Research.
Innovation.
Science.
Education.
|
Research. Innovation. Science. Education. |
PSYCHEDELIC TREATMENTS FOR ADDICTION RECOVERY
NOVEMBER 12, 2026
AV IRVINE
16500 SCIENTIFIC, IRVINE, CA
Tickets & Registration • Agenda • Speakers • Travel • FAQ • Sponsors • Community Partners
The R.I.S.E. Summit is the Etheridge Foundation’s inaugural conference and will take place on Thursday, November 12, 2026 at AV Irvine in Irvine, CA.
The Summit will showcase Research, Innovation, Science, and Education on psychedelic-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) and addiction, highlighting the promise, challenges, and importance of this work.
More about the R.I.S.E. Summit:
Featuring presentations and discussion from researchers engaged in groundbreaking studies of various different psychedelic medicines for addiction, the Summit will be the largest ever in-person event on psychedelic treatments for addiction.
Session topics will include studies and models of care using treatments such as ibogaine, psilocybin, MDMA, cannabis, ayahuasca, and ketamine. Indigenous-led biocultural conservation efforts of traditional plant medicine cultures will also be spotlighted throughout the sessions.
The content will be understandable no matter the level of familiarity, and anyone can attend.
If you’re interested in addiction treatment, psychedelic medicine, health care reform, plant medicines, or even just Melissa Etheridge, we invite you to join us!
Working session for invitees:
The day after the Summit, on Friday November 13 the Etheridge Foundation will host invited participants for a Working Session: a collaborative effort of researchers, clinicians, and peer experts in the field. Goals will include outlining consensus points on models of care for psychedelic-assisted treatment of OUD and addiction, identifying shared priorities, and co-developing practice- and policy-relevant insights with concrete next steps.
The R.I.S.E. Summit and Working Session are contributions to the field of psychedelic medicine, offering both a timely opportunity for public education on this crucial topic, as well as dedicated time and space for discipline-specific advancement.
Tickets & Registration
Registration fee includes lunch, coffee / refreshments, and parking options.
** EARLY BIRD PRICING (through September 11, 2026): $199 plus taxes and fees **
Regular pricing (beginning September 12, 2026): $249 plus taxes and fees
Agenda
General Agenda
(Subject to change / updates)
8-9:30 am Registration / coffee / mingling
9:30 am Kickoff and Welcome
Melissa Etheridge and Anna Symonds
9:45 am Opening and Biocultural Conservation Overview
Grandmother Mona Polacca
10:05 am Research Landscape
Allison Feduccia
10:25 am TBA
10:45 am Break
11:00 am Session One: Mushrooms and Psilocybin
• Biocultural context – Mushrooms: Indigenous Medicine Conservation Fund
• Panel: Psilocybin Research
Moderator: Chantelle Thomas
Panelists: Christopher Nicholas (U of WI), Zach Walsh (U of BC), Sandeep Nayak (John Hopkins), Michael Gawrysiak (U of Pennsylvania)
11:45 am Session Two: Iboga and Ibogaine
• Biocultural context – Iboga: Indigenous Medicine Conservation Fund
• Panel: Ibogaine Research
Moderator: Julie Holland
Panelists: José Carlos Bouso (ICEERS), Richard Harris (UC Irvine), Juliana Mulligan (Idryma), Bryan Hubbard (Americans for Ibogaine)
12:30 - 2:00 pm Lunch
2:00 pm Session Three: Other Medicines
• Biocultural context – Ayahuasca: Indigenous Medicine Conservation Fund
• Panel: Other Medicines Research (includes Ayahuasca, MDMA, Cannabis, Ketamine)
Moderator: Allison Feduccia
Panelists: Jesse Gould (Heroes Hearts, Larry Leeman (U of NM), Staci Gruber (Harvard/McLean), Selma Holden (UNE)
2:45 pm Session Four: Models of Care
• Biocultural context – Toad: Indigenous Medicine Conservation Fund
• Panel: Pioneering Models of Care
Moderator: Danielle Nova
Panelists: Hanifa Nayo Washington (PMHAA), Kevin Franciotti (PIR), Anne Hamilton (Survivorship Collective), Pam Kryskow (Roots to Thrive)
3:30 pm Break
3:45 - 4:45 pm Keynote: Fireside Chat
Melissa Etheridge and Dr. Gabor Maté
4:45 - 5 pm Closing
Etheridge Foundation Team
Speakers
Keynote Session: Melissa Etheridge and Dr. Gabor Maté fireside chat.
