For centuries, veterans have bravely served and sacrificed for our country, often facing unimaginable challenges. Yet, when they return home, many struggle with invisible wounds such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injuries (TBI), and addiction.
These conditions can feel like an uphill battle, leaving veterans and their families searching for hope. Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions (VETS) is addressing these challenges, offering a lifeline through innovative, psychedelic-assisted therapies.
By providing foundational healing grants, VETS facilitates access to clinically-guided treatments in countries where these therapies are legal while providing comprehensive support throughout the healing journey. VETS’ vision is for veterans to receive the most advanced healthcare options available, allowing them to heal from the psychological and physical traumas they experienced during military service.
Founded in 2019 by Marcus and Amber Capone, VETS is a nonprofit organization committed to ending the veteran suicide epidemic. Marcus, a former Navy SEAL with multiple combat deployments, faced an overwhelming array of mental and physical health challenges after his service. Despite a diagnosis of PTSD, his wife Amber sensed that there was more to his condition, eventually discovering that Marcus was also suffering from TBI. This realization, combined with the lack of effective traditional treatments, led the Capones on a path toward exploring alternative therapies, ultimately discovering the transformative potential of psychedelic-assisted treatment.
Marcus’s breakthrough came when he underwent treatment with Ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT at a reputable clinic outside the U.S. This experience profoundly improved his mental and physical health, reigniting hope for both Marcus and Amber. Determined to help others, they launched VETS to provide fellow veterans with access to these life-changing therapies. What began as a personal journey has grown into a foundation that has supported hundreds of U.S. Special Forces veterans in their healing journeys.
The organization operates on the principle of “Foundational Healing,” emphasizing that psychedelic therapy can create the base for further recovery. VETS offers grants for veterans to receive these treatments in countries where they are legal or unregulated and provides preparation and integration coaching to ensure the best possible outcomes. While psychedelic therapy is a significant part of the treatment process, VETS also focuses on building a support system for veterans through community-building efforts, mentorship, and wellness activities like meditation and yoga.
Although psychedelic therapy is not yet widely available within the U.S., VETS is working hard to change that through ongoing research and advocacy. VETS is committed to pushing the boundaries of scientific understanding and legal acceptance of these therapies.
Their efforts have led to partnerships with renowned institutions such as Stanford University and Ohio State University, supporting groundbreaking studies that investigate the efficacy of psychedelic treatments for PTSD, TBI, and other related conditions. In particular, the results from a study published in Nature Medicine demonstrated substantial reductions in suicidal ideation and PTSD symptoms among veterans who underwent Ibogaine therapy.
In addition to its focus on the veterans themselves, VETS also recognizes the vital role that spouses and families play in the healing process. They offer a “Healing for the Spouse” program that allows the partners of veterans to engage in their own therapeutic journey.
This holistic approach strengthens marriages and family relationships, helping to heal the ripple effects of trauma that often extend beyond the individual veteran. VETS is dedicated to empowering veterans and their families, showing them that recovery from the invisible wounds of war is possible and that they are not alone in their journey.
At the heart of VETS’ mission is a simple but powerful goal – to end the veteran suicide epidemic by providing the most advanced therapeutic options available. VETS envisions a future where all veterans have access to life-changing psychedelic therapies, free from legal and financial barriers. The organization believes that by expanding access to these treatments, veterans can find relief from the invisible wounds of war and reclaim their lives.
VETS is guided by a set of core values that underscore its mission. Leadership and integrity are at the forefront, with the belief that actions speak louder than words. The organization demonstrates unwavering resolve in overcoming obstacles, understanding that the stakes are high and that lives are on the line. Compassion and trust are equally important, as VETS knows firsthand the struggles faced by veterans and their families.
With a commitment to impactful change, VETS strives to be a leader in the field of psychedelic therapy, setting the standard for how veterans are treated and supported on their healing journeys. The organization’s mission is not only to provide resources but to be a beacon of hope and a driving force behind a future where no veteran is left to suffer alone.