In a recent ceremony in Manhattan’s Upper West Side, the Parsons Research Center for Psychedelic Healing officially opened its doors. Formerly known as the Center for Psychedelic Therapy Research, the new center will focus on exploring the therapeutic potential of psychedelic drugs like ketamine, psilocybin, and MDMA. The center aims to study these drugs for various treatment uses, including PTSD, eating disorders, depression, addiction, and even couples therapy.
The renaming and opening of the center came after the FDA denied the first-ever application for MDMA therapy in early August. Despite this setback, Bob and Renee Parsons, who donated $5 million to help establish the new center, remain dedicated to supporting psychedelic research and therapy. Parsons, a billionaire entrepreneur with a personal interest in psychedelics due to his own experiences with PTSD, has donated a total of $10 million to the cause, including funding for training clinicians in psychedelic therapy.
Parsons’ interest in psychedelics began in 2018 after reading Michael Pollan’s book How to Change Your Mind. Following a trip to Hawaii where he participated in sessions with psychedelic guides, Parsons experienced transformational healing from his PTSD. This personal experience led him to become a vocal advocate for psychedelic therapy, believing in its power to help others suffering from mental health issues.
The Parsons Research Center for Psychedelic Healing in Manhattan features treatment rooms equipped with soothing environments, live-feed cameras for observation, and a secure safe for storing psychedelic drugs. Study therapist Tamar Glatman Zaretsky, PsyD., notes that hundreds of individuals have expressed interest in participating in the center’s research studies. With high hopes for the future of psychedelic therapy, Parsons and the team at Mount Sinai aim to make a significant impact in the field of mental health treatment.
Despite the challenges and regulatory hurdles, Parsons remains steadfast in his commitment to advancing psychedelic therapy. His personal experiences with PTSD and the transformative power of psychedelics motivate him to continue supporting research and treatment initiatives in the field. The center’s opening ceremony was attended by scientists, veterans, and politicians, reflecting the broad support and interest in psychedelic healing.
With the support of influential figures like Senator Kyrsten Sinema and Kimbal Musk, the Parsons Research Center for Psychedelic Healing has the potential to become a pioneering institution in the field of psychedelic therapy. Parsons and his team are proud to be associated with this innovative research and hope to contribute to the growing recognition of psychedelic therapy as a legitimate and effective treatment for mental health disorders.
