The Parsons Research Center for Psychedelic Healing has opened on the third floor of a Mount Sinai extension building in Manhattan’s Upper West Side. The center, originally named the Center for Psychedelic Therapy Research, aims to explore the therapeutic potential of psychedelic drugs such as ketamine, psilocybin, and MDMA for various treatment uses, including PTSD, eating disorders, depression, addiction, and couples therapy. The renaming and ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by scientists, veterans, and United States politicians, marking the beginning of a new chapter for psychedelic research.
Following the FDA’s denial of the first-ever application for MDMA therapy, the center’s director, Rachel Yehuda, PhD, expressed gratitude for Bob and Renee Parsons’ continued support. Despite regulatory setbacks, the Parsons donated $5 million to establish the new center, building on their previous $5 million donation in 2021 that provided psychedelic training for clinicians. Parsons, whose interest in psychedelics was sparked in 2018 after reading Michael Pollan’s How to Change Your Mind, is committed to supporting the research and exploration of psychedelic therapies.
Parsons, a Vietnam War veteran who struggled with PTSD for nearly 50 years, found relief through psychedelic therapy. After participating in sessions led by knowledgeable guides in Hawaii and undergoing a transformative experience, Parsons felt like he had finally come home. His personal journey with psychedelics has inspired his philanthropic efforts and dedication to furthering research in the field. Despite the challenging nature of psychedelic therapy, Parsons believes in its power to bring about profound shifts in individuals’ lives.
The Manhattan center features state-of-the-art treatment rooms equipped with soothing elements such as cozy couches, ambient music, and ceiling cameras for video data recording. Study therapist Tamar Glatman Zaretsky, PsyD., has received numerous inquiries from individuals eager to participate in the research. With support from influential figures such as Senator Kyrsten Sinema and Kimbal Musk, the Parsons Research Center for Psychedelic Healing is poised to make significant advancements in the field of psychedelic therapy.
Bob Parsons’ successful business ventures, including Parsons Technology and PXG, have allowed him to support causes such as psychedelic research and veterans’ initiatives. His experiences in Vietnam and struggles with PTSD have shaped his philanthropic endeavors, leading him to donate over $300 million to charities since 2012. The Parsons Research Center for Psychedelic Healing represents a culmination of Parsons’ personal journey and commitment to advancing psychedelic therapy as a viable treatment option for a range of mental health disorders.
As psychedelic therapy continues to gain momentum in the medical field, the future looks promising for the Parsons Research Center for Psychedelic Healing. With ongoing research, support from benefactors like Bob and Renee Parsons, and advocacy from influential figures, psychedelic therapy may soon be recognized as a mainstream treatment option. Parsons’ belief in the efficacy of psychedelic therapy and his dedication to supporting research in the field highlight the potential for transformative breakthroughs in mental health treatment.
