SXSW 2025

MDMA-Assisted Therapy: Going to the Trauma, Not the Profits

Description:

Despite decades of recent progress, many hurdles remain to equitably offer psychedelic-assisted therapies to individuals in need around the world. Without capital incentives, for-profit corporations lack the motivation to expand access for underserved communities. Similarly, governments worldwide remain hesitant to fund treatments involving historically stigmatized substances. The 38-year-old non-profit MAPS, however, is working on domestic and global projects to prioritize access to MDMA-assisted therapy for communities with the largest burden of trauma and fewest resources for treatment.


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Other Resources / Information


Takeaways

  1. MAPS’ MDMA-assisted therapy global efforts extend to Somaliland, Syrian refugees in Denmark, Bosnia, Ukraine, and beyond.
  2. Group therapy with local healers is a cost-effective way to nurture culturally aligned care with MDMA-assisted therapy.
  3. Global psychedelic efforts that prioritize impact over profit demonstrate the need for philanthropic support without the pressure of monetary returns.

Speakers


Organizer

Whitney Wilhelmy, Executive Assistant to the President and Founder, Multidisciplinary Association For Psychedelic Studies (Maps)


Meta Information:

  • Event: SXSW
  • Format: Presentation
  • Track: Psychedelics
  • Track 2
  • Level: Beginner


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