Scientific Research
Advancing Psychedelic Science: Research at the Portland Institute for Psychedelic Science
The Portland Institute for Psychedelic Science (PIPS) is at the forefront of psychedelic research. Our multidisciplinary team of researchers and clinicians is dedicated to exploring the therapeutic potential of psychedelics and advancing our understanding of their effects on the human mind and body.
Current Research Projects
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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.
The study enrolled 20 participants to receive MDMA in conjunction with psychotherapy sessions.
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.
This study wraps up in 2025
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PROS-2 examines the effects of psilocybin on participants attending a 7-day retreat in the Netherlands, where they had two guided experiences with legal psilocybin-containing truffles. By assessing changes in psychological functioning, well-being, and the role of psychological flexibility, this study aims to further our understanding of the therapeutic potential of psilocybin in a supportive retreat setting.
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STEP is designed to characterize the nature of self-transcendent emotions and experiences induced by MDMA, psilocybin, and cannabis. By comparing the subjective effects of these substances and investigating the role of contextual factors, such as set and setting, this study will provide valuable insights into the phenomenology of psychedelic-induced self-transcendence and its potential implications for mental health and well-being.
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This qualitative study focuses on identifying the most common challenges therapists face when helping clients integrate psychedelic experiences and strategies they employ to address these challenges. By gathering the perspectives of experienced psychedelic integration therapists, Project PITCH aims to inform the development of best practices and training programs for mental health professionals working in this emerging field.
Our Scientific Approach
We employ a range of research methodologies, including randomized controlled trials, qualitative studies, and naturalistic observational studies, to investigate the subjective effects, therapeutic mechanisms, and clinical outcomes associated with psychedelic use. Our studies are designed with the utmost regard for participant safety, ethics, and scientific rigor.
Collaborations and Partnerships
PIPS actively seeks collaborations with leading research institutions, nonprofit organizations, and industry partners to advance our shared goals of expanding psychedelic science and improving mental health care. Our current collaborators include:
We also have ongoing collaborations with faculty at institutions around the world including Oregon Health Sciences University, the University of Colorado, University College London, and more.
Publications and Presentations
Our team regularly publishes peer-reviewed articles in leading scientific journals and presents our findings at national and international conferences.
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Luoma, J., Allen, L. R., Gold, V., & Stauffer, C. (2024). Getting in Touch with Touch: The Importance of Studying Touch in MDMA-assisted Therapy and the Development of a New Self-report Measure. Psychedelic Medicine. Download Here
Lear, M. K., Smith, S. S., Pilecki, B., Stauffer, C., & Luoma, J. B. (In Press). Social Anxiety and MDMA-Assisted Therapy Investigation (SAMATI): A novel clinical trial protocol. Frontiers in Psychiatry, Psychopathology. Download Here
Pilecki, B., Luoma, J., & Lear, K. M. (2024). A pilot study of the effect of group-administered psilocybin on psychological flexibility and outcomes. Journal of Psychedelic Studies. Download Here
Armstrong, S. B., Levin, A. W., Xin, Y., Horan, J. C., Luoma, J., Nagib, P., Pilecki, B., & Davis, A. K. Differences in attitudes and beliefs about psychedelic-assisted therapy among social workers, psychiatrists, and psychologists in the United States. Journal of Psychedelic Studies. Download Here
Agin-Liebes, G., Zeifman, R., Luoma, J. B., Garland, E. L., Campbell, W. K., & Weiss, B. (2022). Prospective examination of the therapeutic role of psychological flexibility and cognitive reappraisal in the ceremonial use of ayahuasca. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 36(3), 295–308. Download here.
Luoma, J.B. (2022). MDMA-Assisted Therapy as a Means to Treat Social Anxiety Disorder. MAPS Bulletin.
Luoma, J.B., Pilecki, B., Davis, A.K., Smith, S.M. (2022). Predictors of attitudes toward psychedelics among psychologists in the USA. Drugs: Education, Prevention & Policy. Find Here
Yaden, D. B., Earp, D., Graziosi, M., Friedman-Wheeler, D., Luoma, J. B., Johnson, M. W. (in press). Psychedelics and Psychotherapy: Cognitive-Behavioral Approaches as Default. Frontiers in Psychology. Download here.
Davis, A., Agin-Liebes, G., Espana, M., Pilecki, B., & Luoma, J.B. (2021). Attitudes and beliefs about the therapeutic use of psychedelic drugs among psychologists in the United States. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 1-10. Download here.
Luoma, J.B. Shahar, B., Lear, M.K., Pilecki,B., & Wagner, A. (2021). Potential Processes of Change in MDMA-Assisted Therapy for Social Anxiety Disorder During Acute Dosing: Enhanced Memory Reconsolidation, Self-Transcendence, and Enhanced Therapeutic Relationship. Human Psychopharmacology, e2824. Download here.
Pilecki, B., Luoma, J.B., Bathje, G.J., Rhea, J., & Fraguada Narloch, V. (2021). Ethical and Legal Issues in Psychedelic Harm Reduction and Integration Therapy. Harm Reduction Journal, 18, 40. Download here.
Luoma, J.B., Chwyl, C., Bathje, G.J., Davis, A. K., & Lancelotta, R. (2020). A Meta-Analysis of Placebo-Controlled Trials of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 12, 1-11. Download pre-print here.
Luoma, J.B., Davis, A. K., Watts, R., & McCracken, L. (2020). Integrating contextual behavioral science with research on psychedelic-assisted therapy: introduction to the special section. Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science, 15, 207-209. Download preprint here.
Watts, R., & Luoma, J.B. (2020). The use of the psychological flexibility model to support psychedelic-assisted therapy. Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science, 15, 92-102. Download here.
Luoma, J.B., Subucedo, P., Eriksson, J., Gates, N., & Pilecki, B. (2019). Toward a contextual psychedelic-assisted therapy: contextual behavioral science and the third wave of psychedelic research. Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science, 14, 136-145. Download pre-print here.
Get Involved
If you are interested in participating in one of our research studies, collaborating with our team, or learning more about our education and training programs, please contact us at pips@portlandpsychotherapy.com or visit our clinical trials website for more information.