This is the news many people have been waiting for: MAPS Public Benefit Corporation has now opened the applications for MDMA-Assisted Therapy training outside the research context!
In 2021, two groups of eligible therapists will be accepted for a 100-hour, 14-weeks long, entirely on-line, comprehensive training to become an MDMA-Assisted Therapist. These will be the first two cohorts of therapists trained and released into to world to provide MDMA-Assisted Therapy in regular clinical settings outside research. I have to say it: Spectacular!
Since MAPS has been doing all MDMA Therapy approval research, including training their research therapists, all over the world for years now, MAPS should definitely at this point be considered world’s most qualified training body for MDMA-Assisted Therapy. So this is no small news. This is a major step towards bringing MDMA-Assisted Therapy to those in need, safely and effectively.
Of course, MDMA-Assisted Therapy has not yet been approved in USA and Canada, and it is not entirely certain how this therapy will be delivered when approved. It’s a new therapeutic modality that uses a powerful psychoactive substance, and requires a team to professionals (including a medical doctor) and appropriate setting to deliver it. It is not entirely sure how this therapy will be regulated and what specialized guidelines will apply. So it is understandable that most professionals prefer to wait to see those details before heavily investing in this specialized training.
But those of you who would like to apply now, you can do so @ https://mapspublicbenefit.com/training/. The training will include live presentations, case presentations, role plays, self-reflection activities, group and dyad activities, reading, writing, coursework, creative projects. Training schedule can be found @ https://mapspublicbenefit.com/training/training-schedule/. Scholarships are available as well!
The times, they are a changing indeed …