Sunstone’s new Investigator Initiated Study (IIT), funded by the State of Maryland with an additional grant from Reason for Hope, explores a novel approach to address trauma related to military service.
Sunstone Therapies is deepening its commitment to those who served with a new study designed to bridge the gap between existing PTSD treatments and more lasting recovery. While existing treatments for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) have helped many, they don’t work for everyone. For the veterans who still find themselves struggling, we need a “taller ladder.”
Why This Study Matters
PTSD is a significant challenge within the veteran population, with estimates suggesting that 1 in 4 veterans receiving care at the VA have experienced PTSD at some point in their lives. The condition can be deeply intrusive, impacting every facet of a person’s life—from their internal sense of safety to their external relationships.
Traditional therapies like Prolonged Exposure or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing are powerful tools, but for treatment-resistant individuals, the emotional weight of processing trauma can sometimes feel insurmountable. This study aims to provide a new pathway for those who haven’t yet found relief.
What We Are Exploring
This study is investigating the efficacy of MDMA combined with psychotherapy. MDMA works uniquely on the brain’s “fear center”—the amygdala—to dampen the fear response while simultaneously increasing levels of oxytocin (the “connection hormone”).
The goal? To create a window of safety and self-compassion that allows veterans to process memories and experiences they were previously unable to approach.
Crucially, this study is comparing two different delivery models:
- Individual Treatment: Personalized, one-on-one sessions.
- Group Treatment: A cohort-based model designed to leverage the “team” mentality and mutual support familiar to military culture.
By comparing these models, we are seeking to understand how different therapeutic formats (individual vs. group therapy) support recovery and which environment best fosters long-term healing.
Furthermore, we are investigating what type of ongoing care optimizes treatment outcomes, ensuring that the breakthroughs made during the study translate into a sustained quality of life. Ultimately, this research is a vital step in learning how delivery of care can be more accessible and tailored to veterans, meeting them exactly where they are with a model built for their specific needs.
What Makes This Study Unique?
1. Designed by Veterans, for Veterans
This isn’t just another clinical trial; it is a program built by people who speak the language. Our team includes retired senior leaders from the Army, Navy, and Air Force who have decades of experience in military healthcare. We have built a structure that respects military culture and values without requiring veterans to “explain” their background.
2. A “Patient-Led” Philosophy
In many trauma treatments, the therapist directs the focus. For this study, we will utilize a participant-led approach, trusting in the veteran’s own internal compass to guide the session, allowing them to decide what is processed and at what pace. This fosters a deep sense of autonomy and trust.
3. No Placebo
In the world of clinical trials, “rolling the dice” on a placebo can be a deterrent for those in need. In this study, every participant receives the full treatment.
4. Long-Term Social Integration
Care doesn’t end when the sessions do. This study includes:
- Support for the Support System: We provide coaching for a “support person” (a spouse, friend, or family member) in the veteran’s life.
- Year-Long Integration: All participants have access to monthly integration groups for a full year following treatment to build lasting community connections.
The Path Forward
At Sunstone, we are honored to bring this research to Maryland veterans, offering a new sense of hope, purpose, and connection.
“We aren’t just looking to reduce symptoms; we are looking to give people back what they value most: meaning and connection.” — Mark Bates, PhD, Sunstone Therapist & Retired Air Force Officer
Hear Sunstone Psychiatrist Michelle Kim Leff, M.D., and Therapist Mark Bates, explain more about the study:
Learn More
If you are a Maryland-based veteran* struggling with PTSD, or a provider looking to refer a patient, please visit our Clinical Trials page to learn more about eligibility, the enrollment process and how to apply. This study is provided at no cost to eligible veterans.
**A majority of participants will be Maryland residents, but funding is available for veterans residing outside of Maryland.
