US-based Mount Sinai Health System has opened its expanded facility, dedicated to the study of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, at a new location in Upper Manhattan, New York City (NYC).
This expansion builds on a $5m donation from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation, which is focused on improving therapies for veterans suffering from conditions such as PTSD.
The new facility, which has been renamed as ‘The Parsons Research Center for Psychedelic Healing’, aims to enhance clinical trials exploring treatments for mental health conditions using compounds such as ketamine, MDMA, and psilocybin.
Situated at 600 West 112th Street, the centre features a total of six treatment rooms and a group therapy room, all designed to support therapy supervision, teaching, and research.
Mount Sinai's commitment to advancing research in this field is reflected in the institution's provision of resources, scientific expertise, and a history of conducting groundbreaking clinical trials.
The Parsons Foundation's contribution recognises the urgent need for research and effective treatments for mental health issues that are often resistant to traditional therapies.
In addition, the centre is currently developing protocols for several studies, including pivotal group therapy research, necessitating the creation of a large group space.
With the expanded capacity, the centre can conduct multiple dosing sessions and group integration sessions simultaneously, which are crucial for advancing this innovative work.
Research at the new facility will also focus on therapy and examine the mechanisms of action of psychedelics using advancements in molecular neuroscience, neuroimaging, and natural language processing.
The centre is also committed to the training and education of mental health clinicians in psychedelic-assisted therapies.
Supported by a previous $5m gift from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation in 2021, the centre has provided free training to 250 clinicians, with plans for continued expansion in this area.
The Parsons Research Center for Psychedelic Healing clinical director Amy Lehrner said: “The space was designed to embrace the importance of setting in therapeutic outcomes. From the moment our patients enter the beautifully designed centre, they will feel that they are in a place of safety and healing, which is paramount to maximising the impact of the therapy sessions.
“The views of nature, natural light, and complementary design will communicate serenity and warmth, setting a new standard for applying this nascent science. While solutions for traumatised people have been few and far between until now, with the advances we have made through this new space and the highly trained practitioners within, we now see renewed hope and healing.”
