Dr. Turpin utilizes his unique perspective and expertise to introduce readers to The Pearl Psychedelic Institute and MDMA-assisted psychotherapy.
Welcome to The Pearl Psychedelic Institute, a non-profit organization based in the mountains of Western North Carolina that aims to help bring psychedelic-assisted treatments into mainstream acceptance through research, public education, training and treatment. Our initial project, The Pearl MDMA Project, has been selected by MAPS (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies) to participate in an Expanded Access program offering MDMA-assisted psychotherapy to those suffering from treatment-resistant Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Although the initial scope of this program is limited, our hope is that this is the first step towards establishing MDMA-assisted psychotherapy in this region.
“Welcome to The Pearl Psychedelic Institute, a non-profit organization based in the mountains of Western North Carolina that aims to help bring psychedelic-assisted treatments into mainstream acceptance through research, public education, training and treatment”
Our Name
The name Pearl Psychedelic Institute was inspired by the symbolism of the pearl, one of the world’s oldest known gems. The pearl represents innocence and purity but it also represents wisdom gained through experience. The moment we are born into this world, we are innocent and pure but subsequent trauma and loss are at the root of much of our personal suffering and dysfunction and this extends to our interpersonal relationships and to our culture as a whole. Psychedelic medicines, when used intelligently and respectfully, have a history of potentiating and catalyzing healing experiences and one of the primary objectives of the Pearl will be to help facilitate the transformation of trauma and loss into hard-won healing wisdom and the restoration of connection with the healthy self. This may include a healing reconnection with one’s foundational innocence and purity and subsequently a deeper appreciation of the trajectory and texture of one’s unique life journey. It is also interesting to note that the pearl is not a true gemstone that comes from earth and rock but a gem that forms and grows inside of a living organism which was another selling point for the name….
Supporting the Cause
I would like to invite you to consider giving whatever donation you can to help us accomplish our goals for our communities in Western North Carolina and beyond. All donations will go towards developing trainings, community education programs, low-fee ketamine-assisted psychotherapy treatments, research development and the establishment of a reduced-cost clinic where the underserved can have access to these cutting-edge treatments. Please continue to visit our website and follow us on social media to join us on this journey as we work together to bring the healing potential of psychedelic medicine to the folks who need it the most. Donate by clicking the button below.
Thank You to Our Team
I want to thank the tireless efforts of our Board of Directors who have been instrumental in getting this organization off the ground. Their willingness to support the vision of the Pearl has been both inspirational and motivational and this group will undoubtedly accomplish great things. I also want to thank the Leadership Team of the Pearl as well as our crack group of professionals that make up The Pearl MDMA Project Team for their faith in this process and the ability to get the MDMA Expanded Access program to the launch pad. Despite the fact that it feels sometimes like our country and the planet are coming apart at the seams, there are good things happening and it is important to remember that.
“....there are good things happening and it is important to remember that.”