In 2023, MAPS established an international therapist education program to equip care providers with theoretical fundamentals and best practices in psychedelic-assisted therapies. These education programs are one of many steps to bringing this therapeutic approach to areas of greatest need around the globe.
The education events are designed to guide mental health professionals in the inner-directed therapeutic approach. This approach to psychedelic-assisted therapies was developed throughout the 20th century and then honed over 20 years through 21st-century clinical research incubated by MAPS.
Participants in the six-day intensive programs learn the fundamental processes and concepts of the inner-directed approach; navigating preparation, medication, and integration sessions; strengthening the therapeutic alliance; and navigating sensitive issues like therapeutic touch, suicidal ideation, and transference and counter-transference.
MAPS’ International Psychedelic Therapy Education Program launched with three education programs held in the fall of 2023 in Australia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Iceland. MAPS is currently collaborating with allies to support more therapy education events in 2026 and beyond. We are in preliminary discussions with collaborators to support potential events in Arabic-speaking countries and in Africa. Eligible mental healthcare providers can sign up for updates here.*
Australia
In 2023, Australia became the fourth country to allow compassionate use of psychedelic-assisted therapies, specifically MDMA- and psilocybin-assisted therapies for PTSD and Treatment-resistant Depression.
This is yet another milestone for increased access to psychedelic-assisted therapies; however, few clinicians are educated in psychedelic-assisted therapies in Australia, and there are limited options to receive appropriate training. With the potential for a rapid increase in the provision of psychedelic-assisted therapies in Australia, MAPS delivered an education program in August 2023 that aimed to help address this gap.
This was the first MAPS education program in Australia and was delivered in collaboration with Australia’s first Clinical Psychedelic Lab at Monash University. Over sixty mental healthcare clinicians attended the program, which spanned three months and included a week-long intensive in regional Victoria (led by Marcela Ot’Alora G. and Bruce Poulter). Many of these participants are applying to deliver psychedelic-assisted therapies within the new Authorised Prescriber Scheme, leading to increased confidence that patients will be able to receive appropriate care under this new model.
The program was a wonderful success, with ongoing connections and support established within this new community of practitioners. Interested people who would like to be notified about future initiatives at Monash can subscribe to announcements here.
Bosnia-Herzegovina
In August, 55 mental health professionals attended the education program held in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Of particular importance, nearly 40 participants came from regions with generations of conflict, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ukraine, Serbia, Poland, Israel, Lebanon, Armenia, and the Czech Republic. The remaining participants and trainers were from the Netherlands, Canada, and the United States.
The participants’ commitment to learning was palpable. For some, the journey required a three-day bus ride; some attendees were from places currently experiencing war or conflict. Few places in Eastern Europe haven’t been subject to invasion or civil strife within attendees’ lifetimes, so for others, a traumatic history surfaced due to the location where the program was held.
Participants in this program reported that it “served as a beacon of hope.” As practitioners from diverse backgrounds came together to learn and share, they demonstrated the potential for transformation and reconciliation, even in the face of deep-seated historical wounds. Their collective efforts pave the way for a future where trauma-informed care is accessible to all, transcending borders and divisions.
MAPS is profoundly grateful to Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps for their corporate sponsorship of this event and to Steve and Genevieve Jurvetson, whose philanthropy helped make this educational event possible.
Iceland
Under a spectacular northern lights show in November 2023, Rick Doblin said, “There’s so much beauty in the world, yet we cause so much harm. I hope we can help foster some healing across the world.”
This education program was designed for therapists from six Nordic countries and included therapists from the U.K., Switzerland, and Lebanon gathering together to share a healing space.
During this program, Danish researchers presented a research poster exploring cultural biases and ethical dilemmas to be taken into consideration before refugees could be included in research projects utilizing MDMA-assisted therapy. There was also a dance party, where multi-lingual participants unveiled their revamped “YMCA”, which they dubbed “the MDMA song.”
MAPS extends enormous gratitude to Friðrik Steinn Kristjánsson with the Silfurberg Investment Company, Hugvíkkandi (The Icelandic Psychedelic Society), and Telous for their support in making this event possible.
MAPS’ International Psychedelic Therapy Education Program: Real-World Impacts
As more states and countries update policies to allow for psychedelic-assisted therapies, and as more people look for healing outside of the clinical context, these education programs will become ever more important. Providers of psychedelic-assisted therapies must have a substantial understanding of the therapeutic approach for appropriate care to be delivered. With our investment in providing these educational programs outside the U.S., MAPS is doubling down on our commitment to ensuring the highest standard of care is provided by people who are well-educated.
By focusing on communities stricken by conflict, forced migration, and natural disasters, we can begin to untangle the massive web of global, intergenerational trauma. We hope that through rigorous research of novel treatments and meaningful education of mental health care providers around the globe, following regulatory approval, we can begin to reduce the overall burden of trauma by healing more trauma than is being inflicted.
MAPS’ International Psychedelic Therapy Education Program Plans
MAPS and our allies have been discussing opportunities to host more programs in 2026 and beyond.
Please check back here for open programs!
2026 Switzerland – Full
2026 Italy – Dates TBD – Express Your Interest Here!
With your support, we can help educate mental health professionals worldwide to bring psychedelic access to everyone, regardless of people’s location or ability to afford it.
* Eligible mental healthcare providers are authorized to conduct therapy in their country or conduct research in an MDMA-assisted therapy clinical trial according to local regulations.
NOTE
The safety and efficacy of psychedelic-assisted therapies are currently under investigation. Neither MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD, nor any other psychedelic-assisted therapy, has been established for the treatment of any mental health condition. No treatment works for everyone; all treatments, even in clinical settings, carry risks.