Alessandro Gonçalves Campolina

Biography and Expertise of Alessandro Gonçalves Campolina

Dr. Alessandro Gonçalves Campolina stands at the forefront of a significant evolution in mental healthcare, skillfully blending his deep-rooted expertise in geriatrics and psychotherapy with the transformative potential of psychedelic medicine. His work is characterized by a commitment to scientific rigor and compassionate care, particularly for individuals facing severe physical and existential distress. This unique combination of skills allows him to address the complex, intertwined health challenges of aging and chronic illness with innovative therapeutic models.

His specialization in Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is a prime example of this integrated approach. By leading research at the prestigious University of São Paulo and its affiliated Cancer Institute, he provides crucial data that supports the congress’s Thematic Axis, “Contributions of TCIM to Global Public Health (Evidence-Based).” Furthermore, his work with cancer patients directly addresses the urgent need for effective mental health interventions in oncology. Therefore, the efforts of Alessandro Gonçalves Campolina embody the congress motto of fostering “Well-being Societies” by exploring diverse knowledge systems to alleviate suffering and improve quality of life.

Professional Career

Dr. Alessandro Gonçalves Campolina has built a dynamic career spanning academic medicine, clinical research, and private practice. His journey reflects a search for more effective and holistic methods to support patients, moving from geriatrics to a leadership role in psychedelic-assisted therapy. This trajectory showcases his ability to innovate within established healthcare systems while building new models of care.

His roles at the University of São Paulo and the Cancer Institute of the State of São Paulo (ICESP) show his commitment to integrating novel treatments into mainstream oncology and academic medicine. In parallel, his work at Instituto Aion allows him to translate research into clinical practice and train therapists in these advanced modalities. His career models the bench-to-bedside approach.

• Faculty Member, Division of Oncology, University of São Paulo Medical School (FMUSP): Contributes to academic research and medical education, focusing on supportive care for cancer patients.
• Coordinator, Health Technology Assessment Laboratory, ICESP: Leads initiatives to evaluate the clinical efficacy and viability of new health technologies, including innovative psychotherapies.
• Co-founder and Clinical Lead, Instituto Aion: Oversees clinical services, training programs, and supervision in Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy.
• Clinical Researcher and Practitioner (2016 – Present): Conducts KAP sessions in hospital and outpatient settings, with extensive hands-on experience with hundreds of patients.
• Fellow, American Society of Ketamine Physicians, Psychotherapists & Practitioners (ASKP3): Recognized for his expertise and contributions to the field of ketamine therapy.

Academic Qualifications

The academic foundation of Dr. Alessandro Gonçalves Campolina is both broad and highly specialized, combining rigorous medical and research training from Brazil’s top universities with advanced, international education in cutting-edge psychotherapeutic techniques. This diverse learning path has equipped him with a unique skill set to pioneer scientifically grounded yet holistically oriented therapeutic approaches. His education reflects a deep intellectual curiosity and a dedication to lifelong learning in service of his patients.

His pursuit of knowledge extends beyond national borders, incorporating training from world-renowned centers for psychedelic studies. This global perspective enriches his practice and research, aligning perfectly with the international and collaborative spirit of the 3rd WCTCIM.

• Postdoctoral Degree: University of São Paulo (USP), Brazil.
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD): University of São Paulo (USP), Brazil.
• Master’s Degree: Federal University of São Paulo (Unifesp), Brazil.
• Medical Doctor (MD): Specializing in Geriatrics and Psychotherapy.
• Advanced Psychedelic Therapy Training: Completed specialized programs at leading institutions including the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS, USA), the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS, USA), Polaris Insight Center (USA), and the Takiwasi Center (Peru), which is known for its work with traditional Amazonian medicine.

Research on Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies

Dr. Alessandro Gonçalves Campolina is a leading researcher in the application of psychedelic-assisted therapies within the Brazilian healthcare system. His primary research focus is on the use of Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) to address psychological and existential distress in cancer patients. This work, conducted at the University of São Paulo Medical School and ICESP, is particularly significant as it tackles the profound mental health challenges that accompany a life-threatening diagnosis, an area of high unmet need in supportive oncology care.

His research is designed to generate robust evidence, which is essential for the integration of such therapies into public health services. This directly supports the principles of the Gujarat Declaration, which call for a scientific approach to traditional and complementary medicine. Beyond clinical trials, his role as the Coordinator of the Health Technology Assessment Laboratory at ICESP is critical. In this capacity, Dr. Alessandro Gonçalves Campolina evaluates the feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and real-world impact of new treatments, providing the data policymakers need to make informed decisions. Consequently, his research contributes not only to clinical knowledge but also to health systems planning and sustainability.

Fellowship and Professional Recognition

Dr. Alessandro Gonçalves Campolina‘s expertise and leadership in the specialized field of ketamine therapy have been formally recognized through his designation as a Fellow of the American Society of Ketamine Physicians, Psychotherapists & Practitioners (ASKP3). This fellowship is not merely a membership but a mark of distinction, awarded to professionals who have demonstrated significant contributions to the practice, research, and ethics of ketamine-based treatments. It signifies his standing as a respected authority within the international community dedicated to this therapeutic modality.

ASKP3 is a premier professional organization that champions the safe, effective, and ethical use of ketamine for medical and mental health conditions. Therefore, being honored as a Fellow places Dr. Campolina among a select group of global pioneers. This recognition validates his rigorous approach and his commitment to advancing the evidence base for psychedelic-assisted therapies, reinforcing his credibility as a key opinion leader in this rapidly evolving area of medicine.

Leadership in Clinical Training and Health Assessment

Beyond his clinical and research duties, Dr. Alessandro Gonçalves Campolina plays an instrumental role in shaping the future of integrative mental healthcare through education and strategic health planning. His leadership activities ensure that innovative therapies are not only developed but also implemented responsibly and taught with the highest standards of excellence. This work is crucial for building sustainable healthcare ecosystems that can incorporate new evidence-based practices.

His involvement directly addresses the 3rd WCTCIM’s Thematic Axis, “TCIM Education and Training.” At Instituto Aion, he leads training and clinical supervision programs, mentoring other healthcare professionals in the nuanced practice of KAP. Simultaneously, his coordination of the Health Technology Assessment Laboratory at ICESP places him at the nexus of innovation and policy, where he guides the evaluation process that determines which new therapies are adopted into the broader health system. This dual focus on education and systemic integration makes his contribution to the field exceptionally impactful.

Connect with Dr. Campolina

To further explore the work of Dr. Alessandro Gonçalves Campolina, including his clinical services, training programs, and academic contributions, please consult the resources below. These links offer detailed information about his professional affiliations and scholarly output.

Instituto Aion: Learn about clinical services and training programs

Lattes Curriculum (CNPq): View his full academic and publication history