About us
About us
APSTA is Austria's leading network for experts in the field of psychedelic research and therapy. Our aim is to connect doctors, psychotherapists, psychologists and experts from other disciplines and to promote the exchange of knowledge, best practices and valuable experience.
As a professional association of and for medical and therapeutic professionals, we stand for scientific integrity and ethical behavior. We are committed to safe and responsible practice in the use of psychedelics and offer a platform for open and respectful dialog among experts. Our network makes it possible to gain new insights, share experiences and work together to develop a forward-looking understanding of psychedelic research.
Mission
Mission
As a driving force in psychedelic research and therapy, we provide significant impulses. The dynamic development of this field requires clear structures and operational scopes. We therefore focus our activities on three core areas:
Mission
Networking
We bring experts together and promote interdisciplinary exchange in order to set new impulses in psychedelic therapy and research.
Guidelines & Standards
We define ethical guidelines and standards as a basis for the safe and effective use of psychedelic substances in therapy and research.
Education & Outreach
We provide information about the opportunities and challenges of psychedelic therapy in order to promote an evidence-based social debate on the subject.
Networking
We bring experts together and promote interdisciplinary exchange in order to set new impulses in psychedelic therapy and research.
Education & Outreach
We provide information about the opportunities and challenges of psychedelic therapy in order to promote an evidence-based social debate on the subject.
Guidelines & Standards
We define ethical guidelines and standards as a basis for the safe and effective use of psychedelic substances in therapy and research.
Principles
Principles
We are committed to the highest standards in research and therapy with psychedelic substances.
Our ethical principles serve as a compass for a responsible, transparent and safe practice. Through regular reflection and supervision, we ensure the well-being of patients and promote a contemporary approach that is oriented towards social and scientific developments.
Scientificity
Our work is based on sound scientific evidence. This is why we also promote and support research projects of the highest quality.
Transparency
and education
We are committed to openly and transparently informing the public about the potential and risks of psychedelic therapies.
Board
Board
Eva Gallacher, BA.pth., MAS, MBA
Chairwoman
Eva Gallacher is a psychotherapist in a private practice in Vienna and Mödling and has completed a two-year training course in augmented psychotherapy at the MIND Foundation in Berlin. She also researches the topic of psychedelics at the Sigmund Freud Private University and at the University of Zurich. She is a member of SÄPT and DGPFT. Due to her many years of experience in clinical drug research, she is also our specialist for clinical studies.
Carolina Czizek, BSc, BSc (WU)
Secretary General
Carolina Czizek holds a BSc in Int. Business Management (WU Wien), a BSc in Psychology and is currently completing her MSc in Cognitive Science. Her work rests on three pillars: Harm reduction and tripsitting at festivals as a team leader, providing information regarding potential therapeutic use of psychedelics and psychedelic research. She also gives workshops to pass on her experience in tripsitting. With her expertise, she promotes responsible use of psychedelics and combines scientific knowledge with practical approaches.
Dr. Martin Surkala
Head of medicine
Martin completed his training at the Center for Psychiatry in Zwiefalten (Germany) and at the state hospitals in Mistelbach and Hollabrunn. In 2018, he completed his specialist training in psychiatry and psychotherapy with a psychodynamic focus in Stuttgart. He gained professional experience in various psychiatric departments, with a focus on addiction-specific specialization. Since 2018, Martin has regularly participated in workshops with Dr. Juraj and Sonia Styk (SÄPT). In 2017, he co-founded the Slovak Psychedelic Society. Martin currently works at the Landesklinik Hollabrunn, the Anton Proksch Institute and in his own practice.
Dr. Claus Derganc
Treasurer
In his work, Claus Derganc combines traditional medicine with innovative therapeutic approaches and actively promotes the responsible use of ketamine augmented psychotherapy.
- General practitioner
- Emergency medicine, psychosocial medicine, psychosomatic medicine (i.t.)
- Augmented Psychotherapy - MIND Foundation Berlin (i.t.)
Dr. Fabian Unterhofer
First auditor
In his practice, he combines evidence-based medicine with innovative therapeutic approaches to promote holistic healing processes and respond to the individual needs of his patients.
- General practitioner
- Emergency medicine, psychosocial medicine, psychosomatic medicine (i.t.)
- Augmented psychotherapy - MIND Foundation Berlin
Mag. Marlene Rupp
Psychedelic Therapy and Integration
As a psychotherapist and coach in Vienna, Marlene Rupp has been helping people with their psychedelic experiences since 2018. Her integrative approach combines Gestalt therapy with attachment theory, embodiment, ACT and Buddhist philosophy. As co-founder of the Psychedelic Society Vienna and PsyCare Austria, she is committed to establishing substance-accompanied psychotherapy in Austria through lectures, community and media work.
Network
