GPAT Study:

Group Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy for Post-Tramatic Stress Disorder

Click HERE to view the video from the MAPS Psychedelic Science 2025 forum on the GPAT study!

Exploring New Approaches for PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a complex condition that can significantly impact daily life. While there currently are approved treatments available, they do not work for everyone. Because of this, researchers are looking for new ways to support individuals who may have found standard medical options to be ineffective.

About the Study: Group-based Therapy

This clinical trial is investigating Group-format Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy (GPAT) for people with PTSD. Although some preparatory and follow-up (integration) sessions will be conducted individually with participants, most sessions will be in a group format with people who have similar background or trauma histories (peers). We are curious whether this group approach may provide therapeutic benefit.

What makes this study unique?

• The use of psilocybin: Participants will undergo two group-format sessions with psilocybin. We will use a natural, whole-mushroom product that is blended with chocolate.
• The use of peer facilitators: Trained, peer facilitators will be working alongside licensed therapists to help participants feel more comfortable and supported. Peers will belong to the same affinity group as participants (i.e., veteran, woman survivor of sexual violence).
• Group-setting: Most of the preparation and integration sessions and both dosing sessions will be conducted in a group setting. All participants will belong to the same affinity group.
• Integration: Participants will embark on multiple integration sessions with the option for longer-term integration and support.
• Community engagement model: The study was developed in concert with input from the community.

This study is developed with collaborations including:

• UC Berkeley Collaborative for the Economics of Psychedelics (UCB-CEP) – Developing a cost model from data generated by this study
• Psychedelic Mental Health Access Alliance (PMHA) – Committed to developing the extended integration model for study participants
• Heroic Hearts Project (HHP) Providing group facilitation training for veteran-specific needs
• Social Neuroscience and Psychotherapy (SNaP) Lab - directed by Chris Stauffer, MD
• Bernalillo County Health Equity Council (BCHEC) – Supporting community engagement information and collection for the study

 Goals

• Examine the effectiveness and tolerability of group-format psilocybin-assisted therapy for PTSD
• Demonstrate the role of a community engagement process to inform inclusive models of psychedelic-assisted therapy
• Inform the development of the New Mexico Medical Psilocybin Program through the development of a model to support participant access

Are you interested in participating in this study? Do you meet the basic criteria listed above? If you would like more information, please click the “Contact Us” button at the top of this page to confidentially submit your contact information to the study team.

 GPAT Team 

(click here to read full team bios!)