Pedro Teixeira Explored Psychedelics and Public Health at INSIGHT Forum

On July 2, 2025, the MIND Foundation hosted an INSIGHT Forum in Berlin under the theme Psychedelics, Behavioral Medicine and Public Health. As part of the Rationale segment, Professor Pedro Teixeira presented recent findings at the intersection of psychedelics and health behavior change.

In his talk, Teixeira discussed how psychedelic experiences — even those occurring outside clinical or research settings — have been associated with sustained improvements in lifestyle behaviors such as physical activity, diet, sleep, and social connection. He highlighted how these “non-clinical” benefits may contribute to public health and invited reflection on how health systems might responsibly integrate such evidence.

The forum combined mindfulness and embodiment practices with scientific discussion, fostering dialogue between researchers, clinicians, and the broader community about the transformative potential of psychedelics for human well-being.

Pedro Teixeira Discusses Psychedelics and Public Health at Santiago Symposium

Professor Pedro Teixeira, principal investigator at the CIPER - Behavioral Regulation Group, was one of the invited speakers at the Santiago Psychedelic Research Symposium, held on May 20, 2025, at CiTIUS – University of Santiago de Compostela.

In his talk, titled “Psychedelics and Public Health,” Teixeira explored emerging evidence on how psychedelic experiences may promote lasting improvements in key health behaviors such as physical activity, diet, sleep, and meditation. He emphasized that beyond their clinical applications, psychedelics might act as catalysts for deeper motivation, self-regulation, and behavioral change — areas closely aligned with his ongoing research in health psychology and self-determination theory. Teixeira’s participation reflects the growing international engagement of Portuguese researchers in this evolving interdisciplinary field, where psychology, neuroscience, and public health converge to better understand the transformative potential of psychedelic experiences.

Pedro Teixeira delivered an open lecture on psychedelics and their role in mental and behavioral health.

The Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences of the University of Porto invited CIPER Behavioral Regulation research group director Pedro Teixeira to deliver a talk on the role of psychedelics in mental and behavioral health.

The lecture explored various aspects of psychedelic substances, starting with an introduction to what psychedelics are, their history, and their classification. Pedro Teixeira provided an overview of psychedelic science, highlighting recent research advancements and the resurgence of interest in these substances as therapeutic tools. Specifically, the lecture addressed the effects of psychedelics on behavioral and public health, emphasizing their potential role in promoting long-term behavior changes

CIPER-SR Participation in the 6th Portuguese Psychologists' Association Congress

The CIPER-SR research team contributed to the 6th Portuguese Psychologists' Association Congress, held from September 25th to 27th in Lisbon.

Pedro Teixeira participated in a panel discussion titled Psicadélicos - Gloriosos (?) Anos 20 (Psychedelics — The Glorious (?) 2020s), exploring the role of psychedelics in mental health, well-being, and society.

Jorge Encantado and PhD student Laura Carvalho gave two presentations. The first, Ayahuasca Use and Public Health in Portugal, shared results from a study comparing public health indicators between Portuguese ayahuasca users and the general population, examining the impact of ayahuasca on physical and mental health. The second presentation, Mental Health Practitioners’ Attitudes and Beliefs About Psychedelic Substances, presented findings on the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of Portuguese mental health professionals regarding the potential of psilocybin and MDMA in treating mental health conditions.

CIPER-SR Participation in the 38th European Health Psychology Society Conference

The CIPER-SR team participated in the 38th European Health Psychology Society Conference, held in Estoril from September 3rd to 6th, contributing with both a roundtable discussion and a poster presentation.

The roundtable, titled The Psychedelic Renaissance: Opportunities for Behavior Change and Psychological Well-Being, featured researchers Pedro Teixeira, Jorge Encantado, PhD student Laura Carvalho, collaborating researcher Talea Cornelius, and physician Pedro Rodrigues. The session aimed to present update on psychedelic research in behavioral and health psychology as well as discuss mechanisms of change in psychedelic interventions in relation to theories in health psychology. 

PhD student Laura Carvalho also presented a poster with preliminary data from the study Health Behavior Change Through Psychedelics: An International Survey, which indicated that psychedelic users reported positive changes in key health-related behaviors, such as reduced alcohol consumption and increased intake of fruits and vegetables.

Pedro Teixeira authors the book Psychedelics - in Portuguese (Psicadélicos - Em Português) published by Fundação Francisco Manuel dos Santos

Psicadélicos - Em Português, authored by Pedro Teixeira, is an essay providing an overview of the main topics surrounding psychedelics, including their history, potential therapeutic uses, mechanisms of action, and associated risks and precautions.

The publication, from Fundação Francisco Manuel dos Santos, also examines the scientific and cultural renaissance of psychedelics, discussing recent research developments and the ethical and legal challenges these substances present. In addition to dispelling common misconceptions, the book aims to inform both the general public and health professionals about the current state of this field and the potential of psychedelics as tools for psychological well-being and behavior change.

Psicadélicos - Em Português is an essential read for those looking to better understand this expanding topic.