What Texas' New Psychedelic Research Bill Means for Mental Health

Texas recently took a major step forward by approving publicly supported research into the science-backed, medical use of psychedelics. But what does that really mean for Texans who are seeking mental health support, especially when traditional treatments haven’t worked? Let’s take a closer look. 

 

In June 2025, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 2308 into law. The legislation authorizes the creation of a clinical trial consortium to study ibogaine, a medicine traditionally found in an African shrub and now being synthesized by various companies. The goal is to secure federal approval for its use in treating opioid use disorder, co-occurring substance use disorder, and other neurological or mental health conditions. These include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and any other conditions for which ibogaine demonstrates efficacy. The bill went into effect immediately and directs the Texas Health and Human Services Commission and partnering academic institutions to lead the research, with a focus on helping Veterans and first responders (Texas Legislature Online). 

 

One notable element of the law is its emphasis on transparency and local benefit. The findings and data generated from the research will remain under Texas leadership rather than being handed off to large pharmaceutical companies. The intent is to ensure that any economic and clinical benefits stay within the state. 

Read the full bill here. 

 

Texas has traditionally taken a conservative stance on drug policy; however, this really started to change in 2021 with the passing of HB1802. This legislation, passed with nearly unanimous support, is the country’s first-ever state-funded research support for psychedelic medicine. This specifically funds a clinical trial of psilocybin-assisted therapy for Veterans with PTSD and is being led by Menninger’s own Director of Research, Dr. Lynnette Averill, who served as a subject matter expert for that legislation. Her work, along with that of others has continued to build momentum and interest in the state, which helped to usher in this landmark moment. The legislation opens the door for studying new, evidence-based treatment options for Texans living with unresolved trauma, depression, or substance use issues. 

 

Historically, individuals who did not respond to therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), or traditional psychotherapy have had few alternatives. This new research initiative provides hope, and early data suggests that psychedelic-assisted therapy may offer faster, more robust, and more long-lasting symptom relief than conventional approaches. 

 

Dr. Lynnette Averill, Director of Research at The Menninger Clinic, has partnered with Baylor College of Medicine to advance psychedelic research and help bring these treatments into clinical practice. “The rate at which people feel better and the robust nature in which people find significant improvement in symptoms is really exciting,” she said. She noted, “while these are not a one-size-fits-all or an easy ‘cure’ by any means, these psychedelic-assisted therapies, which leverage the medicine as a catalyst of change, also emphasize psychological support, intention setting, connection, slowing, and carefully processing the experiences and insights gained.”  

 

Dr. Averill brings deep expertise, a lot of heart, and a personal connection to this work. In addition to her leadership role at The Menninger Clinic, she serves as a faculty member at Baylor College of Medicine’s Department of Psychiatry where she Directors the Emerge Research Program and the Ethical Legal Implications of Psychedelics in Society (ELIPSIS) Program. Her background in Veteran mental health, trauma, suicidality, and psychedelic-assisted therapies positions her as one of Texas’ leading experts in the field and she has served as a subject matter expert in multiple state, federal and international legislative sessions.  

 

Through her guidance, Menninger is contributing to the national conversation on how to safely and effectively apply psychedelics in clinical settings. Her work is helping shape what responsible, research-based innovation should look like as the field grows.

 

There is still confusion around psychedelics, especially when it comes to what’s legal, what’s safe and for whom, and how these substances can be best used. Psychedelic drugs remain illegal for both therapeutic and recreational use in Texas and much of the US, though some states are beginning to create a patchwork of varying laws around access and legality. However, SB 2308 builds on the foundation of HB1802 to create a path for scientific research focused specifically on medical treatment for mental health conditions like depression, PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and substance misuse. 

 

This research is not about self-medication. Psychedelic-assisted therapy involves structured, supervised clinical care. These treatments are not currently legally available outside of approved research settings. 

 

At The Menninger Clinic, we remain committed to ongoing innovation grounded in ethics, compassion, and scientific integrity. Our work in psychedelic research is not just about what's next, it’s about creating more effective, accessible, and personalized mental health care for those who need it most. 

 

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