MAPS and Columbia University Launch Study Examining Real-World MDMA-Assisted Couples Therapy Practices

MDMA, often referred to as “ecstasy”.

The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) has announced a formal research partnership with Columbia University to examine how practitioners are facilitating MDMA-assisted couples therapy outside of traditional regulatory frameworks. The project will use an anonymous online survey and optional confidential interviews to gather insight from practitioners who have worked with couples in MDMA-assisted settings. Researchers say the goal is to document training backgrounds, therapeutic methods, screening practices, session structure, and ethical considerations already being used in the field.

Unlike a clinical trial, the study will not involve the administration of MDMA. Instead, it will focus on mapping real-world practices developed over decades by practitioners working with couples in clinical, community, and ceremonial contexts. Findings are expected to inform future clinical trial design, ethical guidelines, and policy discussions surrounding non-diagnostic psychedelic therapy.

The study is being led by Dr. Jae Sevelius, a professor of medical psychology at Columbia University, with support from postdoctoral research scholar Dr. Sabrina Cluesman and several former MAPS staff members. The project has received approval from Columbia University’s Institutional Review Board.

According to MAPS founder Rick Doblin, the effort is part of a broader strategy to build evidence around MDMA therapy that extends beyond the treatment of diagnosable disorders and into areas focused on wellness, communication, and relationship health.

Researchers say they are aiming to collect between 50 and 100 survey responses, along with 10 to 20 in-depth interviews. Topics include practitioner supervision and training, therapeutic modalities used alongside MDMA, how screening and safety are handled for couples, why partners seek this work, and measures of personal and social connectedness.

Philippe Lucas, director of research and safe access at MAPS, said documenting existing approaches will help ensure that future clinical protocols and ethical guidance are grounded in lived experience rather than assumption.

Findings from the study are expected to be published in peer-reviewed journals and used to shape future dyadic psychedelic research and training programs. MAPS and Columbia are currently inviting practitioners with experience facilitating MDMA-assisted work with couples to participate.