Building capacity in crisis: psychedelic-assisted therapy training in Ukraine

From April 28 to May 4, a landmark educational event on psychedelic therapy took place in Lviv, Ukraine, organised by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) in partnership with the Ukrainian Psychedelic Research Association (UPRA). PAREA Founder & Executive Tadeusz Hawrot joined as an invited observer.

Part of MAPS’ International Therapist Education (ITE) Program, the event brought together 55 Ukrainian mental health professionals for a weeklong immersive training on the fundamentals of psychedelic-assisted therapy, with a focus on MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD. It covered key areas such as building therapeutic alliance, conducting preparation and integration sessions, and working with complex challenges including transference, suicidal ideation, and deep trauma.

The training was led by experienced MAPS educators and supported by Ukrainian teaching assistants, themselves alumni of earlier ITE cohorts. Live interpretation was provided throughout the event, and all core materials were translated into Ukrainian.

Against the backdrop of ongoing conflict, the initiative represents a significant step in expanding clinical capacity in regions experiencing widespread trauma. 

Notably, this also occurred as the Ukrainian Ministry of Health considers the rescheduling and regulation of clinical research with psychedelic substances — a historic shift in policy that could pave the way for Ukraine to emerge as a regional leader in innovative trauma care.