-
November Newsletter
After nearly a decade as a psychiatrist running a psychiatric emergency room in the San Francisco Bay Area, I’ve come to recognize that one of the most radical ways we can offer support to a fellow human is through the decision to simply be present in a profoundly kind, patient, non-judgmental manner: to pause in
-
Zendo Lab Update: APHA 2025
At the American Public Health Association’s annual conference on November 4, Zendo Project Research Fellow Nima Veiseh presented new research alongside Missi Wooldridge from the Center for Psychedelic Public Health. Nima introduced his Theory of Altered State Compassionate Integration (ASCI), which states that empathic and emotionally attuned support during transitions into or out of altered
-
Psychedelics Go Mainstream: Why Sitter Training Matters
When I watched Dr. Rachel Yehuda’s recent CBS Mornings interview on the rise of psychedelic-assisted therapy, I felt both inspired and deeply affirmed. She said, “For many people what comes up can be very overwhelming, and if they don’t have somebody there to talk them through it, then some things can happen that would be
-
A Note From Rick Doblin
This year marked a major milestone in the history of Zendo Project at Burning Man. For the first time, Burning Man offered direct support to bring psychedelic peer support services to Black Rock City. This development marks a shift in how harm reduction is valued, acknowledging it as essential infrastructure and advancing the long-term goal
-
Summer 2025 Event Services Recap
This summer, Zendo Project volunteers and staff supported guests at 5 events across four different states. A particular highlight is our ongoing collaboration with Stadium Medical at music venues in the Denver area. Expanding on our spring work at Subtronics and Shpongle shows, we provided services at Phish in July. We worked with emergency response
-
The Arch Under the Arch: A Note from Our Medical Director
So it was raining at Red Rocks Amphitheater… And like most other initiations, it felt like there really wasn’t any other way out but through. Cold drizzle conjures mythopoetic energies, even through the pounding thrum from the stage. We put up our tapestries, softened the halogen lights with covers, and began a gentle disarmament of
-
June at Zendo Project
As we head into the summer season, we’re feeling that familiar joy of getting out into the world, reconnecting with our community, and bringing compassionate care into action. Each event we attend offers a new opportunity to practice what we do and deepen our understanding of how to show up for one another. Next week
-
Welcoming our New Director of Education
Dear Zendo Project Community, It’s with deep gratitude and excitement that I introduce myself to you as the new Director of Education at Zendo Project. I’ve admired Zendo Project’s work for many years and stepping into this role feels like a return to something essential: a belief that compassion, presence, and community can transform the
-
What Festival Crisis Work Teaches Us About Psychedelic Support
Two months ago, I was honored to receive my license as a Natural Medicine Facilitator from the state of Colorado, allowing me to support individuals during plant medicines journeys within the state’s newly created regulatory model. Achieving this milestone through the accelerated pathway for legacy practitioners, a journey that began with the Zendo Project nearly