Obrochta, a clinical psychology Ph.D. student, looks at how substance co-use can affect people’s ability to manage stress and anxiety
Alexia Obrochta
By Taylor Pedersen, CLA Student Writer - October 10, 2025
For Alexia Obrochta, a second-year Ph.D. student in the School of Psychological Science’s clinical psychology program, research isn’t just about data; it’s about dialogue. Dialogue between substances and stress, between emerging science and cultural stigma, and between her personal curiosities and the evolving field of psychedelic-assisted therapy.
Originally from Daytona Beach, Florida, Obrochta’s path to Oregon and psychedelic research started with a book: Michael Pollan’s How to Change Your Mind. The bestselling exploration of psychedelic science prompted her to imagine how substances like psilocybin (the active compound in psychedelic mushrooms) could help people navigate mental health challenges.
“When I first read that book, I saw how psilocybin was being used to treat substance use disorders and other mental health issues,” Obrochta said. “And I thought if it can help with alcohol use disorder, why couldn’t it be helpful for cannabis use disorder too?”
Obrochta is now one of the early researchers in OSU’s brand new clinical psychology Ph.D. program, housed in the College of Liberal Arts. Her research focuses on the co-use of cannabis and psilocybin, specifically, how people who use both substances report stress and anxiety, and whether the combination may compound or relieve those symptoms.
Obrochta’s interest in cannabis is rooted in observation. She’s grown up watching how cannabis use has become increasingly normalized, especially as alcohol consumption declines among younger generations. However, she’s also aware that normalization doesn’t always equate to safety.
“Cannabis can be incredibly therapeutic for some people, but for others, it can actually make things worse,” she said. “We’re seeing increases in cannabis use disorders, and not enough discussion about the potential harms. I’ve always cared deeply about harm reduction and how we can help people use substances more safely, whatever those substances may be.”
That harm-reduction lens drives her curiosity about cannabis and psilocybin co-use. She’s particularly interested in whether psilocybin could interrupt a potential feedback loop where people turn to cannabis to manage stress, but end up feeling worse in the long run.
“There’s research suggesting cannabis may dysregulate your body’s stress response. So I’m asking: could psilocybin help reset that? Or does it just add more complexity?”
For Obrochta, the field’s newness is part of the draw, but novelty comes with responsibility. As a clinical psychologist-in-training, Obrochta is committed to separating enthusiasm from evidence.
“It’s easy to get caught up in the hype around psychedelics, but I’m open to whatever the data says, even if that data ends up contradicting my hypotheses,” she said. “I just want the public to have access to good science.”
That scientific grounding is especially important in a field where cultural baggage still looms large. She acknowledges that stigma and legal gray areas make recruitment and community engagement a delicate process.
“Some people are really excited when they hear what I research. Others are more hesitant. Building trust is crucial, not just with participants, but with the broader public.”
Obrochta’s move from Florida to Oregon wasn’t just a climate change; it was a change in lifestyle and perspective. After visiting Portland during her undergraduate years, she knew she wanted to live in the Pacific Northwest.
“Even though I came to OSU during a snowstorm, I saw the beauty in Oregon’s extremes. The faculty were so welcoming and clearly passionate about the program—it just felt right.”
Now, she finds inspiration not only in her lab, but in the landscape. Paddleboarding midweek or hiking after a long day of writing. Oregon’s emphasis on nature has helped her find balance.
“Being in nature just makes me a better person. It grounds me, and that makes me a better researcher, too.”
With two more years left in her Ph.D. program, Obrochta is still exploring where her work will ultimately take her. She loves teaching, clinical work, and research, and hopes to build a career that allows her to do all three.
As for the field of psychedelics, she’s cautiously optimistic.
“The research is promising, but access is still a big issue. Oregon’s psilocybin therapy model is expensive and out of reach for a lot of people. I hope that, as evidence grows, we can push for more equitable models like getting insurance to cover treatment.”
Until then, Obrochta is focused on the science: building strong data, engaging with communities ethically, and staying curious.
“Everything in this field surprises me,” she said. “Whether it’s a new paper showing something positive or negative, I’m just excited the research is being done. People care, and that gives me hope.”