About Us
Founded in 2023
The New Jersey Psychedelic Therapy Association’s mission is to provide education regarding the use of psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) to treat mental health conditions and to promote human flourishing; to advocate for sensible legislation involving the use of psychedelic medicines; and to provide support to practitioners engaged in this meaningful work.
NJPTA recognizes that studies conducted by nationally and internationally recognized medical institutions indicate that some psychedelic medicines, especially ketamine, psilocybin, and MDMA, have shown efficacy, tolerability, and safety in the treatment of mental health conditions, including, but not limited to addiction, depression, anxiety disorders, and end-of-life psychological distress.
We maintain that mental health providers are uniquely qualified to educate consumers regarding the potential benefits and challenges of psychedelic-assisted therapy and to support clients in processing or integrating psychedelic experiences and to encourage vital harm reduction practices.
OUR GOALS
Njpta - board of directors
Denise Rue, LCSW
Founder & Chief Visionary Officer
Denise Rue (she/her) is a licensed Clinical Social Worker and Clinical Hypnotherapist. Denise works with adults with complex trauma, especially adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. For over three years, Denise worked as a retreat leader and lead therapist at a legal psilocybin retreat center in Jamaica, overseeing approximately 1,500 psilocybin sessions, and as many group integration sessions. She has a profound respect for the healing potential of this medicine, as well as a deep sense of the responsibility practitioners hold in shepherding people on their journeys. Denise has a private practice in New Jersey and teaches a certification course for psychedelic assisted therapy for Fluence Training.
Stephanie Field, LCSW, LCADC
Director of Communications
Stephanie Field (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor. Stephanie works with families and individuals and has a special interest in providing a safe space for couples to enter the therapeutic setting. She has a passion for researching and learning about psychedelic medicines, and offers ketamine assisted therapy in conjunction with the medical providers Journey Clinical. Her mission is to provide a supportive and welcoming environment where people are free to explore the magic of healing through the use of psychedelics.
Leland Newman, LCSW
Director of Advocacy
Leland (he/him) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Adjunct Professor at Ramapo College, and a generally happy and friendly person. Leland Newman brings years of therapeutic training, clinical expertise, and a client focused approach to his practice where he specializes in men’s mental health and ketamine assisted psychotherapy. Leland graduated from Ramapo College of New Jersey in 2018 with his Masters in Social work, University of Rhode Island in 2015 with a bachelors in Psychology and a bachelors Philosophy. Leland is a student of the Integrative Psychiatry Institute, currently studying Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy.
Bill Anthes, LSW
Veterans Liaison
Bill Anthes is a Licensed Social Worker and Special Forces Veteran. Bill serves clients from a trauma-focused perspective and is trained in multiple modalities to include EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), AEDP (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy) and IFS (Internal Family Systems). Bill holds a certificate in Psychedelic-Informed Practice, Harm Reduction, and Integration from Psychedelics Today VITAL program and has completed training in MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD through MAPS (Multidisciplinary
Association for Psychedelic Studies). Bill combines his vast knowledge and experience in fitness, nutrition, and high-performance cultures to support his client's physical, mental and emotional growth. Bill graduated from New York University in 2022 with his master's in social work and is currently under clinical supervision working towards his full clinical license.