Using psilocybin with therapy to treat major depression
Official title: Psilocybin-assisted Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Major Depressive Disorder
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11038055 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how combining psilocybin, a natural psychedelic, with talk therapy can help adults with major depression feel better, and it involves two sessions with psilocybin and 12 therapy sessions to see if this mix works well and is safe.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | December 17, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $236,250 |
| NIH project number | 1R34AT013077-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11038055 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are experiencing major depressive disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions that contraindicate the use of psychedelics or those who are not diagnosed with major depressive disorder may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the combination of psilocybin, a psychedelic compound, with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to treat major depressive disorder in adults. The approach involves two psilocybin sessions at different doses, paired with 12 sessions of CBT, to explore how this combination can enhance treatment outcomes. The study aims to establish a structured treatment protocol that can be tested for effectiveness and safety, providing valuable data for future clinical trials. Patients will be closely monitored for adherence and any adverse effects throughout the treatment process.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a new, effective treatment option for individuals suffering from major depressive disorder.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with psilocybin in treating depression, but this specific combination with CBT is a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Weintraub, Marc Joshua — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Weintraub, Marc Joshua
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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.