60 Minutes on new-age treatments for Veterans with PTSD
Published:
Feb 6, 2025
,
10:05 a.m.
ET
Key Points
Early research shows promising signs around the use of psychedelic drugs to treat PTSD
Veterans have to seek out psychedelic treatment - including psilocybin, MDMA and DMT - outside of the U.S.
New-age treatments can also be useful in helping treat depression and addiction
More research is needed to secure federal funding for psychedelic treatment
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Last year, veteran 60 Minutes reporter Anderson Cooper accompanied nine military Veterans who all submerged themselves in a week-long psychedelic treatment program in the hopes of treating their PTSD. Nearly 12 months after their journey to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, all but one of the Veterans experienced a notable reduction in their PTSD symptoms.
Mental health support for Veterans has generally been limited to traditional talk therapy and medications, but new research studies are being launched to potentially support the future use of psychedelic drugs to help with traditionally treatment-resistant PTSD. This article will explore the benefits of using new-age treatments for complex mental health diagnoses.
What are these new treatments that some Veterans are trying for PTSD and other mental health challenges?
While certain types of psychotherapy have been found to help treat the symptoms of PTSD in Veterans, they are not always successful on their own. Recent studies have been exploring the positive effects of psychedelic compounds used to treat PTSD in Veterans.
Two common psychedelic drugs used in these treatments are psilocybin and MDMA. Veterans who want to explore this type of process are forced to seek out treatment programs outside of the U.S. in other countries where these drugs are legal for therapeutic purposes.
Does the VA offer these treatments?
Currently Veterans Affairs (VA) does not currently offer psychedelic-focused treatment for Veterans. In the 60 Minutes piece, Founder and President of the Heroic Hearts Project, Jesse Gould, said that one of the biggest issues in helping Veterans with PTSD is the lack of access to psychedelic treatment through official channels like the VA.
While the VA has stated its support for research into the use of psychedelic drugs to help treat PTSD in Veterans, there is not enough long-term data to support government funding of these interventions yet. Therefore, in the meantime, Veterans’ only choice if they wish to explore these types of treatments is going abroad.
Can psilocybin and other drugs help with PTSD? Depression? Addictions?
Psilocybin is a chemical compound that is found in “magic mushrooms” and can help stimulate nerve cell regrowth in the part of the brain that involves memory and emotions. In one study, mice that were given psilocybin were more successful in overcoming fear conditioning, versus those who received a placebo.
This study supports the idea that psychedelic drugs may be helpful in breaking the cycle of trauma from which patients with PTSD can suffer. Early research into psilocybin has also shown it to be helpful in treating the symptoms of depression, anxiety and some addictions, such as Substance Abuse Disorder (SUD). Additional research is needed for its efficacy treating PTSD, as well as behavioral and process addictions such as gambling disorder.
How else can PTSD be treated? Understanding care options
There are other treatment options available to help treat the symptoms of PTSD that Veterans have access to through the VA and other services. Common treatment for PTSD involves various types of psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy. Group support is also a commonly used option for Veterans suffering from PTSD.
Virtual Therapy
In-person therapy or groups may not be feasible for everyone who wants to get support for their PTSD. Virtual therapy is a convenient way for those who need access to specialized treatment from the comfort of their own home.
Birches Health offers comprehensive virtual therapy for Veterans with therapists who are trained to treat PTSD. Birches also works with major insurance companies, including TRICARE, to keep treatment costs low, or even free for some. Birches offers individual and group therapy via chat, phone, or video.
How to get started with Birches:
Call 833-483-3838
Email help@bircheshealth.com
Signs of PTSD in active military members and Veterans
PTSD may present in different ways depending on the individual. Each experience with PTSD is unique and it is important to recognize common symptoms of PTSD. Signs of PTSD can include:
Hyper Awareness
Avoidance
Isolation
Difficulty concentrating
Nightmares
Reactiveness
Changes in personality
Flat affect
Substance Abuse
Depression or Anxiety
Feelings of guilt or shame
How common is PTSD in Veterans?
It may be difficult to determine the exact number of Veterans who experience PTSD due to a lack of reporting or difficulty recognizing symptoms. According to AFBA, 6% of the general population are diagnosed with PTSD versus 15% of paramedics and almost 25% of Veterans. The VA reported that women Veterans are at a higher risk of developing PTSD, with 13% being diagnosed versus 6% of male Veterans. Other factors that influence the likelihood of PTSD in Veterans include race, age and tour of service.
