Dr. Nicolas Garel graduated from the Université de Montréal in 2012 with a Bachelor degree in Psychology before completing a Doctorate of Medicine at McGill University in 2017. In 2022, he completed a residency in Psychiatry and a Master’s of Psychiatry at McGill University in addition to research training in the Clinician Scientist program. In 2023, he began a clinical fellowship in Addiction Medicine at Stanford University, US.

Dr. Garel is involved in numerous research projects on the use of psychotropic drugs, including ketamine, in patients with refractory depression and addictive disorders, and he was the first in Quebec to administer psilocybin (an active hallucinogenic substance derived from mushrooms) in a special access program. His perspectives on the use of psychoactive substances to treat mental health problems can be found in media interviews here.

Dr. Garel has published articles in a number of recognized scientific journals, see here, and has presented at both national and international scientific conferences. He is very involved as a volunteer with various organizations, where he shares his expertise in psychiatry, addiction, and the use of psychoactive substances as a treatment option.

Dr. Garel advocates a psychotherapeutic approach of acceptance and commitment from a human and existential perspective. He emphasizes mindfulness and acceptance, with the goal of maximizing human potential to create a rich and meaningful life, while accepting the pain that inevitably accompanies it. He is passionate about music, literature, food, and travel. He loves to backpack and discover new countries and cultures. A proud sibling and father, he is also very close to his family and friends, and makes sure to spend time with them regardless of his professional workload.