Of the many hopeful developments in psychedelic research in recent years, perhaps the most important is that FDA approval of MDMA-assisted therapy for treating post-traumatic stress disorder appears likely within the next year. That prospect is due in no small part to our Raise the Line guest, Dr. Michael Mithoefer, who has spearheaded clinical trials of MDMA-assisted therapy for more than twenty years and is a senior leader at the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies Public Benefit Corporation which has led this groundbreaking research. Although he notes that FDA approval isn’t guaranteed, Mithoefer is contemplating what the practicalities will be of implementing this multi-stage therapy regimen, and he has cause for concern. “I think now the question is going to be, if it's approved, how does it fit into this medical system we have, which I think is quite dysfunctional, especially with mental health. To me, the challenge is going to be not to try to distort the treatment to fit the system,” he tells host Shiv Gaglani. In this enlightening conversation, Shiv and Dr. Mithoefer discuss the need for specialized therapist training, the importance of making the therapy available regardless of ability to pay, and other potential therapeutic uses for MDMA. This is a great opportunity to hear from an important voice about the current and future state of psychedelics as a treatment modality. 

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