Julie Holland

Dr. Julie Holland 2013

Julie Holland is an American psychiatrist, psychotherapist, and author, known for her work on psychedelic therapy, mood disorders, and the cannabis plant as medicine. She has been a vocal advocate for the decriminalization of cannabis and the therapeutic potential of psychedelics. Holland has contributed significantly to the field of psychopharmacology through her research, writing, and public speaking.

Early Life and Education

Julie Holland was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. From a young age, she showed a keen interest in the workings of the human mind, which eventually led her to pursue a career in psychiatry. Holland attended the University of Pennsylvania where she earned her undergraduate degree. She then went on to receive her medical degree from the Temple University School of Medicine. Following medical school, Holland completed her residency in psychiatry at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City, where she focused on emergency psychiatry.

Career

After completing her residency, Holland worked for several years in the Emergency Department at Bellevue Hospital in New York City, where she specialized in acute psychiatry. Her experiences at Bellevue, dealing with a wide range of psychiatric emergencies, provided her with a deep understanding of the complexities of mental health and the shortcomings of current psychiatric treatments.

Holland has also served as an assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at the New York University School of Medicine. She is a frequent guest on various media outlets, where she discusses topics related to mental health, psychedelics, and drug policy.

Books and Publications

Julie Holland is the author of several influential books in the field of psychiatry and psychopharmacology. Her works include:

• Weekends at Bellevue: Nine Years on the Night Shift at the Psych ER, where she recounts her experiences working in the psychiatric emergency room at Bellevue Hospital.
• The Pot Book: A Complete Guide to Cannabis, which serves as a comprehensive resource on the history, politics, and science of cannabis.
• Moody Bitches: The Truth About the Drugs You're Taking, The Sleep You're Missing, The Sex You're Not Having, and What's Really Making You Crazy, a book that explores the natural moodiness of women, advocating for a better understanding and natural management of women's health and mental well-being.
• Ecstasy: The Complete Guide: A Comprehensive Look at the Risks and Benefits of MDMA, a book that examines the therapeutic potential of MDMA, also known as ecstasy.

Advocacy

Julie Holland has been a prominent advocate for the medical and therapeutic use of psychedelic drugs and cannabis. She argues that these substances can offer significant benefits when used responsibly and under professional supervision, particularly for individuals with conditions that are resistant to traditional treatments. Holland has spoken at numerous conferences and public forums, advocating for changes in drug policy that would allow for more research and therapeutic use of psychedelics and cannabis.

Personal Life

Details about Julie Holland's personal life are kept private, in keeping with her professional focus on her work and advocacy.

Legacy and Impact

Julie Holland's work has had a significant impact on the fields of psychiatry and psychopharmacology, particularly in the areas of emergency psychiatry, the therapeutic use of psychedelics, and cannabis research. Her books and public speaking engagements have contributed to a growing conversation about the need for reform in drug policy and the potential benefits of psychedelics and cannabis in certain medical and therapeutic contexts.