SAN DIEGO - January 17, 2025 - Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions (VETS) , a leading non-profit organization dedicated to ending the veteran suicide epidemic, is proud to announce its inclusion in Charity Navigator’s prestigious list of “Best Highly Rated Charities”. This recognition places VETS in an elite class, with perfect scores across all metrics outperforming other organizations conducting similar work in Charity Navigator’s rigorous Encompass Rating System, which evaluates 225,000 charities annually.

Since its founding in 2019, VETS has transformed the lives of nearly 1,000 U.S. veterans and their spouses by facilitating access to psychedelic-assisted therapies such as ibogaine, psilocybin, and ketamine. These therapies address critical veteran health challenges, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), and substance use disorders.

“Every day, at least 17 veterans die by suicide—some studies suggest as many as 44. Since 2001, over 140,000 veteran lives have been lost to suicide, and 29% of Global War on Terrorism veterans suffer from PTSD. These figures represent the untold struggles of countless veterans, including my own,” said Marcus Capone, former U.S. Navy SEAL and VETS co-founder. “After 13 years as a SEAL, I found healing through psychedelic-assisted therapies. This honor from Charity Navigator highlights VETS’ transformative work and the urgent need for effective mental healthcare for veterans. We exist to ensure no veteran is left behind.”

In collaboration with Stanford University in 2024, VETS spearheaded pioneering research published in Nature Medicine. This first-of-its-kind observational study demonstrated remarkable improvements in veterans’ mental health, including significant reductions in disability ratings and suicidal ideation, after participating in VETS’ Foundational Healing Grants program.

“Our mission is to change lives and restore hope for veterans and their families through safe, clinically-guided psychedelic therapies. These treatments have the potential to address profound psychological and physiological wounds, offering unparalleled healing for our nation’s heroes,” said Amber Capone, co-founder and CEO of VETS. “This recognition from Charity Navigator reflects the dedication of our team, partners, and supporters to transforming veteran care. It fuels our commitment to advancing research, breaking down barriers to access, and championing policies that ensure every veteran has the opportunity to heal and thrive.”

VETS has also been at the forefront of advocating for policies that support psychedelic-assisted therapies as a viable solution for addressing PTSD and other mental health challenges among veterans. Partnering with Congressman Dan Crenshaw, VETS championed the inclusion of grants for psychedelic treatment research in the National Defense Authorization Act, garnering bipartisan support. The organization was also instrumental in advancing the Douglas ‘Mike’ Day Psychedelic Therapy to Save Lives Act , which underscores the urgency of exploring these treatments to prevent veteran suicides. Additionally, VETS played a pivotal role in the passage of Texas HB 1802 , a groundbreaking bill that paved the way for research into psychedelic therapies for PTSD, marking a significant milestone in expanding access to life-changing treatments.

For more information about VETS and its work, visit www.vetsolutions.org.

About VETS

Founded in 2019, Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions (VETS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization working to end the veteran suicide epidemic by providing resources, research, and advocacy for U.S. military veterans seeking psychedelic-assisted therapies for traumatic brain injury (TBI), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), addiction, and other health conditions. VETS envisions a world where our veterans have access to the most advanced healthcare options to heal from the mental and physical wounds of war.

Media Contact:

Francesca DeMauro VETS@kcsa.com