Ashland Psychedelic Center Aids Veterans with PTSD Through Psilocybin Therapy

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In a bid to support veterans grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), an Ashland psilocybin service center is forging ties with a nonprofit dedicated to advocating for the therapeutic use of psychedelic mushrooms. The aim is to offer complimentary or reduced-cost "psilocybin experiences" tailored to aid in the healing process of local veterans.

Omnia Group Ashland recently hosted a fundraiser for the Heroic Hearts Project, with the goal of generating funds to sponsor veterans seeking PTSD treatment. Brian Lindley, co-owner of Omnia Group Ashland, expressed his aspirations for the collaboration to integrate their service center into the nonprofit's network. This would facilitate dedicated financial support for former military personnel accessing services at their facility. 

Source: https://www.omniagroupashland.com/

The fundraiser, attended by fifty-five individuals, marked a significant step towards this vision, according to Michelle Lindley, co-owner of Omnia Group Ashland. While the total amount raised is yet to be disclosed, Michelle Lindley emphasized the event's educational value and the collaborative effort towards a common goal.

Established in 2023, Omnia Group Ashland is among the two psilocybin service centers in Ashland, Oregon. Psilocybin, a hallucinogenic compound found in certain mushroom species, has garnered attention for its potential therapeutic applications in addressing mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

Following the passage of Measure 109 in 2020, which allowed for the therapeutic use of psilocybin in Oregon, the Oregon Health Authority implemented regulations governing the operation of service centers administering psychedelic treatments. Despite this progress, federal regulations categorize psilocybin as a Schedule 1 narcotic, limiting its accessibility.

Dr. Zach Skiles, a former U.S. Marine and clinical psychologist associated with Heroic Hearts Project, shared his personal experiences with psilocybin therapy during the fundraiser. Skiles highlighted its safety and efficacy in alleviating PTSD symptoms, advocating for broader acceptance and understanding of psychedelics' therapeutic potential.

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The cost of "psilocybin experiences" can be substantial, with fees for facilitation and additional services ranging up to $2,500, as disclosed by Omnia Group Ashland. While health insurance coverage is unavailable, the center offers sliding scale fees and limited scholarship opportunities to mitigate costs.

Brian Lindley stressed the importance of maintaining high standards of service delivery, exceeding regulatory requirements set by the Oregon Health Authority. The fundraiser encouraged guests to contribute towards scholarships, ranging from individual veteran sponsorships to supporting multiple families, aiming to address the urgent needs of veterans seeking treatment.

As Omnia Group Ashland endeavors to expand its support for veterans through psilocybin therapy, collaboration with organizations like Heroic Hearts Project reflects a collective commitment to enhancing mental health care accessibility and promoting healing within the veteran community.

Sources: Paul Huard "Ashland Paul Huard psilocybin center encourages use for treating veterans with PTSD:", Ashland.news 04/08/2024 https://ashland.news/ashland-psilocybin-center-encourages-use-for-treating-veterans-with-ptsd/, Accessed  04/08/24.