Psilocybin-Assisted ACT for Co-Occurring Cocaine Use Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-11458025 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new treatment combines psilocybin with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help people who have both cocaine use disorder and major depressive disorder.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $699,431 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DA067060-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11458025 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with both cocaine use disorder and major depressive disorder who are seeking treatment and willing to participate in a combined psychedelic-assisted therapy and ACT program.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without co-occurring cocaine use disorder and major depressive disorder, or those who cannot safely participate in psychedelic-assisted therapy, may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to address the balance of mood and substance use problems by integrating a psychedelic-assisted approach with a proven behavior-change therapy. The study plans to test whether psilocybin can enhance the effectiveness of ACT for individuals facing both cocaine use disorder and major depressive disorder. Researchers will examine safety, feasibility, and preliminary effects on mood, functioning, and substance-use outcomes to inform future trials. If successful, this work could offer a novel path for people who struggle with both addiction and depression when traditional treatments have limited impact.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience reduced cocaine use and improved mood and functioning, with a new, integrated treatment option.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research supports the individual components (ACT for substance use, psilocybin for mood disorders) and their combination shows promise, though this exact integration is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schmitz, Joy Marie — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Schmitz, Joy Marie
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.