A groundbreaking clinical trial in Scottsdale, led by Dr. Sue Sisley, is examining whole psilocybin mushrooms—rather than synthetic compounds—for treating trauma-related mental health conditions in veterans and first responders. The FDA-approved phase one trial included 24 participants from police, fire, and military backgrounds, each receiving a standardized 30-milligram dose of psilocybin during supervised group therapy sessions. Researchers measure outcomes using independent raters and validated clinical tools for post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety, while participants wore biometric devices to track sleep quality and activity levels.
Senator Ruben Gallego recently introduced Senate Amendment 3138 to the fiscal year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, calling for the Department of Veterans Affairs to research innovative therapies including MDMA, ibogaine, ketamine, and psilocybin mushrooms to treat post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, chronic pain, and substance use disorders. The amendment directs the VA secretary to conduct research and submit a report to Congress within one year outlining findings and recommendations on improving access to emerging therapies for veterans.
An unusual element of the Scottsdale trial included FDA-approved therapy dogs present during psychedelic sessions to provide comfort when participants entered altered states of consciousness. Researchers expect to release initial data from the study in spring or early summer. Psilocybin remains illegal in Arizona outside approved research settings, making the clinical trial the only legal way for participants in the state to access the therapy. Nick Jones, an Army veteran who served with the 82nd Airborne Division, is now studying mental health counseling at Arizona State University with a focus on helping first responders and veterans, having participated in the trial.
Advocates hope the results, combined with growing congressional interest, could help shape future policy and expand access to treatments addressing the mental health crisis affecting many veterans and first responders.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://us.headtopics.com/news/arizona-clinical-trial-on-psychedelic-therapies-for-80913217