REDDING, Calif. – A Redding clinical research company is expanding its work in mental health with a new study involving psilocybin-assisted therapy. Researchers say the investigational treatment could one day help people suffering from a wide range of mental health disorders.
Inside a research suite at Paradigm Clinical Research, scientists are studying how psilocybin, a compound found in certain mushrooms, may help people living with some of the most challenging mental health conditions. Action News Now visited the facility to learn more about the study.
“We are looking for PTSD, of course. We’re also looking for patients who have anxiety, OCD, things like that, mostly mental health disorders,” said Mara Demara, clinical research coordinator at Paradigm Clinical Research.
Researchers say those conditions can be difficult to treat with traditional methods alone. They hope studies like this one will help determine whether psilocybin-assisted therapy can provide relief for people who have few other options.
They also say the study could be especially relevant in Shasta County, which is home to thousands of veterans. “We have one of the highest numbers of disabled veterans in the community, and if we can help them in any way possible, that would make us very happy,” said Mel Harris, recruitment and marketing coordinator at Paradigm Clinical Research.
Unlike a typical medical exam room, this specialized research suite was designed to feel more comfortable and familiar. Staff says creating a calm environment is an important part of the research process when studying how participants respond to the investigational therapy.
“This room actually had to be set up in the same manner that a home would be set up, just because we don’t know how they’re going to react to it or respond, which is why we’re doing a clinical trial,” Demara said. Paradigm officials emphasize that the program is a clinical research study, not a treatment center.
They say the goal is to better understand whether psilocybin-assisted therapy can be a safe and effective option for people struggling with mental health disorders. Researchers hope the work being done in Redding will contribute to a growing body of scientific evidence exploring new approaches to mental health care.
People interested in learning more about the study or finding out whether they qualify can contact Paradigm Clinical Research directly for additional information.