About the Portland Institute for
Psychedelic Science (PIPS)
Our Mission and Business Model
The Portland Institute for Psychedelic Science (PIPS) is dedicated to advancing the field of psychedelic research and therapies. Our mission is to uncover and refine the therapeutic potential of psychedelics through rigorous scientific research, to offer transformative psychedelic-assisted therapies grounded in evidence-based practices, and to cultivate excellence in therapy provision through specialized training programs. Committed to healing and innovation, we strive to advance the standard for efficacy and integrity in psychedelic science and services across the region.
PIPS is a division of Portland Psychotherapy Clinic, Research, & Training Center, which was founded in 2007 by Jenna LeJeune, Ph.D., and Jason Luoma, Ph.D., with the vision of creating a unique mental health center where the practice and science of psychotherapy go hand in hand. As dedicated therapists and scientific researchers, our goal was to create a clinic that made effective, science-based psychotherapy available to all in our community while also contributing to the broader community through scientific research. To achieve this, we developed a unique business model that, to our knowledge, is the only one of its kind in the nation: a private mental health center in which the profits go to fund scientific research. Most of the research we conduct is funded through the revenues we make from clinical and training services. The clinical services portion of our center operates essentially as a not-for-profit, with all its proceeds above what is required for staff salaries and overhead going to fund the research activities at the center. In other words, the clients that we serve are our benefactors, not the government or large corporations.
Science informs all of what we do, including the ongoing scientific research we conduct on topics ranging from the interpersonal functions of emotion to psychedelics to new treatments for shame, self-criticism, and stigma.
By having our funding for our research come directly from the clinical services we provide to those in our community, we are able to reduce the influences of outside funding sources. It also keeps us accountable to our community rather than donor organizations.
Our Approach
At PIPS, we take a comprehensive and integrative approach to psychedelic science. Our work encompasses three key areas: research, clinical services, and professional training. This unique model allows us to rapidly translate research findings into practical therapeutic techniques, ensuring that our services are always at the cutting edge of the field. We believe that this synergy fosters a rich learning environment for professionals and sets a high standard for treatment efficacy.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and
Anti-Racist Practices
PIPS is committed to making our services accessible to a wide range of people, providing a welcoming space where diversity is celebrated, and helping all people feel welcomed and comfortable. As part of this, we offer equity access scholarships for our training, seek to conduct research that acknowledges and addresses historical injustices, and work to maximize the accessibility of our clinical services. We acknowledge the reality of white supremacy and colonialism and seek to be part of addressing those problems. We recognize and honor the profound wisdom and historical knowledge that indigenous and spiritual communities hold regarding psychedelics, wisdom that has enriched scientific understanding in this field. While we approach this work through a scientific lens, we see this as only one way of understanding among many, not the only legitimate path forward.
Our Team
Our team consists of experienced clinicians, researchers, and educators who are passionate about advancing psychedelic science and therapies. Key members of our team include:
Core Staff
Jason Luoma, Ph.D.
Director of PIPS and scientist with extensive experience in psychedelic research and therapy
Brian Pilecki, Ph.D.
Clinical Services Manager, clinical psychologist, and associate scientist focused on psychedelic integration and psychological flexibility as well as therapist providing psychedelic services.
Jenna LeJeune, Ph.D.
Clinical psychologist and researcher focused on psychedelic integration and psychological flexibility as well as therapist providing psychedelic services.
Kati Lear, Ph.D.
Associate scientist at PIPS and project director of the SAMATI trial as well as therapist providing psychedelic services.
Kyong Yi, LCSW
Study therapist and researcher focused on our clinical trials as well as therapist providing psychedelic services.
Jonah Stabinski, LCSW
Therapist providing psychedelic services.
Christina Chwyl, Ph.D.
Post doctoral fellow and clinician
Medical
Aryan Sarparast, MD
Study Physician and Consultant
Seth Mehr, MD
Study Physician and Consultant
Meghan O’Neil, MD
Study Physician and Consultant
Research Associates
Lilly Kennedy
Research Associate
Research
Our multidisciplinary team of researchers and clinicians is dedicated to exploring the therapeutic potential of psychedelics and advancing our understanding of their effects on the human mind and body. We employ a range of research methodologies, including randomized controlled trials, qualitative studies, and naturalistic observational studies. Our current research projects include studies on MDMA-assisted therapy for social anxiety disorder, psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression, self-transcendent experiences induced by various psychedelics, and the challenges faced by therapists in providing psychedelic integration services.
Clinical
Services
We offer a range of clinical services to support individuals who are interested in exploring psychedelic-assisted therapies. Our Psilocybin Consultation and Integration Services (PCIS) program provides wraparound care for clients seeking to access psilocybin services in Oregon. We also offer general psychedelic integration and consultation services for individuals who have had psychedelic experiences outside of a clinical setting and are seeking support. In the future, we plan to offer MDMA-assisted therapy, pending FDA approval.
Professional Training
PIPS is committed to providing education and training opportunities for mental health professionals interested in psychedelic-assisted therapies. We offer workshops, seminars, and certificate programs that cover topics such as psychedelic pharmacology, therapeutic models, and ethical considerations in psychedelic therapy. Our approach is practical and based on integrating evidence-based therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy or cognitive-behavioral therapy, with psychedelics.
Get Involved
If you are interested in participating in one of our research studies, seeking clinical services, attending a professional training, or collaborating with our team, please contact us at info@pips.org or click on the button below.
At the Portland Institute for Psychedelic Science, we are dedicated to advancing the understanding and therapeutic application of psychedelics through research, clinical services, and professional training. We invite you to join us on this exciting journey of discovery and healing.