Dr. Alex Belser, clinical scientist and psychologist formerly at NYU and Yale, reveals why 98% of psychedelic therapy happens underground—and the dark history the field doesn't want you to know. Guest Bio: Dr. Alexander Belser is a clinical scientist, psychologist, and psychedelic researcher. Author of EMBARK Psychedelic Therapy for Depression (Oxford University Press) and Queering Psychedelics: From Oppression to Liberation, he has been a leader for LGBTQIA+ advocacy in psychedelic spaces. Key Topics:

The economics forcing psychedelic therapy underground Hidden history of conversion therapy with LSD Current threats to LGBTQ+ research Solutions for accessible psychedelic healing

TIMESTAMPS: [00:00] Cold Open Montage [01:20] Welcome & the return to tribal living [02:24] Dr. Belser introduction - Brooklyn, NY [04:13] The future of community psychedelic medicine [06:02] Johnson & Johnson's $32,000/year ketamine vs. generic [07:42] Why 98% of psychedelic therapy is underground [09:21] Harm reduction approach to underground therapy [12:51] The economics don't add up - $5,000 minimum per session [15:02] Why FDA requires two therapists in the room [21:43] The hidden history of LGBTQ oppression with psychedelics [22:14] "Tim Leary said LSD is a specific cure for homosexuality" [23:44] Teenage conversion therapy - 800μg doses [25:15] "The transcripts are terrifying" [26:07] Living male-female dyad requirements [27:29] "There's a war on trans folks in the United States" [28:59] All LGBTQ research being shut down [31:54] Intersectional violence in NYC [35:50] The masculinity crisis and violence [37:17] Post-traumatic sexual stress disorder theory [41:41] Embrace Pleasure book - reclaiming psychedelic sexuality [43:29] Unwanted complications vs. adverse effects [45:29] Sexual boundary violations in psychedelic therapy [48:15] Why silence enables abuse [50:15] The small percentage of predators [54:43] Empowerment model for participants [57:44] Mandatory disclosure laws proposal [59:59] Who should avoid psychedelics [01:04:59] Should therapists have psychedelic experience? [01:12:13] Final thoughts: "The future is unwritten" Resources:

EMBARK Psychedelic Therapy Queering Psychedelics NYU Langone Center for Psychedelic Medicine Dance Safe (harm reduction) The Fireside Project (peer support)

Connect with Dr. Belser: Email: [email protected] Subscribe for weekly interviews: mindbodyhealthpolitics.org

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