Psilocybin Therapy Insurance Initiative
This is the Sheri Eckert Foundation's research project to accelerate insurance coverage. We view insurance coverage as greater access and philanthropy won’t and shouldn't last forever as part of the solution to access. We also feel insurance coverage for psychedelic medicines in state regulated models is an inevitability and will arrive much sooner if we put concerted effort towards it.
SEF's Psilocybin Therapy Insurance Initiative, which is one half of the goal of the Psilocybin Access Fund, with direct access being the other half, is being implemented through our partnership with OPEN, an interdisciplinary, community-wide, non-commercial research and evaluation project. They aim to measure the impact of state legal psychedelic services. OPEN is housed at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU). Their members are clinicians, teachers, and researchers who are dedicated members of the community.
SEF Psilocybin Therapy Insurance Initiative
One of SEF’s main interests is to carve a path toward insurance coverage for psilocybin services. A key requirement for this to happen is a body of rigorous real-world research. This is where OPEN comes in. As seasoned public health and psychedelic researchers, OPEN is ideally suited to study the safety outcomes and equitable delivery of psilocybin services.
It is especially important to conduct research with underserved populations, because they have historically been excluded from psychedelic clinical trials. SEF’s Access Fund will fund psilocybin services for underserved clients and support incentives for those who volunteer to participate in research. The evidence generated by this partnership has many potential benefits, such as attracting grant funding from the National Institutes of Health, expanding access in Oregon counties where services are currently banned, and informing our citizens of the safety and outcomes of the psilocybin services program.
The OPEN team aims to cultivate a culture of ethical, inclusive research which promotes health equity.
Here are some things to consider about OPEN’s approach:
Data stewardship, not ownership: OPEN views psychedelic research data as a precious natural resource, not an “asset” to be leveraged. We are honored to help steward this resource, for the equal benefit of all
OPEN is fully aware of OHA’s data sharing requirements and forms, and we conduct all research in a way that facilitators/centers will not get in trouble with OHA. We had no role in the creation of SB303, and we have nothing to gain through its passage.
All the work OPEN does is approved by the OHSU ethics board (the IRB) and protected by a federal Certificate of Confidentiality. This means that all client data has an even greater level of data privacy and security than healthcare data. It is even protected from court subpoena (SB303 data has no such protection).
The members of the OPEN team are experienced, bona fide public health researchers. We adhere to strict federal training and procedures to ensure that our work is conducted ethically. Respect, informed consent, and
Participation in research is always voluntary. There are several compelling reasons why clients might choose to participate - especially in the field of psychedelics, which have not previously been available to underserved communities (see details below) .
Why participate in research?
**Contribution to Science:** By participating in research, you contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge and understanding of the human condition. Your involvement helps researchers gather valuable data that could potentially lead to breakthroughs in treatment options for various health conditions.
**Contribution to Mental Health Advocacy:** By participating in psychedelic research, individuals may contribute to shifting societal attitudes and policies regarding mental health and psychedelic-assisted therapy. Your participation can help destigmatize discussions around mental health treatment options and advocate for broader access to effective therapies.
**Supporting Evidence-Based Practices:** Engaging in research on psychedelics supports the development of evidence-based practices in mental health care. Your participation helps validate the safety and efficacy of these treatments, paving the way for their integration into mainstream mental health care practices, and opening up the possibility for insurance coverage for these services.
**Community Engagement:** Participating in research studies fosters a sense of community and connection with others who share similar experiences or interests in mental health and psychedelic research. It provides an opportunity to engage with researchers, clinicians, and fellow participants in meaningful dialogue and collaboration.
Overall, participating in research, particularly studies exploring the potential benefits of psychedelics for underrepresented populations, offers a unique opportunity to contribute to scientific advancement, personal growth, and the development of innovative treatments for mental health disorders. It's a decision that can have far-reaching implications for both individuals and society as a whole.
OPEN
OPEN is an interdisciplinary, community-wide, non-commercial research and evaluation effort. We aim to measure the impact of state legal psychedelic services.
OPEN is housed at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU): Our members are clinicians, teachers, and researchers who are dedicated members of the community.
To learn more about OPEN, please visit their website here.