A Path to Healing: Psilocybin and the Veteran Community
At 7 Gates Sanctuary, healing takes many forms, but for our team member Dr. Kara Crisp, psilocybin has become a beacon of hope for veterans seeking solace from the invisible wounds of war. As a licensed psilocybin practitioner, Dr. Crisp brings compassion, dedication, and a heartfelt mission to make this transformative healing accessible to those who need it most.
In this blog, we delve into Dr. Crisp’s journey, the neuroscience behind psilocybin, and the powerful role it plays in supporting veterans through profound healing experiences.
Empathy in Action: Dr. Crisp’s Mission of Holistic Care for Veterans
Dr. Crisp’s passion for working with veterans began during her healthcare training, where she encountered the harsh reality many veterans face—higher risks of suicide, mental health struggles, and limited access to comprehensive care.
“The resources they have available are not treating them like they’re human,” Dr. Crisp shares. This realization ignited her drive to create a space where veterans feel valued, supported, and understood.
Her experience volunteering with the Returning Veterans Project, providing free healthcare to veterans, shaped the foundation of her practice.
“I made it my mission to get more training to work with these different populations so that they feel welcome and taken care of, and treated like they matter,” she says.
The Transformative Power of Psilocybin for Veterans
For veterans grappling with the emotional and psychological scars of service, psilocybin offers a path to healing that conventional therapies often fail to provide. Dr. Crisp highlights the transformative nature of psilocybin macrodoses, which enable individuals to confront the roots of their trauma.
“These large dose journeys get so far down to some kind of beginning point, often the start of the pain, that something finally releases in the present,” she explains.
One powerful example involved a Vietnam veteran who was deeply touched by the financial assistance he received for his session.
“There was a Vietnam veteran who said, ‘I can’t believe you all did anything special for me.’ It just put me in tears,” Dr. Crisp recalls.
For many veterans, this care represents more than healing—it restores a sense of dignity long lost.
Another veteran described his session as “the most profound experience of my life”—a reflection of how psilocybin can unearth buried emotions and allow for transformative breakthroughs.
The Neuroscience Behind Psilocybin Macrodoses
On a neurological level, psilocybin directly impacts the default mode network (DMN)—a system of brain regions often linked to repetitive thought patterns and self-criticism.
Following traumatic experiences, the DMN can become hyperactive, contributing to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression. Psilocybin reduces DMN activity, leading to what researchers call “ego dissolution.”
In this state, individuals may experience:
- A sense of unity and interconnectedness
- Expanded consciousness
- The ability to reframe traumatic experiences
This neural shift fosters new connections between previously disconnected parts of the brain—helping veterans rebuild healthier mental frameworks and improve emotional regulation.
Dr. Crisp emphasizes that this neuroplasticity is key to psilocybin’s long-term benefits, allowing veterans to reshape their relationship with trauma and reclaim agency in their healing journey.
Accessibility and Affordability
While the benefits of psilocybin are profound, accessibility remains a challenge. Acknowledging this, Dr. Crisp is committed to offering flexible pricing tiers and scholarships to ensure financial barriers do not prevent veterans from receiving care.
At 7 Gates Sanctuary, select monthly scholarships reduce the cost of psilocybin journeys to $600—a fraction of the usual $1,800-$3,000 price tag.
“Accessibility is a huge priority for me,” Dr. Crisp explains.
This initiative reflects her unwavering commitment to making psilocybin healing available to those who need it most.
A Commitment to Care
Dr. Crisp’s dedication extends beyond her role as a practitioner; it reflects her belief in holistic, person-centered care. Her goal is to create an environment where veterans feel safe, respected, and supported on their healing journey.
“I want veterans to know they are not alone and that healing is possible. Psilocybin has the power to change lives, and I am honored to be part of that process.”
At 7 Gates Sanctuary, Dr. Crisp’s work stands as a testament to the profound impact of compassion, science, and ancient healing practices coming together to restore hope for veterans and marginalized communities.
If you or someone you know could benefit from psilocybin, reach out today to learn more about our scholarship opportunities and the healing potential awaiting you.
