Summary: The Guardian explores the potential benefits and challenges of using psychedelic-assisted therapy to treat racial trauma. While author Lucy Tu aptly points out the lack of diversity in clinical trials involving psychedelics—including MAPS-sponsored studies—we are pleased to report that so far, enrollment for our second Phase 3 trial of MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD is much more representative of the varying demographics of people who experience trauma. Natalie Lyla Ginsberg, M.S.W., of MAPS emphasizes that “inclusive clinical studies are only a first step,” reports Tu.
“The hope is to create cohorts of MDMA-assisted therapy practitioners who can support diverse communities,” Tu explains regarding the $900,000 in MDMA Therapy Training Program scholarships granted to 231 practitioners from marginalized communities last year through MAPS’ Health Equity Program. Although MAPS has been proactively working to create access to treatment and training opportunities, we have a long way to go to bring MDMA-assisted therapy to as many people and communities as possible.