In 2024, the landscape of psychedelic-assisted therapy expanded in ways that few could have imagined. As we approach 2025, VETS is proud to lead the charge in groundbreaking research and transformative outcomes. As the New Year approaches, we’d like to highlight several exciting research projects on the horizon.
Key Findings from VETS Belief Survey
Throughout the past year, VETS grant recipients were invited to participate in a survey investigating religious and spiritual belief changes associated with psychedelic-assisted therapy. Our team observed a significant change amongst respondents, showing 71% actively believed in and were pursuing a relationship with God or higher power following their psychedelic experience, compared to only 18% before treatment. The results of this retrospective survey are currently under analysis in collaboration with researchers at the University of California San Francisco. We anticipate publishing substantive results in the coming year.
Upcoming MDMA Couples Therapy Study
Additionally, VETS is collaborating with researchers at Columbia University on an innovative study investigating MDMA-assisted couples therapy for veterans. The collaboration continues important work spearheaded by Drs. Candice Monson and Anne Wagner who completed a historic trial observing the effectiveness of MDMA-assisted couples therapy . Their pilot study demonstrated significant reductions in PTSD symptoms and bolstered relationship happiness amongst veteran couples. Our collaboration will expand upon these findings by utilizing a more rigorous study design and neuroimaging techniques. Fundraising begins next year!
Momentum from the Stanford University Collaboration
Heading into 2025, we strive to build upon the momentum of this year’s research efforts, most notably the publication of our collaborative study with Stanford University in Nature Medicine. Be on the lookout for exciting updates regarding these projects and ways to get involved with upcoming research efforts!
Want to support our efforts? Your gift supports this crucial research and visit our Research Center to learn more.
About Dylan Peters, Director of Research
Dylan Peters has worked on several clinical trials investigating the therapeutic efficacy of psilocybin for a range of conditions. He studied at the Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research where he received a degree in psychedelic informed Neuroscience. Additionally, Dylan is trained in psychedelic facilitation and integration through the Usona Institute and Johns Hopkins Medicine.