Veterans, Military Expand Psychedelic Therapy Studies for PTSD Nationwide

Psychedelic-assisted therapies are increasingly being explored and implemented to address PTSD, depression, and anxiety among military veterans and elite athletes. Stanford researchers observed significant symptom reductions in Special Forces veterans treated with ibogaine, with veterans reporting life-changing effects, including silence from intrusive thoughts. Similarly, the University of Manchester is investigating psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAP) for trauma recovery in elite athletes, highlighting its potential to treat both emotional trauma and physical brain injuries. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, led by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is committed to expanding psychedelic therapy research and aims to provide legal access to such treatments for veterans within the next year, coordinating efforts with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Community programs like the Cerebrum Rehab Center focus on evidence-based counseling and cognitive behavioral therapy tailored for veterans, addressing barriers to mental health care. Additionally, clinical research pioneered in oncology settings is being adapted by the Department of Defense to use group therapy models with MDMA to treat PTSD in active duty military personnel, showing the broadening application of psychedelic therapies across populations.