In late 2017, when retired Navy SEAL Marcus Capone emerged from his first psychedelic-assisted therapy experience, he spoke seven words that would change countless lives: “This is exactly what the guys need.” Those words, born from personal transformation, sparked a mission that has grown into one of the most significant veteran health initiatives of our time. As Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions (VETS) approaches the milestone of serving our 1,000th grant recipient in early 2025, we reflect on our journey and look forward to a future where every veteran has access to the healing they deserve.

From Personal Crisis to Pioneering Organization

The story of VETS began like too many others in our community—with a family in crisis. After 13 years as a Navy SEAL breacher, Marcus Capone returned home, only to find himself on the front lines of a new battle: depression, anxiety, cognitive decline, PTSD, and thoughts of suicide. Years of traditional treatments failed to help, and his wife Amber watched in disbelief as the “laid-back, bigger-than-life and cooler-than-cool” man she’d married became increasingly isolated and disconnected.

When psychedelic-assisted therapy transformed Marcus’s life, the Capones knew they had to share this lifeline with others. In 2019, they took the bold step of launching VETS, embarking on what Amber has described as “a journey that has been propelled by an innate sense of conviction, trust, and determination…one that would require great sacrifice and patience, be tested by a global pandemic, and produce the most unbelievably amazing and gratifying work we could ever imagine.”

Five Years of Exponential Growth

Since its founding, VETS has evolved from a grassroots initiative into a leading force in the psychedelic therapy movement. Our growth has been marked by several significant milestones:

2019-2020: Building the Foundation

  • Established the Foundational Healing Grants program
  • Developed comprehensive preparation and integration protocols
  • Served our first 150 veterans and spouses

2021-2022: Expanding Impact

2023-2024: Leading the Movement

Advancing the Science of Healing

VETS’ evolution has paralleled—and often driven—dramatic changes in how psychedelic therapy is perceived and regulated. When Marcus first sought treatment in 2017, there was little mainstream discussion of psychedelic therapy. As Amber puts it, “There was no Michael Pollan book…nor were there articles about psychedelics in almost every major news publication…or social media feeds filled with all sorts of psychedelic topics and resources.”

Today, the landscape is dramatically different. Recent research, including our collaboration with Stanford University, has demonstrated unprecedented success rates in treating PTSD, TBI, and suicidal ideation. The first-of-its-kind study, published in Nature Medicine in January 2024, showed that participants’ disability ratings improved from an average of 30.2 to just 5.1 one month after treatment, with suicidal ideation decreasing from 47% to 7%.

Beyond supporting clinical research, VETS is advancing the field’s scientific foundations. In May 2024, our own integration coaches published the first-ever scientifically validated Psychedelic Integration Scales in Frontiers in Psychology, providing researchers and clinicians with vital tools to measure treatment outcomes. As Dr. William A. Richards of Johns Hopkins noted, “Finally, we have access to valuable rating scales, carefully-constructed, that capture and reflect integrative processes.”

Building Nonpartisan Support for Clinical Access

VETS’ approach to advocacy demonstrates that veteran health transcends partisan political divisions. Our most significant policy victory came through close collaboration with Representative Dan Crenshaw on the Douglas “Mike” Day Psychedelic Therapy to Save Lives Act . This groundbreaking legislation, now part of the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act, marks the first-ever provision for psychedelic research in defense legislation.

“I’ve led this two years in a row in the House, and now finally got it into the final bill with the Senate,” said Representative Crenshaw. “I’m thrilled. This will save lives and potentially revolutionize the way we treat all types of PTSD and TBI.”

Our advocative success stems from focusing on common ground: supporting veterans and advancing scientific research. In 2024, we helped coordinate a bipartisan congressional letter urging the National Institutes of Health to include active duty service members in psychedelic research. Representatives from both parties joined this effort, including Reps. Dan Crenshaw, Luis Correa, Jack Bergman, Nancy Mace, and Mikie Sherrill, demonstrating the broad support for evidence-based approaches to veteran health.

