3 in 10. That’s the lifetime prevalence for a depressive episode for adults living in the United States. And of that 30% of U.S. adults, about one-third of them will struggle with treatment-resistant depression, meaning they have not found a treatment option that is effective for them. These statistics are just for those impacted by depression–there are countless other mental health conditions impacting millions for far too long.
At Sheppard Pratt’s Institute for Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Scott Aaronson, MD, chief science officer, is searching for alternative therapies that will provide effective relief for those who have not found a treatment that works.
The Power of Psychedelics
Research at the institute is focused on psychedelics. Psychedelics, while long stigmatized, have many benefits: people do not experience “cravings” for them, they do not cause withdrawal, and they do not exhibit hallmarks of other addictive compounds.
Advancing the Field
At the institute’s Center of Excellence in Psilocybin Research and Treatment, Dr. Aaronson has been investigating the efficacy of the drug for many mental health conditions, including treatment-resistant depression, chronic suicidal thoughts, bipolar disorder, and even anorexia nervosa.
Studies from Sheppard Pratt have been advancing the field by leaps and bounds. An open-label psilocybin study led by Dr. Aaronson was the first to show the impact of psilocybin on bipolar II depression, a mood disorder characterized by severe depressive episodes and hypomania.
And in early 2025, Dr. Aaronson was the first author on an article in the American Journal of Psychiatry showing the potential of single-dose psilocybin for patients who have failed at least five courses of treatment for depression, many of whom also experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Paving a Path to the Future
“Our hope is to create a basis for further research so people with difficult-to-treat illnesses across the diagnostic spectrum may find relief from this very novel idea that psychedelics may transform psychiatry,” says Dr. Aaronson. “Psychiatry will change more in the next 10 years than in the last century.” And Sheppard Pratt is at the forefront of that change. 
Fund life-changing research
With your support, we can accelerate our research and help even more people who have suffered for far too long. To learn more about philanthropic opportunities to support research at Sheppard Pratt, contact Claudia E. Keenan, vice president and chief development officer, at Claudia.Keenan@sheppardpratt.org or 443-608-7062.