Located at Mount Sinai and the James J. Peters VA Medical Center, the Center for Psychedelic Therapy Research examines the therapeutic potential of psychedelic compounds for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related symptoms. PTSD and trauma are highly prevalent in our society. More than 70 percent of American adults (about 223.4 million people) have experienced a major traumatic event in their lifetime. About six out of every 100 people will develop PTSD at some point in their lives. Five percent of the U.S. adult population (roughly 17 million people) experience PTSD in any given year. Veterans, especially those who deployed to a war zone, are more likely to develop PTSD than non-veterans.
Although some cognitive behavioral therapies have been designated “gold standard” treatments for PTSD, these treatments are not cure-alls, and there is an urgent need for new pathways to healing and recovery. Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy is changing the game.
Thanks to a recent renewed interest in compounds like MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) and psilocybin and successful initial trials, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) designated MDMA-assisted psychotherapy as a breakthrough treatment for PTSD in 2017. The results of preliminary clinical studies have been extremely promising. Our Center initially focused on MDMA-assisted psychotherapy and psilocybin and is expanding research to other psychedelic-assisted therapies. We are studying MDMA, psilocybin, and other psychedelic compounds using clinical trials, computational genetics, molecular biology, blood samples, and neuroimaging to better understand how they work. We are also holding clinical training and education for therapists, and are leading public and scientific education, including a lecture series.
Our Center
Our new Center space, located at 112th Street and Broadway in Manhattan, is a purpose-built psychedelic research center that will allow us to expand ongoing clinical research trials as well as support collaborations with other Mount Sinai investigators. The space will also allow us to grow our psychedelic-assisted therapy educational programs. Our new home is easily accessible to Mount Sinai and the James J. Peters VA Medical Center in the Bronx, allowing patients ease of access, safety, and a welcoming environment. If you are interested in supporting our vision, please contact us at CPTR@mssm.edu.