MDMA for Love: A New Study Charts the Future of Couples Therapy

NEW YORK, NY – February 02, 2026 – In a pioneering move to bridge the gap between anecdotal success and scientific validation, the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) and Columbia University have announced a formal research partnership to study MDMA-assisted couples therapy. This first-of-its-kind observational study aims to systematically document how practitioners are using the substance in real-world settings, laying an evidence-based foundation for a practice that has existed in the shadows for decades.

The project will utilize anonymous surveys and confidential interviews to gather insights from practitioners who have facilitated MDMA-assisted sessions with couples. The findings are intended to inform the creation of ethical guidelines, shape future clinical trial protocols, and guide policy recommendations in the rapidly evolving field of psychedelic medicine.

“Practitioners have been utilizing MDMA in work with couples for decades, learning what works and what doesn’t,” said Rick Doblin, PhD, Founder and President of MAPS, in the official announcement. “This study documents this knowledge so we can move forward with evidence rather than assumptions and ensure couples are supported as this field develops.”

From Underground Practice to Formal Research

While the announcement marks a new chapter in formal research, the use of MDMA to enhance relationships is not a new concept. Before its classification as a Schedule I substance in the mid-1980s, some therapists legally used MDMA in their practices, noting its potential to foster empathy, reduce defensiveness, and facilitate open communication. Early reports from clinicians like Dr. George Greer documented sessions with couples in the early 80s, highlighting improvements in emotional closeness and communication.

Since its prohibition, a quiet subculture of informal or “underground” use has persisted, with many couples seeking out the substance to work through relational challenges or deepen their connection. Small-scale qualitative studies have explored this phenomenon, with participants often reporting that conscious, planned use of MDMA led to stronger bonds and breakthroughs in intimacy. This new collaboration between MAPS and Columbia University represents a critical effort to bring this wealth of experiential knowledge into the light.

“There is a deep well of experience among practitioners working with couples and MDMA outside today’s regulatory frameworks,” explained Dr. Jae Sevelius, the study's Principal Investigator and a Professor of Medical Psychology at Columbia University. “Our aim is to document what’s happening... so that future clinical protocols and ethical guidance are informed by evidence rather than assumption.” The research team emphasized that data security and participant privacy are central to the study's design.

Navigating a Complex Ethical and Regulatory Landscape

The study launches at a pivotal and complex moment for psychedelic therapy. While excitement is high, the path to legalization remains fraught with challenges. The psychedelic community faced a significant setback in 2024 when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) did not approve the New Drug Application for MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD, submitted by the MAPS-incubated public benefit company Lykos Therapeutics. The agency cited concerns over trial design and called for more data, a decision that has delayed the timeline for MDMA's rescheduling and medical availability.

This regulatory reality underscores the importance of the Columbia-MAPS study. By meticulously documenting real-world practices, researchers hope to build a more robust data set that can address the very safety and efficacy questions raised by regulators. The project is specifically designed to explore practitioner training, screening practices for couples, and safety protocols—all critical components for establishing best practices.

Ethical considerations are paramount, especially in a dyadic setting. The heightened state of vulnerability and suggestibility during a psychedelic session requires stringent safeguards. A core focus of the study will be to understand how current practitioners navigate these challenges, including obtaining informed consent, maintaining professional boundaries, and, critically, screening for underlying issues like coercive control or domestic violence, which could be dangerously obscured or exacerbated in a therapeutic setting.

Beyond Diagnosis: A New Frontier for Wellness

This research also signals a deliberate strategic shift for MAPS and the broader psychedelic science movement: looking beyond the treatment of diagnosable mental health disorders toward applications for general wellness and human thriving. While the organization's landmark trials focused on PTSD, its long-term vision encompasses a world where psychedelics can be used carefully to enhance personal growth and connection.

“This is part of our work on MDMA therapy for wellness and thriving rather than only on treating diagnosable disorders,” Doblin stated, framing the couples study as a key step in that direction.

This perspective is echoed by other leaders in the organization. “MDMA-assisted couples therapy might be MDMA’s most compelling, impactful, and natural application,” noted Philippe Lucas, PhD, Director of Research and Safe Access at MAPS. “It supports deeper honesty and compassion in how partners communicate, regardless of the outcome.”

The involvement of a prestigious institution like Columbia University, which recently launched its own psychedelic therapy training program for social work students, further legitimizes this new research frontier. It demonstrates a growing academic commitment to not only studying these substances but also preparing the next generation of therapists to use them responsibly.

The Study's Design and Ambitious Goals

The project is not a clinical trial and will not involve the administration of MDMA. Instead, it is an observational study designed to map the existing landscape. Researchers aim to enroll 50-100 practitioners for an anonymous online survey, with 10-20 participating in more in-depth, confidential interviews. The focus areas are comprehensive, covering everything from the therapeutic modalities used alongside MDMA to the session structure and the reasons couples seek this form of therapy.

The ultimate outputs will be peer-reviewed publications, policy-relevant insights, and, most importantly, practical recommendations for developing ethical standards and future clinical research protocols. By building on a foundation of lived experience, MAPS and Columbia hope to chart a course for MDMA-assisted couples therapy that is both transformative and safe, ensuring that if and when it becomes a regulated therapeutic option, it is guided by wisdom and evidence.