Join a Groundbreaking PTSD Research Study at Emory Healthcare Veterans Program



Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy
Clinical Trials

A new path forward

Combining cutting-edge science with trusted care for our nation’s heroes.

At the Emory Healthcare Veterans Program, we’re proud to lead the way in transforming mental health care for post-9/11 veterans and service members. We offer world-class, evidence-based care, and now we’re conducting a research study that could impact the future of treatment for post-traumatic stress.

What are psychedelics?

MDMA and Psilocybin are a psychoactive compound that affects mood, perception, and increases prosocial feelings. We are investigating use of these compounds, or placebos, in addition to therapy for treating post-traumatic stress and anxiety.  MDMA and Psilocybin are not approved by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) at the time of this study and have not been widely tested in humans.  The use of these study drugs is being administered in an experimental manner and there is no guarantee that it will benefit you or improve your condition(s).

How does the study work?

For participants who are eligible and choose to enroll, medical and psychiatric assessments will be completed to confirm eligibility. Procedures will also include a blood draw for routine lab tests, self-report surveys, and therapy sessions.

Once eligibility is confirmed, participants will take part in an experimental one-time medicine session, which involves receiving either a placebo or the study drug, followed by two therapy sessions. On non-medication days, participants will continue with therapy sessions and other study procedures. In addition, an fMRI scan may be offered to evaluate brain activity throughout treatment.

Follow-up contacts will occur at up to 12 months after treatment to complete symptom assessments by phone or online.

There is a chance participants may receive a placebo or study drug. Participants may or may not benefit from the study, but their participation will help us learn more about and improve treatment for post-traumatic stress. Participants will not lose medical benefits from participation in study.

 

Who is eligible?

You may qualify if you are:

  • A post-9/11 veteran or service member 

  • Experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress such as difficulty sleeping, feeling emotionally numb or hopeless, being easily startled, constantly on edge, and struggling with anger or irritability

  • Open to participating in a clinical research study involving psychedelic-assisted therapy

  • Able to dedicate time for screening, two weeks for in-person treatment at our clinic in Atlanta, Georgia, and complete follow-up assessments for up to one year

Help shape the future of PTSD Treatment

Treatment is confidential and provided at no cost to eligible post-9/11 veterans and service members living anywhere in the United States regardless of discharge status, deployment history, or length of service.

Request a Confidential Appointment

Start Today

Find out if you’re eligible for our psychedelic-assisted therapy clinical trial or the related accelerated treatment program. Complete the short form below and a veteran care coordinator will contact you.