Psychedelic Retreat Program for Veterans

Psychedelic Retreat Program for Veterans

Organization: Heroic Hearts Project Inc (NY, US)
Website: heroicheartsproject.org
Contact: operations@heroicheartsproject.org

Overview

Heroic Hearts Project hosts retreat programs for veterans living with PTSD throughout the year and has helped over 1,500 veterans and veteran spouses significantly reduce their PTSD symptoms and improve overall quality of life. Programs are based on the Heroic Hearts Process, a research-proven, veteran-built model of care developed since 2017, demonstrating over 80% effectiveness in significantly reducing PTSD symptoms and improving quality of life.

Geographic Scope

• Domestic (USA): Oregon (psilocybin legal); Colorado (anticipated beginning 2026)
• International: Peru, Mexico, Jamaica
• Branches: Canada, United Kingdom, Australia

Focus Areas

• PTSD treatment for combat veterans and military sexual trauma survivors
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
• Support for military spouses/families through the Hope Project

Psychedelic Types Offered

• International retreats: Ayahuasca (three ceremonies)
• Domestic programs: Psilocybin (two ceremonies)
• Partner referrals: Ketamine-assisted therapy and ibogaine (occasionally)

The Heroic Hearts Process Components

1. Screening: Careful veteran screening 2. Preparation: Three one-hour private sessions and three one-hour group sessions with HHP coach 3. Retreat Experience: 1-5 psychedelic ceremonies with licensed facilitators (domestic) or indigenous/traditional healers (international) 4. Integration: Three one-hour private sessions and three one-hour group sessions; long-term alumni support via community calls 5. Long-term Aftercare: Alumni program access, community calls, referrals to long-term care practitioners

Eligibility Criteria

• Primary: Veterans who can trace major trauma to time in service (combat trauma or Military Sexual Trauma)
• Preferred: Veterans already engaged in other healing modalities (therapy, coaching, mindfulness)
• Must demonstrate motivation to "do the work" and take ownership of healing
• Ability to cover minimum financial contribution
• For international programs: active passport with 9+ months validity
• Non-US veterans and veterans living abroad accepted

Ineligibility/Deferral Factors

• Contraindicated heart or respiratory conditions
• Personal/family history of psychosis, schizophrenia, DID, Bipolar Type I
• Inability to wean off contraindicated medications 4-6 weeks in advance
• Recent participation in another psychedelic retreat or macro-dose use within 4 months
• Unwillingness to follow preparation diet requirements
• Active crisis or suicidal thoughts (without stabilization)
• Homelessness, active addiction, on parole, or in-patient treatment center

Medication Contraindications

Blood pressure medications/hypertension: Tapered off and controlled 90+ days before retreat For Ayahuasca: SSRIs, SNRIs, SARIs, NDRIs, tricyclic antidepressants, antipsychotics, anxiolytics, stimulants (taper 4 weeks before); anticonvulsants (2 weeks before); Lithium (30 days minimum) For Psilocybin: Similar contraindications apply

Financial Contributions

All participants encouraged to pay what they can:
• $500 (Domestic minimum) or $750 (International minimum): For those experiencing financial hardship, equity-denied communities, essential care professionals
• $1,600: Covers travel for another veteran; for those with basic financial security
• $3,600: Covers retreat and travel for another veteran; for those with extra income/assets
• $6,500: Covers full program for another veteran; for those financially successful

Heroic Hearts Project Grant: Available for those unable to afford participation

Average program cost: $6,500 per veteran served

Privacy & Compliance

HHP services are not medical and do not fall under HIPAA compliance. Privacy and media policies must be agreed upon at enrollment.

Enrollment Timeline

• Application to Approval: ~2 weeks response time
• Open Enrollment Periods: Every 3-4 months (4x per year)
• Enrollment Request to Selection Decision: 2-3 weeks
• Process Steps: Initial Application → Open Enrollment Period → Enrollment Request Form → Video Intake Call → Safety Screening → Legal Documents & Financial Contribution

Support for Families

The Hope Project: Provides coaching and community support to spouses/partners of veteran participants Contact: families@heroicheartsproject.org