The academic and medical communities are mourning the tragic loss of Dr. Nolan R. Williams, a highly respected Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University, who passed away by suicide. His untimely death has sent shockwaves through the global neuroscience and mental health fields, where he was widely regarded as a pioneer, innovator, and compassionate healer.
Dr. Williams dedicated his life to advancing treatments for severe mental health conditions through groundbreaking brain stimulation research. As the Director of the Stanford Brain Stimulation Laboratory, he spearheaded revolutionary studies on neuromodulation therapies for mood and neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
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Among his most remarkable achievements was the creation of the Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy (SAINT) — a rapid-acting, non-invasive treatment for individuals with treatment-resistant depression. The therapy received FDA Breakthrough Device Designation in 2021 and FDA Clearance in 2022, setting a new standard in psychiatric medicine. It later became the first psychiatric treatment approved for Medicare New Technology Add-On Payment (NTAP), helping patients around the world find hope where conventional treatments had failed.
Dr. Williams was also one of the first researchers to conduct mechanistic clinical trials on the neurobiological effects of ibogaine, furthering global understanding of psychedelic-assisted therapy. His innovative work bridged science and compassion, with a relentless focus on delivering evidence-based solutions to those in need.
Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Williams earned numerous accolades, including the A.E. Bennett Award and the Colvin Prize in 2024, as well as the Visionary Award from the Clinical TMS Society in 2025. His insights were featured in leading publications such as The New York Times, Scientific American, and The Washington Post, as well as on NBC’s TODAY Show and CBS Sunday Morning.
Beyond his scientific brilliance, colleagues remember Dr. Williams as a kind, humble, and deeply empathetic physician who mentored countless students and researchers. He held appointments across Stanford’s Bio-X, Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, and the Maternal & Child Health Research Institute, reflecting his far-reaching impact across disciplines.
Dr. Williams’ passing is a heartbreaking loss to the scientific and medical communities. Those who knew him describe him as a man of intellect, warmth, and unwavering dedication to alleviating human suffering. His death serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of mental health care — even among those devoted to studying and treating it.