This interview with Mark Rizkallah of Tulua Health is a fascinating exploration of the use of psychedelic medications in treating addiction and other mental health conditions. His goal is to make this treatment accessible to all people, and also to provide it in an appropriate setting, with guidance and therapy.

Mark Rizkallah is the CEO of Tulua Health, an addiction and mental health treatment facility based in Santa Monica, CA. Mark, who was born in Lebanon, arrived in the United States at the age of four after his parents decided to leave their country due to the ongoing civil war. When they arrived in Los Angeles, CA his parents secured employment at a relative’s bakery and Mark continued his education. No longer worried about hiding from the Mortar fire, Mark excelled in school and became the first person in his family to graduate from college. With his degree in psychology, Mark quickly got to work, jumping in headfirst, securing work at a subacute treatment facility treating those struggling with schizophrenia. 

It was in this position that Mark had the opportunity to witness the complexities of mental illness and the challenges presented in treating those with severe and persistent mental illness as well as substance abuse. Mark was particularly intrigued with the medications and primary treatment methods which were utilized in this setting. Diving deeper into pharmacology, Mark began researching alternatives to standard psychotropic medications and found himself learning more and more about the powers of psychedelics to treat mental illness and substance use. 

“Traditional methods of treatment are only saving a small group of people, with 7%-10% success rates while psychedelics are boasting 50%-60% success in European studies.” 

With this knowledge, Mark decided it was time for him to offer unique and successful treatment techniques and modalities to his community. This is when he launched Tulua Health. 

A decade after launching his career, Mark is a proud husband and father of 3 beautiful girls. He is passionate about spreading education on alternative treatment methods for those struggling with mental illness and substance use disorders. He also hopes to inspire those in recovery to follow their dreams and to encourage them to set the bar high for themselves.