Ongoing Research Projects at Portland Psychotherapy

SAMATI: Social Anxiety MDMA-Assisted Therapy Investigation

Project SAMATI is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study investigating the safety and efficacy of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for social anxiety disorder (SAD) in adults. Twenty participants were enrolled to receive MDMA in conjunction with psychotherapy sessions, and the study is now in its long term follow-up phase, with 24-month follow-up data currently being collected.

By focusing on understanding the mechanisms through which this treatment operates, we hope to contribute to the development of targeted and efficient interventions for those struggling with social anxiety.

Enrollment is closed and we are no longer recruiting participants for this study.

Related Publication:

Lear, M. K., Smith, S. S., Pilecki, B., Stauffer, C., & Luoma, J. B. (2023). Social Anxiety and MDMA-Assisted Therapy Investigation (SAMATI): A novel clinical trial protocol. Frontiers in Psychiatry, Psychopathology. Download Here

RISE: Study of Psilocybin Retreats for Cancer Survivors

Project RISE examines the psychological effects of psilocybin-assisted group retreats for breast cancer survivors. In collaboration with The Survivorship Collective, the study follows participants attending a 4-day retreat in Oregon, where they receive psilocybin in a supportive group setting at a licensed service center. 

Cancer survivors often face lasting challenges—anxiety, depression, fear of recurrence, and loss of meaning—that conventional care may not fully address. Early research suggests psilocybin may help reduce distress and improve quality of life in people facing serious illness. 

Participants complete surveys before the retreat and at follow-up points measuring anxiety, depression, belonging, and meaning in life. The study also explores aspects of the psychedelic experience and includes qualitative interviews.

PROS-2: Psilocybin Retreat Outcome Study II

PROS-2 examines the effects of psilocybin on participants attending a 7-day retreat in the Netherlands, where they took part in two guided experiences with legal psilocybin-containing truffles. 

The study looks at the psychological effects of psilocybin both during the retreat experience and in the time afterward. 

By assessing changes in psychological functioning, well-being, and psychological flexibility, the study aims to deepen our understanding of the therapeutic potential of psilocybin in a supportive retreat setting. 

Psilocybin for Chronic Pelvic Pain (CPP) in Women: A Pilot Feasibility Study

Portland Psychotherapy's Portland Institute for Psychedelic Science (PIPS) is serving as the clinical site for a pilot feasibility study evaluating psilocybin-assisted therapy for chronic pelvic pain (CPP) in women. Led by Principal Investigator Lynne Shinto, ND, MPH at OHSU, the study will enroll 15 women with CPP who have not fully responded to conventional treatments. Participants will receive a single 25 mg dose of psilocybin combined with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy-informed preparation and integration sessions. The primary aim is to establish the feasibility and safety of this approach, with exploratory outcomes examining changes in pain, mental health, and quality of life. This will be the first study to evaluate psilocybin for chronic pelvic pain in women, and findings will inform the design of a larger clinical trial. 

Opinions and Preferences for Treatments in Community Samples (OPTICS): Understanding Patient Preferences for Psychotherapy and MDMA-Assisted Treatment Options for PTSD

This study examines the preferences and judgments regarding different psychotherapies for treating PTSD among people with high levels of PTSD symptoms, as well as the psychosocial and clinical factors that predict these patterns. Participants read vignettes describing various psychotherapy modalities for PTSD treatment and complete surveys about their views on each treatment, including how suitable they see it as being for themselves. The study also includes qualitative data to shed light on the reasoning behind participants' preferences and their reactions to the treatments.

To see our publications, go here:

https://portlandpsychotherapytraining.com/publications-by-scientists-at-portland-psychotherapy/