Israeli Psychologist Advances Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy for Trauma Amid Mental Health Crisis
Dr. Keren Tserpati, a 51-year-old clinical psychologist from Hod Hasharon and CEO of MAPS Israel, is pioneering research and treatment using psychedelic substances for severe psychological conditions such as PTSD, depression, and eating disorders. Holding degrees in law, cinema, and psychology, she combines her expertise to develop integrated therapies involving substances like MDMA and psilocybin, aiming to address the growing mental health crisis exacerbated by recent traumatic events, including those following October 7.
Psychedelic-assisted therapy, rooted in ancient global traditions using natural substances, was suppressed for decades due to cultural and political reasons but has seen a renaissance over the past 25 years. Dr. Tserpati joined this movement in 2009 and has since led clinical studies in Israeli hospitals, contributing to a new therapeutic field. These substances temporarily alter patients’ consciousness, enabling them to process trauma from a novel perspective under professional supervision, which can lead to significant symptom relief.
Clinical results are promising: about 70% of patients with severe trauma no longer suffer from PTSD symptoms, and 88% show clinical improvement in sleep, anxiety, and flashbacks. Treatments involve intensive preparation, multiple psychedelic sessions lasting around eight hours each, and ongoing integration therapy. The approach requires careful patient screening and professional oversight to ensure safety, distinguishing it from unsupervised recreational use.
Despite encouraging outcomes, these therapies remain in clinical trial phases and are not yet widely approved. The FDA has requested further research but has also indicated a fast-track pathway for some protocols, influenced by advocacy from veterans’ and trauma survivor groups. Dr. Tserpati’s team is conducting the world’s largest group therapy study with 168 participants, including victims of recent attacks, to explore collective healing models that could make treatment more accessible and cost-effective.
Dr. Tserpati envisions expanding these therapies within Israel’s public mental health system and emphasizes the need for continued research and funding to develop group-based treatments for collective trauma. Her personal journey began with exposure to traditional psychedelic healing during travels and a commitment to integrating these methods legally and scientifically into Western medicine.