Our nonpartisan approach extends to state-level initiatives. In California, we joined forces with the Coalition for Psychedelic Safety and Education to co-sponsor Senate Bill 1012 , which would have created a framework for regulated access to clinical psychedelic use. Although the bill did not advance, this collaboration demonstrated our commitment to balanced policy change that prioritizes both access and safety.

VETS has also helped lead efforts to expand research access. When California’s psychedelic research stalled due to procedural issues, we successfully advocated for Assembly Bill 2841 , which allowed the Research Advisory Panel of California to resume reviewing and approving critical studies at VA facilities, the University of California, Stanford, and other institutions.

Documentary Premiere: Bringing Stories of Veteran Healing to the World

In a powerful testament to the growing impact of our mission, award-winning filmmakers Jon Shenk and Bonni Cohen chose to document the healing journeys of three retired Navy SEALs, including VETS’ Co-Founder, Marcus Capone, in their groundbreaking film In Waves and War , which premiered at the prestigious Telluride Film Festival in August 2024. 

Taking its title from a passage in Homer’s “The Odyssey,” the documentary offers an intimate look into the transformative potential of psychedelic therapy for veterans. Through artfully animated sequences and compelling personal narratives, it follows their journeys from struggling with suicidal thoughts to finding new hope through innovative treatments.

“Sharing my personal experiences with deteriorating mental health was one of the most challenging moments of my life,” Marcus reflects. “However, I recognized the profound impact that candidly speaking about these issues could have on others around the world facing similar struggles.” The film, presented by Participant in association with Chicago Media Project and Mycoskie Enterprises, and produced by Actual Films, represents a significant milestone in our mission to destigmatize psychedelic therapy and expand access to these innovative treatments. 

As directors Shenk and Cohen noted, “Working with Amber and Marcus to tell this story has been the honor of our lifetime.” Through their lens, Marcus’ story will reach a broader audience, helping to build understanding and support for innovative approaches to veteran healing.

A Movement Gaining Momentum

The broader context of our work has evolved significantly. Recent developments include:

  • The VA’s historic announcement to fund psychedelic research for the first time since the 1960s
  • Growing public support, with 61% of Americans now favoring regulated therapeutic access
  • State-level initiatives advancing in California, Colorado, and elsewhere
  • Increased interest from major research institutions and pharmaceutical companies

As Todd Berrios, VETS Ambassador and grant recipient, notes: “These therapies have made a profound impact on many veterans, and advocacy for policy change is crucial to ensure our veterans are provided with the best possible care.”

Community Impact and Integration

Perhaps our most significant achievement has been building a community of support and advocacy. The VETS Ambassador Program, launched in 2023, exemplifies this evolution, encompassing:

  • Peer Support: Veterans helping fellow veterans navigate their healing journeys
  • Donor Relations: Building sustainable funding through compelling stories and gratitude
  • Legislative Advocacy: Providing powerful testimony for policy initiatives
  • Media Advocacy: Sharing transformative experiences through various platforms

Brandon Bryan, a VETS Ambassador, reflects: “Being a VETS grant recipient has shown me what unconditional love for myself and others truly looks like…The wraparound support provided by VETS has helped me build the skills to live a life that revolves around a practice of compassion, kindness and peace instead of darkness, suicidal thoughts, and destruction.”

Building Community Through Annual Events

Our annual Veterans Day gala has become a landmark event that unites the veteran community, psychedelic therapy advocates, and supporters in our mission to end veteran suicide. These powerful gatherings exemplify how far we’ve come from our grassroots beginnings.

Our inaugural “Strength in Numbers Gala" in 2021 marked a watershed moment, drawing 400 attendees for an evening of connection and commitment to veteran healing. The event featured influential voices including former Texas Governor Rick Perry, author and podcaster Tim Ferriss, and others, bringing together leaders from both the veteran and psychedelic therapy communities. 

The momentum continued with 2022’s “Common Ground Gala” in San Diego, which expanded to 600 attendees. This milestone event celebrated serving nearly 700 grant recipients and showcased the growing evidence for psychedelic therapy’s effectiveness. Former Green Beret Tu Lam and returning speaker Rick Perry joined 60 veterans and spouses in highlighting the transformative impact of our work.

