ASCP 2026 Preview: AI in Psychiatry and the Next Wave of Psychedelic Research

As psychiatry continues to navigate a period of rapid technological and therapeutic innovation, artificial intelligence and psychedelic medicine are emerging as 2 of the field’s most closely watched frontiers, Benjamin Brody, MD, told Psychiatric Times. Brody, associate professor of clinical psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medical College, shared his thoughts ahead of the upcoming annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Psychopharmacology (ASCP).

Brody, who is presenting a symposium focused on ketamine safety, told Psychiatric Times that some of the conference sessions he is most eager to attend extend beyond ketamine itself and reflect broader shifts that are reshaping psychiatric practice and research. Among them, artificial intelligence stands out as a particularly timely area of discussion.

“The theme of the conference this year is AI’s adoption in psychiatric practice,” Brody told Psychiatric Times. “And I don't think a day goes by that we're not thinking about how AI is impacting medical practice in general and, of course, psychiatric and mental health spaces in particular.”

AI Adoption Takes Center Stage

The prominence of artificial intelligence at this year’s meeting reflects the growing role that AI technologies are beginning to play across health care. From clinical workflows and documentation to research applications and patient engagement tools, psychiatry is increasingly confronting questions about how emerging technologies may influence clinical practice.

For Brody, the significance of the topic lies not only in the pace of technological development but also in its ubiquity across medicine. His comments underscore how quickly AI has moved from a future consideration to an active topic of conversation among practicing clinicians, researchers, and health system leaders.

The conference theme suggests that psychiatric professionals are increasingly focused not simply on understanding artificial intelligence, but on determining how it can be integrated responsibly into patient care and clinical decision-making.

Psychedelic Therapeutics Remain an Area of Growing Interest

Beyond artificial intelligence, Brody identified psychedelic medicine as another area generating substantial excitement among conference attendees.

“There’s also going to be some sessions about the emerging pipeline for psychedelic therapies, and I'm excited for those too,” he said.

Interest in psychedelic therapeutics has accelerated in recent years as researchers continue to investigate novel compounds and treatment approaches for psychiatric disorders. His comments highlight the continued momentum surrounding psychedelic research within psychopharmacology circles.

The inclusion of these sessions alongside discussions of established treatments reflects a field that is simultaneously refining current interventions while exploring entirely new therapeutic paradigms.

For clinicians attending ASCP, psychedelic medicine represents an opportunity to learn about developments that may influence future treatment options and research directions.

A Meeting Focused on Innovation and Collaboration

Although scientific programming remains the primary draw of major psychiatric conferences, Brody emphasized that professional connection and collaboration continue to be important aspects of the annual meeting experience.

In addition to attending sessions, Brody expressed enthusiasm about reconnecting with colleagues and expanding professional networks.

“I'm looking forward to seeing some old colleagues and hopefully making some new friends as well,” he said.

His comments reflect a longstanding value of scientific meetings: creating opportunities for clinicians and investigators to exchange ideas, discuss emerging research, and build relationships that may shape future collaborations.

Those informal conversations often complement formal educational programming, providing attendees with opportunities to compare experiences and perspectives across institutions and practice settings.

For Brody, the appeal of the meeting lies in its ability to bring together discussions about both present-day clinical realities and emerging possibilities.

“Those are certainly some sessions I'm really looking forward to,” he said. “I’m very much looking forward to being in Miami.”

For the coverage of late-breaking posters, sessions, and keynote addresses as well as expert insight into evolving technologies, emerging therapeutics, and the future direction of psychopharmacology conversations taking place at ASCP, visit Psychiatric Times’ conference coverage hub.