Psychedelic Police Retreat: Cops tripping for PTSD

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Groundbreaking Initiative Launches to Explore Psychedelic-Assisted Retreats for Police Officer Mental Health

First-of-its-kind, international donor-funded psilocybin truffle retreat project in the Netherlands, led by police icons and top researchers, aims to build community and pioneer new dialogues on well-being for law enforcement.

AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands - January 29, 2026 - A pioneering international collaboration, led by 'Psychedelic Insights', today announced a landmark initiative to organize a legal, guided psychedelic retreat specifically for police officers. Conceived "by cops, for cops," this donor-funded project seeks to address the profound mental health crisis in law enforcement through community, education, and a supported exploration of non-ordinary states of consciousness-all at no cost to participating officers.

The initiative is led by founder Luc van Poelje and unites leading scientific and clinical minds with iconic police figures. The advisory team includes Neil Woods, a former UK undercover detective and author who has experienced firsthand the trauma of police work, and Sarko Gergerian, an active-duty US police officer and mental health counselor. The research framework is led by Anya Ragnhildstveit, PhD(c), Chief Executive Officer of Pneuma Science, and Professor Lynnette Averill of Baylor College of Medicine and Yale School of Medicine.

"We ask officers to endure incredible psychological strain, yet the systems to support their long-term well-being are often inadequate," says Neil Woods, former UK detective and advisor. "This initiative isn't about promoting a substance; it's about courageously exploring every avenue that might help those who serve return to peace and wholeness."

The project moves beyond a clinical model to create a peer-supported, spiritual space. "As an officer, you learn to armor up. The real challenge, and the real healing, often comes from finding a safe space to be vulnerable," says Sarko Gergerian, active US police officer and advisor. "This project is built on that understanding-it's a dialogue started by peers who get the culture and the struggle."

The initiative's first planned retreat is a 7-day program in the Netherlands, where the use of fresh psilocybin truffles is legal. It features a minimum 1:3 facilitator-to-participant ratio and extensive psychological support. A research proposal, led by Anya Ragnhildstveit, aims to formally study outcomes to contribute to the scientific understanding of these approaches for trauma-exposed professionals. Based upon previous veteran research projects, the protocol and results are studied.

Core Topics for Media Exploration:

The Mental Health Crisis in Policing: The toll of hypervigilance and trauma on the officer's nervous system.

Innovation vs. Stigma: Introducing psychedelic-assisted experiences into a profession where discussing mental health carries risk.

"By Cops, For Cops": How the involvement of Neil Woods and Sarko Gregerian builds essential trust and cultural relevance.

A New Model for Funding Care: A transparent, donor-funded model to provide access free of charge to officers.

Navigating Legal & Professional Risk: The complex landscape where an activity is legal in the Netherlands but may conflict with departmental policies back home. US First amendment protection under religious freedom through special church membership can keep US police safe.

Science and Spirituality: We cannot medicalise this or see it as a treatment. This model focused on introspective journey and community. Sarko runs a church to protect psilocybin mushrooms as a sacrament. Luc van Poelje is an expert in explaining and preparing people for these deep experiences. He's guided over 1250 clients in navigating high dose psilocybin truffle experiences.

Community Over Cure: Emphasizing that the first step is a zero-obligation sign-up for information, education, aiming to shift culture from within. Discussing all aspects with various speakers is part of making an informed decision.

"There is no pill to cure PTSD," says founder Luc van Poelje. "We are fostering a courageous community for dialogue. Signing up means joining that conversation, not committing to any psychedelic trip."

The project is in its community-building and funding phase. Police officers are invited to learn more and join the dialogue with no obligation. Mission-aligned and private donors are invited to support this transparent but also vulnerable and co-created initiative.

For more information, to schedule an interview, or for officer/donor inquiries

Visit the International Psychedelic Police Retreat Project
https://psychedelicinsights.com/inviting-police-to-a-psychedelic-retreat/

Press Release:
https://psychedelicinsights.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/29-1-PRESS-RELEASE-FOR-IMMEDIATE-RELEASE-3.pdf

SAFETY NOTIFICATION

The use of psilocybin truffles, in any way or form, does not replace any medical advice, treatment or medication. Psychedelic Insights provides the psychological guidance of legal and medically safe psilocybin truffle experiences with an EU food-safety certification. More information.

PSY INSIGHTS
1e Laurierdwarsstraat 51
1016PW AMSTERDAM
The Netherlands

Psychedelicinsights.com
Press contact:
https://calendly.com/meetwithluc/introduction-call

PSY INSIGHTS www.psychedelicinsights.com provides the psychological guidance of psychedelic experiences. Since 2019 they have safely guided over 1250 people in high dose situations. We ran veteran research retreat with Dutch and UK veterans (2021, 2025). We work with world renowned researchers to measure what we do. we operate legally in The Netherlands and use psilocybin truffles with an EU food safety certification. Our service is non medical and cannot be seen as such.

This release was published on openPR.