Utah’s HB390: A Landmark Step for Psychedelic Therapy Research at Huntsman for Veterans with PTSD

Utah is making real progress in the mental health and psychedelic space with House Bill 390 (HB390), the Veterans PTSD Clinical Research Amendments. This bill offers new hope for veterans living with treatment-resistant PTSD and marks an exciting chapter for psychedelic-assisted therapy across the state.

HB390 authorizes the Huntsman Mental Health Institute at the University of Utah to launch a carefully controlled clinical study on the safety and feasibility of psychedelic-assisted therapy for veterans who have not found relief through standard treatments. The research will explore substances such as psilocybin, MDMA, and DMT under strict FDA and university oversight. For a state with a strong veteran community and pressing needs around PTSD and suicide prevention, this development feels truly amazing. It shows Utah leaders are listening and taking meaningful action to support those who have served.

This builds on earlier efforts like Senate Bill 266 (SB266) from 2024, which passed unanimously and became law without Governor Cox's signature. SB266 created a pilot program for major healthcare systems to develop treatments using psilocybin and MDMA in controlled settings for conditions like treatment-resistant depression and PTSD. While groundbreaking, the program has remained in a holding pattern—largely due to federal restrictions on Schedule I substances and the challenges of broad implementation across hospitals.

HB390 takes a more focused and practical approach to help move things forward. Instead of a wide pilot for general use, it zeroes in on one specific, university-led clinical research study at Huntsman—just for veterans with treatment-resistant PTSD. It includes dedicated funding pathways (legislative appropriations plus donations/grants), clear timelines (aiming to start by January 2027 if funds align), and built-in federal compliance steps like FDA Investigational New Drug protocols and DEA registrations. This tighter scope, veteran priority, and research-first design addresses many of the earlier barriers, creating a stronger path to generate real safety data and evidence.

As of mid-March 2026, HB390 has passed the Utah House and Senate with strong bipartisan support. However, it is not quite law yet—it still awaits final approval from Governor Spencer Cox. This is already a huge step forward for Utah. It creates a clear, research-first path that puts safety, data, and veterans first.

The broader mental health community hopes the bill, if signed, will continue to evolve with high-quality research and real-world data. Studies like this one at Huntsman Mental Health Institute will help generate the solid evidence needed to expand safe, effective options for veterans and their families in the years ahead.

This moment also shines a light on therapies that are already helping people today. Ketamine-assisted therapy works through a similar psychedelic mechanism—promoting neuroplasticity and deep emotional processing in a guided setting. Unlike the research-stage treatments in HB390, ketamine therapy is legally available right now through licensed providers. Specialized practices integrate ketamine and therapy approaches to support individuals and couples facing PTSD, anxiety, depression, and trauma.

For veterans, families, and anyone in Utah seeking relief, these developments highlight how the psychedelic renaissance is gaining momentum right here at home. Whether exploring current options like ketamine assisted therapy or watching the important research unfold at Huntsman, Utah is leading with compassion and science.

If you're in Utah—whether in Salt Lake City, Utah County, or beyond—and wondering how psychedelic-assisted approaches like ketamine therapy might support your healing journey with PTSD, anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship challenges, we're here to help.

At Koru Wellness, we specialize in ketamine-assisted therapy integrated with therapy principles. Sessions are safe, guided, and tailored to your needs in a compassionate setting.

Reach out today for a free 15-minute consultation to see if this could be a good fit for you or your loved ones. Visit koruwell.com or call us (385) 600-7035 to get started.

Healing is possible, and we are leading the way—one step, one story at a time.