From left to right: Naperville psychiatrist Dr. Abid Nazeer, Illinois Psychiatric Society representative Dr. Chris Holden, and licensed therapists Jessica Punzo of Oak Park and Mickensy Ellis-White of Danville, testify during a Dec. 10, 2024 Illinois House Mental Health and Addiction Committee meeting in Chicago.

While Illinois lawmakers and mental health professionals pushed for support of related legislation, some also expressed concern on Tuesday about allowing those struggling with severe psychological issues easier access to psychedelic treatments.

Before witness testimony began, Rep. Lindsey LaPointe (D-Chicago), who chairs the House Mental Health and Addiction Committee, said the educational hearing about the legitimate therapeutic use of psilocybin – also known as psychedelic mushrooms – comes in the “midst of a behavioral health crisis” in the U.S. She added the meeting would include accounts from states which have already allowed for the use of the psychedelic mental health treatment, patients of the therapy, and Illinois psychiatrists and therapists who have seen results 

“In sum, we have a lot to learn,” LaPointe said. “This hearing is just one touch point in all of that, learning to explore what exactly is the potential of psychedelics for behavioral health treatment.”