By Dr. John Clifton, VETS Director of Research and Education

The conversation around psychedelic research for veterans is no longer hypothetical. It is active, expanding, and becoming more clinically sophisticated.

Over the last year, the field has continued to evolve beyond early proof-of-concept studies. We are now seeing a wider range of trials focused on veterans, more targeted protocols for co-occurring conditions, and a growing number of institutions willing to invest in rigorous investigation. Active or newly listed studies include research on MDMA-assisted therapy, psilocybin-assisted therapy, ibogaine-related outcomes, and even real-world observational data collection designed to better understand psychedelic experiences outside traditional clinic walls.

That matters because veterans are not dealing with one issue in isolation. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can overlap with depression. Depression can exist alongside alcohol use disorder. Trauma can shape sleep, relationships, physical health, and a person’s ability to stay connected to daily life.

The next phase of research is starting to reflect that complexity more deeply.

What Feels Different Now

The newer wave of trials is not simply asking whether psychedelic-assisted therapy can help. It is asking more specific and more practical questions.

Researchers are comparing psychedelic-assisted approaches to established standards of care. They are studying veterans with co-occurring PTSD and alcohol use disorder rather than isolating a single diagnosis. They are testing different treatment structures, including dose optimization and combinations of psychedelic compounds with existing trauma-focused therapies. In other words, the field is maturing.

That kind of progress matters. Veterans need better data, better options, and research that is built around the realities they are actually living with.

Active Clinical Trials for Veterans

VETS maintains a curated list of clinical trials investigating psychedelic-assisted treatments for PTSD, depression, addiction, and other conditions in the United States. Several are actively recruiting and specific to veterans, which you can explore below.

MDMA + PTSD

  • MDMA-assisted Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) versus standard CPT for PTSD among veterans

    • This study at Stanford University is seeking to better understand how MDMA-assisted therapy compares to other standard treatment options. Learn more about the trial here to see if you might qualify.

  • MDMA-Assisted Therapy for Veterans With Moderate to Severe PTSD

    • This clinical trial at the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System involves MDMA-assisted therapy for US veterans with PTSD. Click here to learn more about the study and contact the team.

  • MDMA Plus Exposure Therapy for PTSD

    • Researchers at Emory University are conducting a study involving MDMA plus exposure therapy for PTSD. Email mdmapestudy@emory.edu to contact the study team and begin the screening process.

  • Psilocybin and MDMA for PTSD (PAM-VET)

    • This study will involve administration of both MDMA and psilocybin in military veterans with a diagnosis of PTSD. The study budget allows for national recruitment, so people from all over the country are encouraged to apply. Click here to read more and be considered for participation.

  • Dose Optimization of MDMA Therapy for PTSD (DosOp)

    • Researchers at the Bronx VA are conducting a study to find the optimal number of MDMA-Assisted Therapy treatment cycles. Principal Investigator: Dr. Amy Lehrner: amy.lehrner@va.gov.

Trials for Alcohol Overuse & PTSD (Two active trials)

  • The University of Washington Department of Psychiatry is recruiting a small cohort of veterans and first responders who have both PTSD and issues using alcohol to be treated with psilocybin and psychological support (Psi-PS). Click here to access the online pre-screening.
  • The study investigators at Brown University are conducting a trial involving MDMA-assisted therapy (MDMA-AT) in military veterans who have both PTSD and issues with using alcohol. Click here to learn more about the study and contact the team.

State-Funded Trial Assessing Recovery and Long-Term Impact of Guided Psilocybin for Healing Trauma (”STARLIGHT”)

  • Baylor College of Medicine is still recruiting for a trial of two psilocybin administration sessions combined with psychotherapy for US veterans with PTSD. Please click on this link to access the pre-screening survey to determine preliminary eligibility

Active but Not Recruiting

These are trials to keep on your radar for enrollment opening.

  • Psilocybin Intervention for Veterans Overcoming Treatment-Resistant Depression (PIVOT)

    • The purpose of this trial is to evaluate psilocybin for the treatment of depression in U.S. military veterans
    • Name: Lori L David, MD AB (lori.davis@va.gov )

While you wait, explore other psychedelic research trials and free resources designed to support veterans and their families. If you or someone you know is in crisis, the Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7 — call 988 and press 1.