# Why Does Studying Adverse Effects Improve Psychedelic Treatment?

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/living-medicine-7074573/why-does-studying-adverse-effects-improve-psychedelic-treatment
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/living-medicine-7074573/why-does-studying-adverse-effects-improve-psychedelic-treatment.md
Podcast: [Living Medicine](https://stenobird.com/podcast/living-medicine-7074573)
Published: 2026-04-16T06:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://485c1e09-45d8-4663-b442-542948ad8f19.libsyn.com/why-does-studying-adverse-effects-improve-psychedelic-treatment
Audio file: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/485c1e09-45d8-4663-b442-542948ad8f19/Roman_Palitsky.mp3?dest-id=4724072
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/living-medicine-7074573/episodes/why-does-studying-adverse-effects-improve-psychedelic-treatment
Duration seconds: 3205

## Resource

Roman Palitsky, PhD, is the Director of Research Projects for Emory Spiritual Health and a Research Psychologist for Emory University School of Medicine. His research examines how culture, spirituality, and health interact, focusing on the biological, psychological, and social pathways that shape health outcomes. Dr. Palitsky is also an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Emory University and conducts research to make behavioral and psychedelic therapies more culturally responsive and effective. He leads the Post-Psychedelic Challenges study. If you or someone you know has experienced difficulties after taking a psychedelic, consider participating in this paid study: Post-Psychedelic Challenges Study In this episode… Psychedelic therapies are often framed as breakthroughs — but what happens when the experience doesn't go as expected? As these treatments gain popularity, a more complex reality is emerging: Profound healing can coexist with confusion, distress, or even lasting challenges. How can clinicians and patients navigate the full spectrum of psychedelic experiences? Roman Palitsky, PhD, a research psychologist specializing in the intersection of spirituality and mental health, emphasizes that both benefits and harms can arise from the same experience — and both deserve careful attention. He encourages clinicians to validate patients' narratives rather than forcing meaning too quickly, focusing first on stabilization before interpretation. Dr. Palitsky also recommends preparing clients thoroughly, monitoring readiness, and recognizing when difficult reactions signal the need to pause or adjust care. His guidance centers on curiosity, humility, and using a broad clinical toolkit to support recovery and growth. In this episode of Living Medi…

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