2023’s “Torchbearer Ball” further cemented our position as a driving force in veteran health advocacy. The sold-out event featured researchers Dr. Andrew Huberman and Dr. Nolan Williams, alongside Representative Dan Crenshaw and other prominent advocates. With over 70 veterans and spouses in attendance, the evening powerfully demonstrated how far we’ve come while emphasizing the critical work that lies ahead.

These annual gatherings have become more than fundraising events; they represent the growing mainstream acceptance of psychedelic therapy and the expanding community of support for veteran healing.

The Evolution of Our Foundational Healing Grants

At the heart of VETS’ mission is our Foundational Healing Grants program, which has grown exponentially since its inception. What began as a focused effort to support veterans has evolved into a comprehensive support system that combines financial assistance with extensive preparation and integration coaching.

The numbers tell a powerful story of growth and impact:

Direct Support to Veterans

Our financial commitment to veteran healing has increased dramatically:

  • 2020: $383,100 in direct support
  • 2021: $599,690 supporting 150 veterans
  • 2022: $1,233,392 supporting 220 veterans
  • 2023: $1,010,637 supporting 233 veterans

This represents more than $3.2 million in direct funding for veteran treatment over four years, with each grant covering not just treatment costs but also a portion of travel expenses and comprehensive support services.

Comprehensive Preparation and Integration Support

Recognizing that treatment is just the beginning of the healing journey, we’ve significantly expanded our coaching and integration support:

  • 2020: 490 hours of support
  • 2021: 835 hours of support
  • 2022: 1,110 hours of support
  • 2023: 1,421 hours of support

This dramatic increase in support hours, and expanded scope of workshops and spousal support, reflects our commitment to long-term healing and sustainable recovery. Through both individual and group coaching sessions, veterans and their families receive guidance before, during, and after their treatment experiences.

Diverse Treatment Options

Our program has evolved to support various evidence-based psychedelic therapies, including:

  • Ibogaine and Iboga
  • 5-MeO-DMT
  • Psilocybin
  • Ayahuasca
  • Ketamine

This range of options allows us to match veterans with the most appropriate treatment for their specific needs, always prioritizing safety and efficacy through carefully vetted providers and protocols.

The growth of our Foundational Healing Grants program demonstrates both the tremendous need within the veteran community and the life-changing potential of these treatments when combined with proper support. 

As one grant recipient, Ari Polivy, explains: “When I thought I had exhausted all options and thinking I had nothing left in the tank, a fellow veteran mentioned psychedelic-assisted therapy through VETS. It was through the combination of commitment, plant-based medicine, and therapy that I have been able to heal and finally ‘return home.’”

Looking Forward: Expanding Access and Impact

As we approach our 1,000th grant recipient served, we’re scaling our impact through several key initiatives:

  • Expanding our Foundational Healing Grants program to meet growing demand
  • Supporting crucial research to build an irrefutable case for these treatments
  • Advancing practical policy initiatives to make these therapies clinically available in the U.S.
  • Strengthening our preparation and integration programs to support veterans and their families
  • Developing new partnerships for research and advocacy
The Urgent Need for Support

While we celebrate our progress, the stakes remain devastatingly high. At least 17 veterans die by suicide each day—with recent studies suggesting the actual number could be as high as 44 . Meanwhile, our waiting list continues to grow.

Your end-of-year donation will directly support:

  • Foundational Healing Grants for veterans seeking treatment
  • Comprehensive preparation and integration coaching
  • Research advancing our understanding of psychedelic therapies
  • Advocacy efforts to change policy and expand access

As grant recipient and ambassador Herb Daniels reminds us: “It’s not just about managing symptoms—it’s about healing the root cause of our pain.” With your support, we can continue to provide this foundational healing to those who have sacrificed so much for our nation.

The transformation of VETS from one family’s healing journey to a leading force in veteran care symbolizes more than just organizational growth—it represents hundreds of lives transformed, families restored, and hope renewed. 

As we look toward serving our 1,000th grant recipient, we remain committed to our ultimate goal: ensuring that every veteran has access to the healing they deserve. Together, we can write the next chapter in this remarkable story of hope, healing, and transformation.

To support our mission and help us reach more veterans in need, visit vetsolutions.org/donate .