Speakers and moderators include researchers, clinicians, peer support specialists, and policy experts knowledgeable in psychedelic treatment for opioid use disorder and addiction.
More info here:
Additional speaker updates will be announced.
Melissa Etheridge
Gabor Maté, MD
Mona Polacca, MSW
José Carlos Bouso, PhD
Allison Feduccia, PhD
Kevin Franciotti, MA
Michael Gawrysiak, PhD
Jesse Gould
Staci Gruber, PhD
Anne Hamilton, Esq
Richard Harris, PhD
Julie Holland, MD
W. Bryan Hubbard, Esq
Pam Kryskow
Lawrence Leeman, MD, MPH
Juliana Mulligan, LMSW
Hanifa Nayo Washington
Christopher Nicholas, PhD
Sandeep Nayak, MD
Danielle Nova
Anna Symonds, MA
Chantelle Thomas, PhD
Miriam Volat, MS
Zach Walsh
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Ticketing and Registration
Who should attend the R.I.S.E. Summit?
Anyone who is interested in the topic! Whether you're a researcher, clinician, healthcare professional, policymaker, nonprofit leader, advocate, student, person with lived experience, or simply intrigued, you'll find valuable insights and meaningful conversations throughout the day. The R.I.S.E. Summit is designed for anyone interested in the future of psychedelic-assisted treatments for opioid use disorder and addiction.
Can I purchase tickets at the door?
No, tickets are only available in advance online through TIXR while supplies last. Tickets must be purchased in advance to secure your spot. We will keep our website up to date with ticket availability.
Can I transfer my ticket to someone else?
Yes. If you're no longer able to attend, you may transfer your ticket to another person at no additional cost through the TIXR platform. Tickets cannot be refunded.
Are scholarships available?
Through sponsorship support, we are able to offer scholarships for the R.I.S.E. Summit. These allow community members who cannot afford our standard rates to attend the conference for zero cost. If you are interested, you can learn more about our scholarship program here.
Will continuing education (CE) credits be available?
We are currently exploring the possibility of offering continuing education (CE) credits for the R.I.S.E. Summit and will share more information soon. Please check back for updates as the event approaches.
Event Logistics
Is there a discounted hotel rate for attendees?
Yes! We've partnered with a number of area hotels to offer exclusive discounted rates for R.I.S.E. Summit attendees. Please visit our travel page for participating hotels and more information.
What airport should I use?
John Wayne Airport (SNA) is by far the most convenient airport for the R.I.S.E. Summit. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is also an option, but travel times can vary significantly depending on traffic and the time of day, with drives taking several hours during peak travel periods. Long Beach Airport (LGB) is another convenient alternative. Visit our Travel & Hotels page for airport details, approximate drive times, and hotel information.
Where should I park?
Parking in the area is limited, however your registration does include parking in designated areas. Please be aware that parking areas will require taking a shuttle, and allow extra time for this. We encourage attendees to carpool or use a taxi / rideshare service when possible. More specific information about parking will be sent out to registrants closer to the event.
Is lunch included?
Yes! Lunch is included with your Summit registration. We'll be serving a delicious plant-powered lunch, along with light refreshments throughout the day.
What should I wear?
Come as you are! We encourage attendees to wear whatever they feel most comfortable in. Casual attire is perfectly appropriate. Conference spaces can sometimes be cool, so you may also want to bring a light sweater or jacket.
Further Questions
Will the sessions be recorded?
Yes, the event will be recorded. Stay tuned for further information about accessing video of the event.
How can I contact the event team?
If you have any questions before the event, we're to happy to help! Please reach out to us at inbox@etheridgefoundation.org, and a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible.
Sponsors
Community Partners
The Etheridge Foundation is proud to have allied nonprofit organizations, advocacy groups, professional associations, research institutions, and mission-aligned organizations join us as Community Partners for the inaugural R.I.S.E. Summit on November 12, 2026 in Irvine, California.
Community Partners play an important role in helping expand awareness of the Summit and its mission to advance research, innovation, science, and education surrounding psychedelic-assisted treatments for opioid use disorder and addiction.
Interested in becoming a Community Partner? Complete this form.

