Research
Research at Mission Within Foundation.
Turning Research Into Access and Healing
At the Mission Within Foundation, we are committed to advancing the science behind
psychedelic-assisted therapies, particularly for Veterans, Gold Star families, and those affected by trauma and loss. In collaboration with leading academic institutions, we are supporting and facilitating research that explores the healing potential of powerful
entheogens such as ibogaine, psilocybin, and 5-MeO-DMT.
Our goal is to generate rigorous data that can inform clinical practices, influence policy, and ensure broader access to safe and effective treatments.
Our goal is to generate rigorous data that can inform clinical practices, influence policy, and ensure broader access to safe and effective treatments.
We Are Currently Involved in Three Pivotal Research Studies:
01: Psychedelic Therapy for Surviving Family Members
About
In partnership with The Center for Psychedelic Research and Therapy at UT Austin’s Dell Medical School, this groundbreaking study is the first of its kind to
explore the impact of psychedelic-assisted therapy on complicated grief in
bereaved family members of military personnel.
Goals
- To evaluate whether psilocybin- or 5-MeO-DMT-assisted psychotherapy improves symptoms of prolonged grief, depression, and PTSD.
- Conduct detailed medical history assessments and risk stratification
Design
Participants undergo brain imaging and psychological assessments before and after
attending a retreat. This study includes bereaved spouses, parents, siblings, and
other close family members, offering support where traditional interventions have
fallen short.
Impact
Thanks to your support, we have already been able to treat six participants in this
study, helping to lay the foundation for a new standard of care for complicated grief.
This research has far-reaching implications for how we approach trauma in surviving
military families and beyond.
02: Ibogaine and Brain Function in Special Operations Veterans
About
Also conducted with UT Austin’s Dell Medical School, this study examines the effects of ibogaine therapy on the brain health of Special Operations Forces veterans—one of the most resilient yet deeply affected communities we serve.
Goals
- To explore how ibogaine treatment impacts neurological markers of trauma and emotional regulation in veterans with treatment-resistant symptoms.
- To track measurable changes in brain function pre- and post-treatment using cutting-edge brain imaging technology.
Eligibility
Participants are special operations veterans receiving ibogaine treatment through our
partners at Heroic Hearts Project. Each participant travels to Austin twice for
assessments, with all expenses covered.
Impact
This is one of the only studies in the world to explore ibogaine’s effect on brain
function in elite veterans. Findings may lead to greater acceptance and integration of
ibogaine as a legitimate treatment pathway for those suffering from PTSD, TBI, and
depression.
03: Prospective Outcomes Study: Marines and Psychedelic Therapy
About
This prospective observational study evaluates the long-term impact of psychedelic therapy in a group of 100 Marine Corps veterans undergoing treatment through The Mission Within.
Goals
To measure psychological and emotional changes across several domains, including:
- PTSD symptoms
- Moral injury
- Compassion
- Flourishing and well-being
- Chronic pain
- Substance use
- Mystical experience and transformation
Design
Participants complete surveys at four time points:
- Pre-treatment
- 1 day post-treatment
- 3 months post-treatment
- 6 months post-treatment
Impact
This study will provide critical insight into the durability of healing following
psychedelic therapy and may help define best practices for long-term integration and
support in veteran care models.
01: Psychedelic Therapy for Surviving Family Members
In partnership with The Center for Psychedelic Research and Therapy at UT Austin’s Dell Medical School, this groundbreaking study is the first of its kind to
explore the impact of psychedelic-assisted therapy on complicated grief in
bereaved family members of military personnel.
Goals
- To evaluate whether psilocybin- or 5-MeO-DMT-assisted psychotherapy improves symptoms of prolonged grief, depression, and PTSD.
- Conduct detailed medical history assessments and risk stratification
Design
Participants undergo brain imaging and psychological assessments before and after
attending a retreat. This study includes bereaved spouses, parents, siblings, and
other close family members, offering support where traditional interventions have
fallen short.
Impact
Thanks to your support, we have already been able to treat six participants in this
study, helping to lay the foundation for a new standard of care for complicated grief.
This research has far-reaching implications for how we approach trauma in surviving
military families and beyond.
02: Ibogaine and Brain Function in Special Operations Veterans
Also conducted with UT Austin’s Dell Medical School, this study examines the effects of ibogaine therapy on the brain health of Special Operations Forces veterans—one of the most resilient yet deeply affected communities we serve.
Goals
- To explore how ibogaine treatment impacts neurological markers of trauma and emotional regulation in veterans with treatment-resistant symptoms.
- To track measurable changes in brain function pre- and post-treatment using cutting-edge brain imaging technology.
Eligibility
Participants are special operations veterans receiving ibogaine treatment through our
partners at Heroic Hearts Project. Each participant travels to Austin twice for
assessments, with all expenses covered.
Impact
This is one of the only studies in the world to explore ibogaine’s effect on brain
function in elite veterans. Findings may lead to greater acceptance and integration of
ibogaine as a legitimate treatment pathway for those suffering from PTSD, TBI, and
depression.
03: Prospective Outcomes Study: Marines and Psychedelic Therapy
This prospective observational study evaluates the long-term impact of psychedelic therapy in a group of 100 Marine Corps veterans undergoing treatment through The Mission Within.
Goals
To measure psychological and emotional changes across several domains, including:
- PTSD symptoms
- Moral injury
- Compassion
- Flourishing and well-being
- Chronic pain
- Substance use
- Mystical experience and transformation
Design
Participants complete surveys at four time points:
- Pre-treatment
- 1 day post-treatment
- 3 months post-treatment
- 6 months post-treatment
Impact
This study will provide critical insight into the durability of healing following
psychedelic therapy and may help define best practices for long-term integration and
support in veteran care models.
Why Research Matters
Each of these studies not only deepens our scientific understanding but also helps
shape the future of mental health care for underserved communities. Our research:
Guides policy decisions and expands access to safe, evidence-based treatments.
Guides policy decisions and expands access to safe, evidence-based treatments.
Guides policy decisions and expands access to safe, evidence-based treatments.
