Exploring SB 568: North Carolina's Step Toward Psychedelic-Assisted Mental Health Treatments
North Carolina is joining a growing national conversation about the therapeutic potential of psychedelics in treating serious mental health conditions. With the introduction of Senate Bill 568 (SB 568), the state is considering a structured, evidence-based approach to exploring psychedelic-assisted therapies.
Here’s what you need to know about the bill, what it could mean for mental health care in North Carolina, and how you can learn more or support its progress.
What Is SB 568?
SB 568 – The Innovative Treatments for Mental Health Act proposes the creation of a state Task Force to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and potential applications of psychedelic-assisted therapies. These treatments may include substances like psilocybin, MDMA, and others currently being studied in clinical trials across the U.S. and abroad.
Rather than authorizing the use of these therapies outright, the bill focuses on preparing the state for future developments in federal law and medical research.
What Would the Task Force Do?
If passed, SB 568 would establish a multidisciplinary Task Force that would:
Study clinical research and FDA trial outcomes
Evaluate regulatory considerations for psychedelic-assisted treatments
Examine models for access, licensing, and insurance coverage
Consider ethical frameworks for therapy and research
Prioritize vulnerable populations such as:
Veterans
First responders
Trauma survivors
People living with treatment-resistant mental health conditions like PTSD, anxiety, or depression
This Task Force would lay the groundwork for North Carolina to move quickly and responsibly if and when federal rescheduling or approval of psychedelic-assisted therapies occurs.
Why This Matters for North Carolina
Mental health challenges in the state—and across the U.S.—are growing. Veterans, healthcare workers, and trauma survivors often experience long waits for care or find current treatments ineffective.
Meanwhile, studies from institutions like Johns Hopkins, MAPS (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies), and NYU are demonstrating that psychedelic-assisted therapy, when delivered in clinical settings, can offer life-changing results—including reductions in depression, PTSD symptoms, and substance use.
By forming this Task Force, North Carolina would join states like Texas, California, and Oregon in taking a science-driven, measured approach to evaluating these therapies.
What Happened in 2023?
In 2023, House Bill 727 (HB 727) sought similar goals and gained strong bipartisan support. However, it stalled before final passage.
SB 568 represents a renewed opportunity to carry the momentum forward—this time with added clarity, broader awareness, and growing national interest in psychedelic science.
How You Can Learn More or Get Involved
Read the bill: Visit the North Carolina General Assembly website and search for SB 568 to read the full text.
Find your representatives: Use the “Who Represents Me?” tool on the NCGA website to look up your state senators and house members.
Share your support: Contact your legislators and let them know you support evidence-based exploration of innovative mental health treatments.
Stay informed: Follow emerging research from institutions like MAPS, Johns Hopkins Psychedelic Research Unit, and North Carolina organizations engaging with mental health innovation.
Final Thoughts
SB 568 is not about immediate legalization or access to psychedelics—it’s about preparing the state responsibly for the future. As federal policy shifts and clinical results continue to unfold, North Carolina has a chance to be at the forefront of research, ethics, and equitable access to care.
If you're a healthcare provider, mental health advocate, student, or simply someone interested in responsible innovation in mental health care, now is the time to learn more and share your voice.
