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It is with profound sadness and deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Dr. Nolan Williams, a visionary physician-scientist, pioneering researcher, and compassionate healer. Dr. Williams, a towering figure in the fields of psychiatry and neuroscience, has left us far too soon. His passing marks the loss of a brilliant mind, a dedicated mentor, and a kind-hearted soul who changed the lives of many.

Dr. Williams was an Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University, where he also served as the Director of the Stanford Brain Stimulation Lab. His career was marked by an unwavering commitment to advancing the treatment of mood disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and other challenging neuropsychiatric conditions. Throughout his remarkable journey, he introduced cutting-edge technologies and treatments that transformed the landscape of psychiatric care.

Among his many groundbreaking contributions, Dr. Williams and his team developed Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy (SAINT), the world’s first non-invasive, rapid-acting treatment for treatment-resistant depression. SAINT earned FDA Breakthrough Device Designation in 2021, FDA Clearance in 2022, and became the first psychiatric treatment covered by Medicare’s New Technology Add-On Payment (NTAP) program. His work in this area has provided new hope to countless patients struggling with severe mental health issues, making a lasting impact on the field of psychiatric treatment worldwide.

Dr. Williams also made history as the first investigator to conduct clinical trials examining the neurobiological effects of ibogaine for psychiatric illnesses, paving the way for future advances in psychedelic medicine. His research and innovations earned him numerous prestigious awards from organizations such as the National Institute of Mental Health, Society of Biological Psychiatry, and the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation, among others.

While his scientific achievements are extraordinary, Dr. Williams’ humanity was equally remarkable. He was not only a brilliant researcher and clinician, but also a compassionate mentor who cared deeply for his students, colleagues, and patients. He had an uncanny ability to make each person feel valued and understood, always approaching his work with empathy and kindness. His vision was rooted in improving lives, and his work was always driven by a deep desire to heal and make a difference in the world.

Dr. Williams’ legacy will continue to shine brightly in the scientific community and beyond. His contributions to neuropsychiatry will forever resonate in the lives of those whose suffering he helped alleviate. He leaves behind a trail of hope, discovery, and inspiration that will guide future generations of researchers, clinicians, and patients.

Dr. Nolan Williams is survived by his family, colleagues, and the countless patients whose lives he touched. His memory will live on in the groundbreaking work he accomplished, the lives he transformed, and the love he gave to all who knew him.

May his memory be a blessing, and may his work continue to light the path forward. 🕊️

Details regarding memorial services will be shared soon.

https://unityflow.site/nolan-williams-suicide-stanford-ca-obituary-in-loving-memory-of-a-dedicated-doctor/

A Eulogy for Nolan Ryan Williams, M.D.
The most important voice in psychiatry: SAINT, Ibogaine, and hope when we need it most.
OWEN SCOTT MUIR, M.D, DFAACAP
OCT 11, 2025

When people talk about how important mental health is, what they really mean is that they wish people would stop dying by suicide. Sometimes, they also mean that death by overdose should stop. What they leave unsaid is more important: I loved someone, and lost them, and can’t bear the thought of that happening again. But, of course, it does happen again.

The coroner reported the death of Nolan Ryan Williams between October 8th and 9th, 2025. His lab was notified that suicide was the cause of death on the morning of the 10th.

This is a eulogy.1

https://thefrontierpsychiatrists.substack.com/p/a-eulogy-for-nolan-ryan-williams