Veterans fight on behalf of our country, and they are exposed to many of the traumatic events that occur only on the battlefield. And, even if they don’t see battle or warfare firsthand, there are a multitude of scenarios that can lead to stress and chronic conditions during their training and service. From physical to mental trauma, these individuals often deal with health issues following military interactions and related scenarios.
Unfortunately, while physical injuries can be addressed, many veterans don’t respond to existing evidence-based treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). And in Utah, there is a real crisis — Utah’s veteran suicide rate is more than twice the national average for veterans.
House Bill 390 aims to make a difference. In 2026, Utah authorized a state-funded clinical study through H.B. 390, the Veterans PTSD Clinical Research Amendments. This legislation creates a new and regulated path for studying psychedelic-assisted therapy in veterans who have (PTSD) that is resistant to current treatment options.
The study, a state-led, federally compliant approach to evaluating the safety of this potential treatment option, will be centered at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute in collaboration with the University of Utah. The study will focus on safety, the feasibility of using psychademics, and evidence of its effectiveness (or lack thereof), rather than on what it could mean for broad public access.
“We have treatments that work well for some people, but a large number of veterans don’t respond to currently approved medications or psychotherapies. Psychedelic‑assisted therapy has shown significant promise, but we still need stronger data on how to use it safely and effectively.”
Dr. Benjamin R. Lewis, MD, Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Huntsman Mental Health Institute, and Principal Investigator, The University of Utah Psychedelic Science Initiative
Why Cutting-Edge Psychedelic Research Matters
This research is long overdue. Many veterans continue to live with symptoms of PTSD even after attempting currently available medications, therapies, and evidence-based care. The new research fund, $1 million allocated by the state, gives the Institute’s researchers a path forward to studying whether or not psychedelic-assisted therapy could be used both safely and responsibly for veterans in the future. There is potential for further philanthropic and grant-based funding depending on outcomes and need.
The study itself may test multiple psychedelics, such as MDMA, 5-MeO-DMT, and psilocybin, all authorized by the bill. They’ll be used only within a structured therapeutic model that offers professional preparation, supervised dosing, and integrated therapy, in line with H.B.390. Researchers also plan to review biological and mechanistic outcomes, including psychophysiological measurements and brain activity.
Hope for Veterans
For veterans and their families, this research represents a new hope that is grounded in real, scientific study. For policymakers, it’s an option to make decisions based on clinical evidence, supporting their communities through actions appropriate to the cause. For mental health care, this is a path to understand new treatments that may help those who have exhausted other options.
Philanthropy helps this work go further. Learn more about Huntsman Mental Health Foundation and how to become a donor here.
