atai Impact Donates to the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) to Support Pioneering Work in Psychedelic Medicine

atai Impact, the philanthropic program of atai Life Sciences and the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) announced a $500,000 donation from atai Impact to MAPS.

atai Impact, the philanthropic program of atai Life Sciences and the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) today announced a $500,000 donation from atai Impact to MAPS. This donation is an important demonstration of the synergy and collaboration across the leading non-profit and commercial organizations to advance psychedelic medicine and tackle the escalating mental health crisis affecting over one billion people worldwide.¹

“We were already facing a global mental health crisis, but the pandemic has escalated this even further. To solve this crisis requires innovation, passion and collaboration,” said Florian Brand, CEO and Co-Founder, atai Life Sciences. “MAPS has been the driving force of the psychedelic renaissance over the last 35 years, promoting healing and well-being through education and research into psychedelics and their potential to revolutionize mental health for those in need. Their work has been an incredible source of inspiration and motivation to all of us at atai, and we’re pleased to work alongside them.”

“Mental health is a fundamental human right – one that today’s healthcare systems are not equipped to provide for. The sheer scale of the global mental health crisis calls for a large-scale response from nonprofit, public benefit, and for-profit organizations working together to meet the collective need. With this gift, atai Impact is demonstrating their commitment to our shared values of healing and health equity,” added Rick Doblin, Ph.D., Founder and Executive Director, MAPS.

The $500,000 donation from atai Impact is for multi-year support of MAPS’ ongoing initiatives, including its Health Equity Program. The program aims to optimize access and healing through the development of a diverse network of therapy providers reflecting the diverse experiences of those who experience trauma and mental health conditions.

“We launched atai Impact, our philanthropic arm, because we know there must be a cross-sector approach to healing mental health conditions for everyone, everywhere,” said Rae Richman, Vice President of atai Impact. “It’s an incredibly exciting and pivotal time for psychedelic medicine and atai Impact is committed to ensuring that, as the field grows, it promotes equitable, sustainable and effective practices.”

The donation from atai Impact to MAPS was issued through the atai Impact Fund at Vanguard Charitable.