OPEN Foundation

Peer Perspectives: Economics and Real-World Data in Psychedelic Therapy Research

🗣 Matthew Hicks, ND, MS (Physician, veteran & researcher)

⏰ Thursday 25 June, 2026 8PM CEST (7PM BST, 2PM EDT, 11AM PDT)

📍 Online via Zoom

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Affordability, alternative clinical frameworks, and real-world implementation are increasingly central to the future of psychedelic-assisted therapies (PATs). This session brings together two distinct but connected areas of recent research to explore what equitable access might actually look like in practice.

  • The Economic Imperative: There is an urgent need for comprehensive economic evaluation and cost-effectiveness research in PATs. While clinical trials show therapeutic potential, high out-of-pocket costs currently pose a massive barrier to equitable access. Leveraging group therapy models and state-regulated programs may be key to driving impact-focused research.
  • Real-World Application: Putting these economic concepts into practice, Matthew will present findings from the first clinical feasibility study conducted within a state-regulated psychedelic program, evaluating group psilocybin therapy for low-income adults with depression in Oregon’s regulated program.
At a moment when psychedelic therapies are moving closer to mainstream clinical practice, this session explores ways to make them accessible to wider populations.

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ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Dr. Matthew Hicks holds a doctorate in naturopathic medicine, a master of science in clinical research, and a certificate in psychedelic-assisted therapy and research. He is a Fellow of the American Board of Naturopathic Psychiatry and is a member of the Formulary Counsel of the Oregon Board of Naturopathic Medicine and the Chair of the Oregon Psilocybin Advisory Board. He is the founder and president of Synaptic Institute, a non-profit ketamine-assisted therapy clinic and entheogenic medicine training program. He is also faculty at the National University of Natural Medicine where he teaches and conducts psychedelic research.

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