Mrs. Maria Helha Fernades do Nascimento | Mental Health | Best Scholar Award

Mrs. Maria Helha Fernades do Nascimento, Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil

Mrs. Maria Helha Fernandes do Nascimento is a Brazilian researcher, therapist, and academic with a distinguished background in mental health and health technology assessment. She holds a PhD in Experimental Pathophysiology from the University of São Paulo (2023), with a dissertation analyzing psychedelic therapies for mental disorders. She also holds postgraduate degrees in Mental Health, Acupuncture, and Analytical-based Mental Health. A licensed Occupational Therapist since 2004 and a graduate in Portuguese and English Language (1994), she currently works as a Health Technology Analyst at the School of Public Health of Goiás. Her research explores rapid reviews, health promotion, psychedelics, and public health technologies. She has authored over 25 peer-reviewed publications and multiple technical reports, including studies on psychotropic therapies and systematic reviews for Brazil’s Unified Health System (SUS). She is also recognized for her contributions in training, technical document development, and scientific coordination in public healthcare education and policy implementation.

Publication Profile

Orcid

Academic Background

Mrs. Maria Helha Fernandes do Nascimento has a diverse and interdisciplinary academic background centered on mental health and therapeutic sciences. She earned her PhD in Experimental Pathophysiology from the University of São Paulo (USP) in 2023, focusing her dissertation on the bibliometric analysis of psychedelic use in mental disorder treatment under the guidance of Prof. Dr. André Brooking Negrão. Her postgraduate studies include a specialization in Mental Health from Faculdade Futura (2017–2018), where she examined the role of acupuncture in treating mental illnesses. She also completed postgraduate training in Acupuncture (2011–2013) at UniEVANGÉLICA, and in Analytical-Based Mental Health (2006–2007) at IOAS. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy (2000–2004) from PUC Goiás, where she explored psychophysical integration for depressed adults using sensory and expressive therapies. Additionally, she holds a degree in Portuguese and English Language (1991–1994) from the State University of Goiás, demonstrating a broad interdisciplinary foundation

Professional Experience

Mrs. Maria Helha Fernandes do Nascimento has extensive professional experience in health and education sectors, with a focus on mental health, integrative therapies, and public service. Since 2021, she has served as a Health Technology Analyst at the Goiás State School of Public Health (SESG), working within the Health Technology Assessment Unit (NATS/GEPI). From 2016 to 2023, she was an Occupational Therapist at the State Center for Integrative and Complementary Medicine (CREMIC). Previously, she worked at the Goiás State Child and Youth Psychosocial Care Center (CAPSI) from 2014 to 2021. She co-founded and coordinated the philanthropic São Pedro e São Paulo Multi-Disciplinary Clinic (2006–2014), offering mental health care to underserved populations. Earlier roles include technical service in neuro-rehabilitation at Reabilitar, laboratory technician at APAE Anápolis (1997–2003), and teaching science and Portuguese at local public schools. Her career reflects a deep commitment to public health, education, and social equity.

Research Focus

Mrs. Maria Helha Fernandes do Nascimento’s research focus lies in the interdisciplinary exploration of psychedelic-assisted therapies, mental health treatment, and complementary medicine. Her work emphasizes the efficacy, safety, and bibliometric trends of substances like LSD, psilocybin, and ibogaine in treating mental and substance use disorders. Through systematic reviews and scientometric analyses, she evaluates clinical trials and global research trajectories to assess the therapeutic potential and integration of psychedelics in psychiatric care. Additionally, her research extends to alternative and integrative approaches, such as acupuncture and other complementary therapies for common mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. Her publications frequently explore the historical evolution, scientific impact, and therapeutic innovations within the realm of psychopharmacology and holistic mental healthcare. By bridging traditional therapeutic methods with emerging psychedelic science, Maria Helha contributes to a forward-thinking approach in mental health research that balances innovation with evidence-based safety and efficacy.

Publication Top Notes

• 2025 📅 Efficacy and Safety of LSD in the Treatment of Mental and Substance Use Disorders: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials (Psychiatry Research) – DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2025.116622

• 2025 📅 Overview and Specificity of Psilocybin Use in the Treatment of Mental Disorders: A Scientometric Analysis (Psychedelic Medicine) – DOI: 10.1089/psymed.2024.0031

• 2024 📅 Three Decades of Research on the Development of Ibogaine Treatment of Substance Use Disorders: A Scientometric Analysis (Journal of Psychoactive Drugs) – DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2023.2276230

• 2024 📅 AVANÇOS NO TRATAMENTO DE TRANSTORNOS MENTAIS: Uma análise bibliométrica global da pesquisa sobre psicodélicos clássicos (Psicologia e Saúde em Debate) – DOI: 10.22289/2446-922X.V10A2A36

• 2022 📅 Ibogaine microdosing in a patient with bipolar depression: a case report (Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry) – DOI: 10.47626/1516-4446-2021-2359

• 2022 📅 Trends in complementary and alternative medicine for the treatment of common mental disorders: A bibliometric analysis of two decades (Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice) – DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2021.101531