SIMEPSI

The Società Italiana di Medicina Psichedelica (SIMEPSI) is Italy’s first scientific society focused on advancing research, clinical practice, and education in psychedelic medicine. SIMEPSI is a non-profit organisation comprising psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, researchers, and experts from diverse disciplines who share an interest in the therapeutic potential of psychedelics in healthcare.

Goals and Activities

• Promoting Research: Supporting both clinical and preclinical studies to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and underlying mechanisms of psychedelic-assisted therapies.
• Education and Professional Training: Organising conferences, workshops, and training programs to equip professionals with the necessary knowledge and tools for preparation, facilitation, and integration practices.
• Advocacy for Safe Regulation: Working toward evidence-based regulatory frameworks to enable the safe and legal use of psychedelic therapies.
• Collaborative Networking: Building connections between national and international organisations, researchers, and clinicians to foster interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Public Awareness and Resources: Offering educational material and cultural events to promote informed discussions about the risks and benefits of psychedelics and reduce stigma.
• Harm Reduction and Support Services: Supporting harm reduction initiatives and projects to promote safety and ensure the dissemination of accurate information in social settings.

Contributions

In 2024, SIMEPSI contributed to the 1st Italian Conference on the Clinical Use of Psychedelic Substances, hosted by the University of Trento in collaboration with MAPS and MAPS Italy. This event brought together experts to explore advancements in psychedelic research and therapy, marking a significant milestone for the field in Italy. Recordings from the conference can be accessed here.

SIMEPSI is also part of the PAREA Network (Psychedelic Access and Research European Alliance). It actively supports the PsychedeliCare Initiative, which focuses on ensuring equitable access to high-quality psychedelic care.

Leadership Team

SIMEPSI is led by a diverse team of professionals dedicated to advancing psychedelic medicine in a responsible and ethical manner:

• Mauro D’Alonzo (President) – MD, Psychiatrist
• Matteo Buonarroti (Vice-President) – MD, Psychiatry
• Eugenio Rossi (Secretary General) – MD, Psychiatry
• Michele Filannino (Treasurer) – Lawyer
• Carla Giuffrè (Legal and Ethics Advisor) – Lawyer
• Daniele Damiani (Advisor) – Psychotherapist
• Alessandro Gelao (Advisor) – MPhil, Researcher

Community and Collaboration

SIMEPSI is supported by an engaged community of members and collaborators, including a Technical-Scientific Committee composed of experts in the field. This committee provides guidance and ensures that SIMEPSI maintains high scientific rigour and clinical integrity standards.

Through its collaborative efforts, SIMEPSI aims to foster professional and public understanding of psychedelic therapies while building networks across Italy and internationally. The society also strives to create a welcoming community that promotes education, dialogue, and responsible practices.

By encouraging research, education, and collaboration, SIMEPSI supports the safe and evidence-based integration of psychedelics into mental health care and scientific research in Italy.