June 13, 2025

Leo Cabassa: Confronting Disparities to Provide World Class Healthcare for All

Episode #12
“These medicines are not new.”

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Leo Cabassa: Confronting Disparities to Provide World Class Healthcare for All

Episode 12

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"I worry that if this gets FDA approved then there's a whole other aspect of the commercialization beyond people that need it. The people who've gone, who have the means, is this going to create another inequity where if you have the means, you had access to this treatment. If you don't, this is not available to you."

Show Summary

In this powerful episode of Life Beyond Loss, we sit down with Leo Cabassa, MSW, PhD, a Puerto Rican social worker and researcher who has dedicated his career to fighting health inequities in marginalized communities. As a key leader at Washington University’s groundbreaking CHIRP (Center for Holistic Interdisciplinary Research and Psychedelics), Leo brings his expertise in implementation science and community-based care to ensure that revolutionary treatments like psychedelic-assisted therapy don’t become another privilege for the wealthy. He shares his journey from creating innovative health education tools like fotonovelas for Latino communities to navigating the complex challenges of bringing cutting-edge mental health treatments to the people who need them most.

This episode is essential listening for healthcare providers, advocates, researchers, and anyone who believes that quality mental health care should be a right, not a privilege. Listeners will gain deep insights into the systemic barriers that keep marginalized communities from accessing life-changing treatments, learn practical strategies for making evidence-based interventions work in real-world settings, and understand how to bridge the gap between laboratory research and community healing. After listening, you’ll be equipped with a framework for fighting health inequities in your own work and community, whether you’re developing programs, advocating for policy change, or simply supporting those around you who are struggling with mental health challenges.

Guest Information

Leopoldo Cabassa, PhD, MSW

Social Worker & Psychedelic Researcher

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‍ Introduction and Background of Dr. Leo Cabassa (01:20 – 08:15)

  • Dr. Cabassa is a Puerto Rican social worker and researcher focused on health inequities among minoritized populations, especially Latinos and Blacks in the US and Latin America.
  • His work centers on improving access to and quality of mental health and physical health care for underserved groups, with a strong emphasis on culturally appropriate interventions.
  • He has led interventions using peer-based models in supportive housing for people with serious mental illness, aiming to reduce early mortality and improve health outcomes.

Formation and Mission of CHIRP (Center for Holistic Interdisciplinary Research and Psychedelics) (01:20 – 04:11)

  • CHIRP was established at Washington University to foster interdisciplinary research on psychedelic medicines, integrating psychiatry, social work, anthropology, law, and business.
  • The center aims to address fundamental questions about how psychedelics work, who benefits or may be harmed, and how to integrate these treatments into existing mental health systems.
  • CHIRP is supported by a strategic university investment to build infrastructure for this innovative research.

Implementation Science and Community Engagement (09:42 – 16:35)

  • Dr. Cabassa emphasizes the importance of implementation science—translating research evidence into real-world community impact.
  • He shared examples such as developing culturally relevant educational materials (e.g., Fotonovela for Latino communities) and healthcare navigation interventions for people with serious mental illness.
  • These interventions are designed with input from patients and providers to ensure acceptance and effectiveness.

️ Health Inequities and Personal Motivation (08:15 – 11:04)

  • Dr. Cabassa’s motivation stems from personal and observed inequities in healthcare access, especially for Puerto Ricans and other minorities.
  • He highlighted the persistent disparities in health outcomes and access, and the need for science-driven solutions to address these gaps.

Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy: Workforce and Equity Considerations (18:00 – 22:06)

  • Dr. Cabassa became involved in psychedelic research after observing training programs for social workers and nurses in psychedelic-assisted therapy.
  • He stresses the need to prepare the mental health workforce for new treatments and to ensure equitable access for low-income and marginalized populations.
  • There are concerns that without intentional planning, psychedelic therapies could become accessible only to affluent individuals, exacerbating health inequities.

Cultural, Ethical, and Commercialization Challenges (23:36 – 27:52)

  • The discussion covered the importance of honoring indigenous knowledge and traditions in psychedelic therapy, including the use of ceremony, music, and ritual.
  • There are ongoing debates about commercialization, ethics, and the risk of cultural appropriation.
  • CHIRP is partnering with researchers experienced in indigenous practices and is engaging in multidisciplinary dialogue to address these issues.

Scaling, Regulation, and Implementation Challenges (29:16 – 36:31)

  • Dr. Cabassa outlined the complexities of scaling psychedelic therapies, including workforce training, certification, insurance coverage, and regulatory differences between states (e.g., Oregon and Colorado).
  • He emphasized the need for evidence from real-world settings, not just clinical trials, and the importance of multidisciplinary approaches (including law and policy) to address these challenges.
  • There are concerns about potential inequities if treatments are only accessible to those who can pay or if insurance coverage is inadequate.

Research Protocols, Inclusion Criteria, and Early Field Development (37:51 – 41:58)

  • CHIRP follows strict inclusion/exclusion criteria for clinical trials, focusing on safety and efficacy for specific populations (e.g., excluding those with psychosis or certain comorbidities).
  • Dr. Cabassa is conducting qualitative research with early adopters of psychedelic therapy to inform future implementation and research agendas.
  • The center uses participatory methods to develop a collaborative research agenda, aiming to bridge silos and foster interdisciplinary learning.

CHIRP’s Growth, Collaboration, and Outreach (43:27 – 48:50)

  • CHIRP was formed through grassroots collaboration among faculty with shared interests, leading to a successful grant proposal and the creation of an interdisciplinary center.
  • The center leverages WashU’s strengths in neuroscience, implementation science, and community engagement.
  • CHIRP is building a network through open journal clubs, a new website, and outreach to the broader research and practitioner community.

Public Engagement and Next Steps (47:33 – 48:50)

  • CHIRP encourages public and academic engagement through its website, journal club, and conference presentations.
  • Dr. Cabassa and colleagues are leading discussions at major conferences and forming special interest groups to advance the field of psychedelic research in social work.

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