Founded in 1986, the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) is a 501(c)(3) non‑profit research and educational organization that develops medical, legal, and cultural contexts for people to benefit from the careful uses of psychedelics. MAPS furthers its mission by developing psychedelics into prescription medicines; training therapists and establishing a network of treatment centers; supporting scientific research into spirituality, creativity, and neuroscience; and educating the public honestly about the risks and benefits of psychedelics and cannabis. MAPS envisions a world where psychedelics are safely and legally available for beneficial uses, and where research is governed by rigorous scientific evaluation of their risks and benefits. A top priority for MAPS is developing MDMA-assisted psychotherapy into a legal, FDA-approved treatment for PTSD. Studies are showing that MDMA-assisted psychotherapy can help people overcome debilitating PTSD caused by sexual assault, war, violent crime, and other traumas.
FDA regulated phase 3 clinical trials are currently in progress, assessing the efficacy and safety of MDMA-assisted therapy in adult participants with severe PTSD. Over a 12-week treatment period, participants are randomized to receive twelve non-drug preparatory and integration sessions lasting 90 minutes each along with three day-long sessions about a month apart of either MDMA or placebo in conjunction with therapy provided by two MAPS-trained clinicians. In newly published analysis of Phase II data, 91 participants were interviewed at least 12 months post final MDMA session. Of these participants, 67% did not qualify for a PTSD diagnosis. The trials are in the final phase of research required by the FDA. If approved, MDMA will be available as a legal prescription treatment for PTSD in conjunction with therapy in a clinical setting.
The MAPS interdisciplinary team of therapists at the MAPS study site in Boulder, Colorado, includes an ACPE Certified Chaplain Educator. As a sub-investigator and co-therapist with the study team, Jamie Beachy, PhD, ACPE, is contributing her professional chaplaincy perspective to this innovative therapeutic approach that emphasizes compassionate presence and listening, inner-directive communication, a deep regard for the inner healing intelligence of the participant, and skill in being present to non-ordinary states of consciousness and spiritual experience in the therapeutic process. In addition to her role with MAPS, Jamie directs the Center for Contemplative Chaplaincy at Naropa University.
To learn more about national and international studies currently recruiting study participants, visit the MAPS research webpage.