Psychedelic therapies are emerging as a groundbreaking option for treating PTSD, depression, and anxiety—conditions that disproportionately impact veterans. However, these therapies come with unique risks and considerations, particularly for those living with untreated traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Before exploring these treatments, veterans must understand the importance of working with licensed professionals, the role of mindset and environment, and the specific dangers tied to unresolved TBIs.
1. Why Work With a Licensed Practitioner?
Psychedelic therapies like MDMA- or psilocybin-assisted sessions demand dual expertise:
- Clinical Credentials: Seek providers who hold mental health licenses (e.g., psychologists, LCSWs) and certifications in psychedelic-assisted therapy. In Colorado, for instance, licensed clinicians must complete state-approved training to integrate psychedelics into their practice.
- VA Alignment: While the VA is funding studies on MDMA for PTSD, most VA facilities do not yet offer psychedelic therapies. Veterans should prioritize practitioners with experience addressing military trauma and navigating VA disability systems.
- Safety Protocols: Licensed providers screen rigorously for contraindications (e.g., untreated TBI, certain medications) and use pharmaceutical-grade compounds in controlled clinical environments.
2. The Critical Role of Set & Setting
Rooted in Indigenous traditions and validated by modern research, set (mindset) and setting (environment) are pivotal to therapeutic outcomes:
Set
- Mindset: Veterans should approach sessions with clear intentions (e.g., “process combat trauma”) and emotional preparedness. Unresolved anger or dissociation may escalate risks.
- Preparation: Collaborate with your therapist to address fears or misconceptions. Psychedelics are not “quick fixes”—they require weeks of preparatory therapy and post-session integration.
Setting
- Environment: Sessions should occur in safe, calming spaces with trained facilitators. Avoid unregulated settings (e.g., home use), which lack medical oversight.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Providers familiar with military culture can create rituals, music, or art that resonate with veterans’ experiences, avoiding alienating or triggering elements.
3. TBI and Psychedelics: Hidden Risks
Untreated TBIs—common among post-9/11 veterans—introduce serious complications for psychedelic therapies:
- Neurochemical Sensitivity: Psychedelics like psilocybin interact with serotonin receptors, which may behave unpredictably in brains altered by TBI.
- Symptom Exacerbation: Altered states of consciousness can worsen headaches, light sensitivity, or emotional instability in veterans with unresolved TBIs.
- Screening Gaps: Many clinical trials for psychedelic therapies exclude participants with active TBIs. Veterans should demand neurological evaluations before starting treatment.
4. Alternatives and Precautions
- VA Resources: While psychedelics are not yet standard in VA care, veterans can access evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) or Prolonged Exposure (PE), or inquire about VA-funded clinical trials.
- Harm Reduction: Avoid self-medicating with unregulated substances. Colorado’s psilocybin program, for example, mandates licensed facilitators to ensure safety.
- Integrated Care: Pair psychedelic therapies with TBI treatment, physical therapy, or peer support groups to address the whole person.
Key Takeaways for Veterans
- Verify Credentials: Choose providers with mental health licenses and psychedelic-specific training (e.g., through the Board of Psychedelic Medicine).
- Prioritize Safety: Untreated TBIs require clearance from a neurologist or TBI specialist before pursuing psychedelic therapies.
- Advocate for Yourself: Ask facilitators about their experience with veterans, emergency protocols, and plans for post-session integration.
