MDMA-Assisted Therapy
Breaking New Ground in Mental Health Care
What is MDMA-Assisted Therapy?
MDMA-assisted therapy is a groundbreaking approach to treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and is also being researched for other psychological struggles. This innovative treatment combines psychotherapy with the carefully monitored use of MDMA, a psychoactive substance that enhances feelings of trust, empathy, and emotional openness. By creating a safe, supportive environment for processing trauma, MDMA-assisted therapy has shown remarkable potential in clinical trials, offering hope to those struggling with PTSD. It was granted “Breakthrough Therapy” status by the FDA in 2017 and is currently in Phase 3 research working toward FDA approval.
PIPS has been researching and developing MDMA-assisted therapy since 2019. We are currently completing a clinical trial of MDMA-assisted therapy for social anxiety that finishes 2025. Sign up for our newsletter to get updates on our research, the journey toward FDA approval, and news about MDMA-assisted therapy. While MDMA-assisted therapy is still working FDA approval, we are excited to be among the first to offer this life-changing treatment assuming it eventually becomes available.
FAQs about MDMA-Assisted Therapy:
How does MDMA-assisted therapy work?
MDMA-assisted therapy works by combining the administration of MDMA with psychotherapy sessions. MDMA is thought to enhance the therapeutic process by:
Reducing fear and anxiety, allowing patients to process painful past events memories more easily
Increasing feelings of trust and empathy, which may improve the patient-therapist relationship
Releasing hormones like oxytocin and prolactin, which can promote feelings of connectedness
Opening a window of neuroplasticity leading to accelerated change
When will MDMA-assisted therapy become available?
MDMA-Assisted therapy was granted “Breakthrough Therapy” status by the FDA in 2017 and is currently in Phase 3 research working toward FDA approval. It’s currently unclear when it might be approved, but probably not until 2026 or later.
Is MDMA-assisted therapy safe?
The safety and efficacy of MDMA-assisted therapy have been extensively studied in clinical trials. When administered in a controlled therapeutic setting by trained professionals, MDMA has shown a favorable safety profile. However, like any medical treatment, there are potential risks and side effects, which will be thoroughly explored with you before beginning the therapy.
What conditions is MDMA-assisted therapy being studied for?
MDMA-assisted therapy is being studied for several mental health conditions, with the most advanced research focusing on:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): This is the primary focus of current clinical trials and the condition closest to potential FDA approval.
Social Anxiety: PIPS is one of the first to conduct clinical trials on social anxiety disorder.
Alcohol Use Disorder
Anxiety Associated with Life-Threatening Illnesses
Treatment-Resistant Depression
Legal Disclaimer: MDMA-assisted therapy is currently pending FDA approval and is not yet available for general use. The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We are committed to offering MDMA-assisted therapy once it receives FDA approval and becomes legally available.
Join Our Journey: Stay Informed of our work on MDMA-Assisted Therapy
Be among the first to know when MDMA-assisted therapy becomes available. By joining our waiting list, you'll receive:
Regular updates on the FDA approval process and our practice's preparations
Updates on research we and others are conducting on MDMA-Assisted Therapy and other psychedelics
Information on clinical trials of MDMA and other psychedelics being conducted in the Portland area
Information about how we are preparing to deliver services with this modality should it be come available