Psychedelic Medicine

Association

The Critical Role of Spiritual Health Practitioners in Psychedelic Medicine

Thursday, February 27th at 5 pm Pacific, 8 pm Eastern

Join us for a Live Panel Discussion, Hosted by the Psychedelic Medicine Association and Open to the Public:

The Critical Role of Spiritual Health Practitioners in Psychedelic Medicine

Host:

Kate Pate, PhD | Founder, Coruna Medical

Kate Pate, PhD

Founder, Coruna Medical

Dr. Kate Pate, PhD is a neurophysiologist, military medical researcher, educator, and advocate for veterans and first responders. With 20 years of experience, she specializes in the neurological and physiological effects of trauma, stress, and environmental exposures. Her work bridges the gap between science and real-world application, improving care for those who serve.

Kate’s research journey began with a focus on respiratory neurophysiology, later expanding into redox biology, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and inflammatory diseases. Inspired by personal experience and a deep connection to the military community, she transitioned from academia to industry, ultimately founding Coruna Medical—a company developing innovative medical solutions for combat and austere environments.

Recognizing the complex physical, mental, and emotional challenges faced by military and first responder communities, Kate pursued additional training in coaching, psychedelic integration, addiction recovery, and functional medicine. She also explored spirituality, theology, and philosophy to provide a holistic approach to healing.

An avid outdoorswoman and conservationist, Kate spends her free time exploring the Rocky Mountains, reading, or planning her next adventure over a good cup of coffee.

Panelists:

Rev. Hunt Priest | Executive Director, Ligare

Rev. Hunt Priest

Executive Director, Ligare

Hunt Priest was a participant in a Johns Hopkins/NYU Religious Professionals study in 2016. His encounters with psilocybin opened him to the healing and consciousness-raising power of sacred plants and fungi and their connection to his own Christian practice. The epiphanies forever changed the trajectory of his work and led him to start Ligare: A Christian Psychedelic Society.

Ligare networks with psychedelic researchers, mental health clinicians, spiritual guides and teachers, healers, philanthropists and people of goodwill, regardless of creed, to co-create a movement of healing and wholeness. Striving for justice and peace among all people, Ligare grounds its work in the Christian contemplative tradition and is committed to seeking and serving Christ in all persons, loving our neighbors as ourselves.

Rev. Caroline Peacock, DMin, LCSW, MDiv | Director of Spiritual Health Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University

Rev. Caroline Peacock, DMin, LCSW, MDiv

Director of Spiritual Health Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University

Caroline Peacock is an ACPE Certified Educator, Board Certified Chaplain, and Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She received her training in social work at City University of New York, Hunter College School of Social Work. She attended seminary at General Theological Seminary in New York and is an Episcopal priest. Caroline was co-founder of the Transforming Chaplaincy Psychedelic Care Network and received a certificate in Psychedelic Studies from Naropa University. Caroline received a Doctor of Ministry from Emory University Candler School of Theology with a research focus on the role of spiritual health professionals in psychedelic assisted therapy.

Julian Maddock | Spiritual direction, training, & formation, Ignatian Spirituality Course

Julian Maddock

Spiritual Direction, Training, & Formation, Ignatian Spirituality Course

Julian Maddock is invested in the relationship with God, the body as the place of prayer and presence, and the spiritual tradition that threads through “The Cloud of Unknowing” and the “Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius”. In the words of Monica Furlong, these “have lent purpose and order to a not particularly orderly or exemplary life.”

He has over 30 years of experience in spiritual direction, training, and supervision. He is a senior trainer on the Ignatian Spirituality Course in London, UK and has also tried his hand at teaching chemistry, computer programming, being a verger, and healthcare chaplaincy. He is the proud father of two thoughtful, intelligent, articulate, witty, and caring daughters.

Reid Robison, MD, MBA

Chief Medical Officer at Novamind/Co-founder at Cedar Psychiatry

Dr. Reid Robison is a board-certified psychiatrist and Chief Medical Officer at Novamind. Reid is co-founder at Cedar Psychiatry and serves as Medical Director of Center for Change, a top Eating Disorder program. He is currently the coordinating investigator for the MAPS MDMA-assisted Psychotherapy study of Eating Disorders. Reid is adjunct faculty at the University of Utah, founder of the Polizzi Free Clinic, and provides medical support and psychedelic therapy at plant medicine retreats abroad.

In an era where psychedelic medicine is rapidly emerging as a transformative tool for treating various health conditions, the presence of spiritual health practitioners has never been more critical. Roughly 85% of the world’s population identifies with a particular religion, and spiritual beliefs profoundly shape patient perspectives, experiences, and healing journeys. This webinar delves into the vital role faith leaders such as clergy, chaplains, and spiritual directors play in ethically, pastorally, and theologically guiding individuals through psychedelic-assisted therapies. 

Beyond exploring theoretical frameworks, this webinar will also highlight concrete, real-world strategies for collaboration between traditional health professionals and spiritual health practitioners. Panelists will share insights on fostering meaningful dialogues that honor religious convictions and sacred traditions, while acknowledging the diverse ways people experience the divine. Whether you’re a faith leader, healthcare provider, or simply curious about the evolving landscape of psychedelic medicine, join us to understand how interdisciplinary collaboration can elevate care—ensuring the mind, body, and spirit find healing in unison.

We are honored to have panelists on this month’s webinar cover:

  • How religious identity shapes one’s attitudes toward and experience with psychedelic medicine
  • The different roles spiritual guides, spiritual directors, chaplains, and clergy play in psychedelic medicine, and how these roles interplay with the roles of mental health practitioners and healthcare providers
  • What else, besides the psychedelic therapeutics themselves, is necessary to support healing
  • Which organizations are connecting people with spiritual health practitioners who offer support around psychedelic experiences


…and much more!

As always, there will be ample time for audience Q&A, so you’ll get to interact with the panelists directly!

So please join us for this live panel discussion on Thursday, February 27th at 5 pm Pacific, 8 pm Eastern. Interested in becoming a member to join our upcoming monthly webinars? Please do so here. A link to the recording will be available afterward if you cannot make it to the live event.

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