New Mexico Psilocybin Pilot Status Report (as of May 2025)
Here’s a high-level rundown of where we’re at with our New Mexico psilocybin feasibility, safety and implementation pilot—a community-informed, Medicaid-aligned model of psychedelic-assisted care. What’s complete, what’s in motion, and what’s coming next.
Pilot Design
✅ Combination of individual and group psilocybin sessions finalized
Designed for both cost-efficiency and improved clinical effectiveness
🔄 Preparation and integration design currently underway through community engagement
🔄 Cost analysis framework drafted in partnership with UC Berkeley Center for the Economics of Psychedelics
Federal Approvals
✅ UNM secured DEA-approved facility for group psilocybin therapy research
🔄 IND (Investigational New Drug) application with Usona in process
Full draft submitted for external review on May 31, 2025
🔄 UNM–Usona Psilocybin Supply Agreement currently in negotiation
Fundrasing
🔄 $1M grant application submitted to Cohen Foundation
✅ $60K secured from Harris Family Foundation
Supports training for 3 peer navigator-facilitators (2 also receiving SNaP training)
✅ $135K received from Kindred Trust for community engagement and study community co-design
🔄 $250K–$500K in additional state funding currently under review
Training
🔄 3 veteran/first responder peer navigator-facilitators to be trained with Elementals in Colorado
🔄 2 of those will also train with SNaP Lab / Portland VA (July–August 2025)
✅ 2 UNM therapist-facilitators completed certification with CIIS and MAPS
Community Engagement & Health System Integration
🛠️ Bernalillo County Health Equity Council is leading the engagement strategy
Includes focus groups, set & setting design, provider engagement
🛠️ Fall 2025: Mapping support services available for preparation and integration
Review of Medicaid-covered services and Camden Coalition’s community preparation tool
🛠️ Final cohort group selection expected by Fall 2025
Pilot Implementation Timeline
📍 Recruitment Begins: October 2025 – Veterans & First Responders (Cohort 1)
📍 First Psilocybin Group Session: January 2026
📍 Second Session (Same Cohort): April 2026
📍 Third & Fourth Cohorts (e.g., women with PTSD/sexual trauma): TBD, based on community feedback
📍 Fifth Cohort (contingent on additional funding): TBD
📍 Outcomes & Feasibility Report: Q4 2026 – Q2 2027
Safety, cost comparison, adverse events, outcomes (PTSD/SUD), and support utilization
Policy Collaboration
✅ White paper and official medical use documentation completed
🔄 Ongoing policy work with NM DOH and state legislature
In collaboration with the Healing Advocacy Fund (HAF)
Pilot Advisors
Dr. Chris Stauffer (OHSU / VA Portland)
Kate Cooke (Southwestern College, Santa Fe)
Heroic Hearts Project: Armand LeComte & Jesse Gould