Active Projects

Real-world studies of psychedelic therapy and psychedelic use


Real-world outcomes of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD in Australia: A Retrospective Analysis
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This study is the first real-world evaluation of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for posttraumatic stress disorder in Australia. We partnered with a community treatment provider to examine how individuals progress across the course of therapy and at long-term follow-up. The project focuses on changes in PTSD symptoms, as well as safety, depression, suicidal ideation, and day-to-day functioning.

Status: In progress
Role: Co-Investigator; Senior Scientific Lead

Real-world safety and effectiveness study of psilocybin therapy in Oregon
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This ongoing study examines outcomes of psilocybin administration across licensed service centers in Oregon. We are collecting data from individuals with and without mental health conditions to understand how psilocybin affects mental health outcomes, including well-being, depression, and anxiety in real-world settings. The study also evaluates safety, including side effects and symptom exacerbation, and uses large-scale data to identify predictors of both positive and negative responses.

Status: Recruiting
Role: Co-Investigator; Scientific Co-Lead

Psychedelic use and mental health among individuals with personality disorders
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This retrospective survey study explores how individuals with personality disorders perceive the psychological effects of psychedelic use. We assess potential benefits such as improvements in personality functioning and well-being, as well as risks such as adverse effects or symptom worsening. The project also investigates factors that might help explain these outcomes, including acute psychedelic experiences and psychological mechanisms of change.

Status: In preparation
Role: Co-Investigator

Psychedelic-assisted therapy clinical trials


Psilocybin-assisted therapy for individuals with cancer-related distress (NCT05398484)
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Status: Recruiting
Role: Co-Investigator

Psilocybin-assisted Cognitive Processing Therapy for chronic PTSD (NCT06386003)
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Status: Recruiting
Role: Co-Investigator

Healing with PsilOcybin-Assisted Intensive Cognitive Processing ThErapy for chronic PTSD (HOPE-PTSD): A Multi-Site Randomized Placebo-Controlled Pilot Clinical Trial
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This multi-site randomized, placebo-controlled trial will examine the effect of psilocybin-assisted cognitive processing therapy (vs. cognitive processing therapy with a placebo) for individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder. The aim of the study is to determine whether psilocybin enhances the efficacy of an evidence-based trauma-focused treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder.

Status: Upcoming
Role: Co-Investigator

Observer-based coding of psychedelic-assisted therapy sessions


Psilocybin-assisted therapy vs. Escitalopram for Depression: Observer-based coding dosing and integration sessions
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Using recordings from a clinical trial in which individuals with major depression received either psilocybin therapy or a traditional pharmacological intervention for depression (Escitalopram, a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor) we are currently conducting a study that examines patient and therapist-level psychological processes, such as therapeutic alliance (Working Alliance Inventory-Observer Form), changes in attitudes toward self, and psychological insight (Change Coding System; Hayes, 2007).

Status: Ongoing
Role: Lead Investigator

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