Veterans Group Partnered to Fund Psilocybin Therapy

Drop Thesis and the Returning Veterans Project collaborated to provide mental health support for regional veterans.

Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Military Jobs

Veterans Group Partnered to Fund Psilocybin Therapy

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In early September 2026, the Returning Veterans Project teamed up with the Bend-based center Drop Thesis to offer veterans free psilocybin-assisted therapy. The initiative aims to provide mental and physical health support to those who would otherwise be unable to afford the services.

Why it matters

Psilocybin-assisted therapy is currently not covered by insurance, making it prohibitively expensive for many. This partnership provides a critical pathway to care by removing financial barriers for veterans in need.

The Returning Veterans Project has secured $12,000 in total business sponsorships. It costs over $20,000 to provide psilocybin therapy services at a single center.

The players

Returning Veterans Project

This nonprofit provides mental and physical health services to veterans across Oregon and Southwest Washington.

Drop Thesis

This is a Bend-based center that provides guided psilocybin-assisted therapy services.

Sam Gross

He is a facilitator working at the Drop Thesis center.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

This federal agency is responsible for providing vital services and healthcare to military veterans.

The details

The therapy program follows a three-phase structure consisting of preparation, a guided psilocybin experience at the Drop Thesis center, and subsequent structured support. While donors provide funds to the nonprofit to cover these costs, Measure 109 prohibits the actual donation of psilocybin medicine.

July 2026: Ohio State University published a study on psilocybin and PTSD.
August 2026: The Department of Veterans Affairs launched a multi-site study.
Early September 2026: Drop Thesis and the Returning Veterans Project established their partnership.
September 30, 2026: Drop Thesis facilitator Sam Gross was photographed at the center.

Market Landscape

The program reflects a growing effort to integrate alternative therapies into veteran healthcare as institutional studies move forward. This effort operates within the constraints of Measure 109, which regulates how psilocybin services are accessed in the state.

Veterans interested in the program must currently navigate a waitlist of eight individuals to access services. Because the therapy is not covered by insurance, residents should continue to monitor the progress of federal studies that may eventually influence broader coverage.

The takeaway

While nonprofit partnerships are bridging the current financial gap, the future of psilocybin therapy remains tied to broader federal research and policy shifts. Patients should consult with specialized providers to understand the current legal and financial landscape for these services.