Depression, PTSD, and trauma related disorders continue to challenge modern medicine, even as our understanding of the brain and consciousness rapidly evolves. New research suggests that certain therapies may help unlock deeper healing by combining neuroscience, psychology, and carefully guided experiences.

In this episode of Extend, we sit down with Dr. Rick Doblin, founder of MAPS, to unpack the science and history behind psychedelic assisted therapy and its potential role in mental health treatment. We break down the research behind MDMA assisted therapy for PTSD, how psychedelics influence neuroplasticity and emotional processing, and why therapeutic context, preparation, and integration are essential for safe and meaningful outcomes.

We also explore how psychedelic research is reshaping conversations around trauma, healing, and the future of psychiatry.

Dr. Rick Doblin is the founder and executive director of MAPS (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies), the organization leading global research into psychedelic assisted therapies and working to develop evidence-based treatments for PTSD and other mental health conditions.

What We Discuss:

(01:55) The political origins of psychedelic prohibition
(04:40) Ancient psychedelic traditions and the Eleusinian Mysteries
(08:01) Dr. Rick Doblin's path to founding MAPS
(10:34) Science, policy, and the future of psychedelic medicine
(11:00) Expanding research on MDMA therapy
(12:21) Psychedelic churches and religious freedom laws
(15:42) Why context and safety shape psychedelic outcomes
(16:20) Neuroplasticity and emotional processing
(17:36) Bromo-LSD and non-psychedelic therapeutic compounds
(20:39) Psychedelics and rewriting personal narratives
(23:22) The Good Friday Experiment and mystical experiences
(25:23) MDMA therapy and trauma processing
(27:47) Psychedelics and alternatives to alcohol
(30:30) Ketamine therapy and pharmaceutical incentives
(36:16) MAPS, MDMA development, and commercialization
(41:56) The FDA pathway for MDMA therapy
(47:00) Global psychedelic research initiatives
(56:51) Early LSD research in psychology
…to be continued

Thank You to Our Sponsors:

Timeline: Timeline powered by Mitopure just dropped the price. Check it out at timeline.com/drshah and get an additional 20% off your first month with code DRSHAH.

Learn more about Dr. Shah:

Website: drshah.com

Clinic: next-health.com

Instagram: darshanshahmd

Learn more about Dr. Rick Doblin:

Website: maps.org

Instagram: rickdoblinphd

X: @RickDoblin

153. Dr. Rick Doblin - Part 1: Psychedelics, MDMA Therapy, and the Future of Mental Health

Extend Podcast with Darshan Shah, MD

153. Dr. Rick Doblin - Part 1: Psychedelics, MDMA Therapy, and the Future of Mental Health