health, financial, or other advice.  AAFP makes no representation as to the accuracy or completeness of the information and is not responsible for results that may arise from its use.  Consult an appropriate professional concerning your specific situation and respective governing bodies for applicable laws. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by AAFP unless specifically stated otherwise. AAFP and the AAFP logo are registered trademarks of American Academy of Family Physicians.