Draft:Gary Fischer (LSD researcher)

Gary M. Fischer (2 June 1931 – 2 March 2012) was a Canadian clinical psychologist known for his pioneering work in the therapeutic use of psychedelic substances, particularly LSD and psilocybin, in the treatment of various mental health conditions.

Early Life and Education
Gary Fisher was born on June 2, 1931, in Canada. He obtained his Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Utah, where he laid the foundation for his groundbreaking research in the field of psychotherapy.

Career
Fisher's interest in the therapeutic potential of psychedelic drugs emerged during his training with the Saskatchewan Group under the guidance of Al Hubbard. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, Fisher conducted revolutionary research, utilizing LSD and psychotherapy to treat children afflicted with autism and schizophrenia. Although controversial, some of Fisher's patients exhibited significant improvement following treatment.

Apart from his work with children, Fisher also explored the use of LSD in assisting terminally ill patients, aiming to alleviate their psychological distress. His efforts in this area earned him recognition for his compassionate approach to end-of-life care. He also collaborated with Timothy Leary in Mexico, the Caribbean, and Millbrook, NY. However, Fisher's research came to an abrupt halt in 1962 when LSD was made illegal, forcing him to discontinue his studies in this field. Nevertheless, his contributions to the understanding of psychedelic-assisted therapy left a lasting impact on the field of psychology.

Fisher served as an assistant professor in the Division of Behavioral Sciences and Healthy Education at the School of Public Health, UCLA. Throughout his career, he authored several influential papers, shedding light on the therapeutic applications of psychedelic compounds in various clinical settings.

Artistic Influence
In addition to his contributions to psychology, Fisher was also an accomplished artist. He attributed some of his creative inspiration to his own psychedelic experiences, highlighting the profound influence these experiences had on his artistic expression.