Open MIND
July 14, 2026
Christina Chwyl, Jason B. Luoma, Stephanie R. Rodriguez et al.
PTSD is a prevalent and debilitating condition, for which many individuals do not seek or complete treatment. As new PTSD treatments are being evaluated, such as psychedelic-assisted therapies, it’s important to understand the preferences of individuals for whom these treatments are being developed. To date, no research has directly compared preferences for psychedelic-assisted therapies...
June 4, 2026
Jason B. Luoma, M. Kati Lear, Brian Pilecki et al.
preprint
Background: ±3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) has positive effects on socio-emotional processing and MDMA-Assisted Therapy (MDMA-AT) showed promise for treating SAD in a previous placebo-controlled trial. Aims: Develop a preliminary estimate of clinical response and safety for MDMA-AT versus waitlist in adults with SAD. Secondary aims included refinement of a standardized psychotherapy...
PsyArXiv
January 10, 2026
Jason B. Luoma, Jenna Lejeune, Brian Pilecki et al.
preprint
Practical Guidelines for Supportive Touch in Psychedelic-Assisted and MDMA-Assisted Therapy: A Model for Practitioners and Researchers
Research Square
August 5, 2025
Christina Chwyl, Odin S. Elvenes, Andrew S. R. Kleven et al.
2 citations
Abstract Background Psychedelic integration is widely acknowledged as essential, yet limited empirical data exists on challenges faced during integration. Objective To explore therapists' perspectives on post-psychedelic integration challenges and their approaches to supporting clients. Methods Online interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of licensed mental health professionals who...
Journal of Psychedelic Studies
April 5, 2024
Brian Pilecki, Jason B. Luoma, Kati M. Lear
9 citations
Abstract Psychological flexibility has been proposed as a core process of change when psychedelics are used for therapeutic purposes, but to date empirical outcomes have only documented changes on the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ-II), a very general measure of psychological flexibility. This pilot study measured outcomes from psilocybin administered in a retreat setting across a...
Journal of Psychedelic Studies
August 21, 2023
Stacey B. Armstrong, Adam W. Levin, Yitong Xin et al.
12 citations
Abstract Background and aims Because psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) is likely to be provided by interdisciplinary professional teams comprised of social workers, psychologists, and psychiatrists, understanding the acceptability of this treatment approach among these professional disciplines is essential as the treatment advances through approval processes at the Food and Drug...
Frontiers in Psychiatry
July 15, 2023
M. Kati Lear, Sarah M. Smith, Brian Pilecki et al.
14 citations
BackgroundSocial anxiety disorder (SAD) is a serious and prevalent psychiatric condition that heavily impacts social functioning and quality of life. Though efficacious treatments exist for SAD, remission rates remain elevated and a significant portion of those affected do not access effective treatment, suggesting the need for additional evidence-based treatment options. This paper presents a...
Drugs Education Prevention and Policy
September 4, 2022
Jason B. Luoma, Brian Pilecki, Alan K. Davis et al.
13 citations
As evidence for psychedelic-assisted therapy accumulates, legalization becomes more likely. As a result, there is an increasing need for psychologists to become educated about psychedelics and their therapeutic effects as they will play an important role in disseminating this treatment. Therefore, understanding psychologists’ current attitudes toward psychedelics is integral in informing...
Human Psychopharmacology
May 1, 2022
Jason B. Luoma, Ben Shahar, M Kati Lear et al.
26 citations
Researchers have suggested that psychotherapy may be enhanced by the addition of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), particularly in the treatment of disorders wherein interpersonal dysfunction is central, such as social anxiety disorder. We review literature pertaining to three potential processes of change that may be instigated during sessions involving MDMA administration in the...
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs
September 1, 2021
Alan K. Davis, Gabrielle Agin-Liebes, Megan España et al.
103 citations
Psychologists are a vital component of mental health treatment and their perceptions of psychedelic-assisted therapy are critical for future implementation. This cross-sectional quasi-experimental electronic survey study explored the attitudes about psychedelics used in treatment among 366 clinical psychologists in the United States. Participants expressed cautiously favorable attitudes toward...
Harm Reduction Journal
April 11, 2021
Brian Pilecki, Jason B. Luoma, Geoff J. Bathje et al.
135 citations
Abstract Psychedelic-assisted therapy may represent an upcoming paradigm shift in the treatment of mental health problems as recent clinical trials have demonstrated strong evidence of their therapeutic benefits. While psychedelics are currently prohibited substances in most countries, the growing popularity of their therapeutic potential is leading many people to use psychedelics on their own...
Jason B. Luoma, M. Kati Lear, Kyong Yi et al.
preprint
This case report describes the application of in vivo and imaginal exposure techniqueswithin MDMA-assisted therapy (MDMA-AT) for social anxiety disorder (SAD). The treatment,conducted as part of a randomized controlled trial, consisted of three non-drug preparationsessions, two drug sessions, and six non-drug integration sessions. Exposure interventionsincluded imaginal exposure to...