Revolutionizing Behavioral Health Research Through Philanthropy
The Vail Health Behavioral Health Innovation Center (VHBHIC) is ushering in a new era of behavioral health research, treatment, and education. Led by the esteemed Dr. Charles Raison, this world-class center is the result of a pioneering partnership between Vail Health and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, with collaboration from top institutions like Emory University, the University of California San Francisco, and the Steadman Philippon Research Institute (SPRI).
The center’s mission is to enhance behavioral health care for patients in Eagle County and beyond, focusing on innovative research that could transform treatment options for individuals facing mental health challenges. This initiative was made possible through the visionary philanthropy of Mike and Mary Sue Shannon. Their generous support laid the foundation for VHBHIC, a testament to the transformative power of philanthropy. With continued support, the center is poised to make monumental strides that could redefine the future of behavioral health care and address the need for novel treatments.
CHILL’D Study: Cold and Heat Investigation to Lower Levels of Depression
The inaugural research study at VHBHIC is the CHILL’D Study (Cold and Heat Investigation to Lower Levels of Depression), which seeks to determine whether a combination of heat therapy followed by cold exposure could serve as a reliable treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD). This research aims to assess if this novel method can offer greater emotional well-being compared to traditional heat therapy alone.
The study will randomly assign 100 adults with depression to either undergo sauna treatment alone or experience sauna treatment followed by a cold plunge. This process will assess the effectiveness of each approach.
The CHILL’D Study is expected to span three years, with each participant’s screening, treatment, and follow-up process lasting four to six weeks. During the screening phase, participants will undergo mood, cognitive function, and overall well-being assessments, along with blood draws, urine screens, and EKGs. Once enrolled, participants will complete one treatment visit and two follow-up visits.
OPTIMIZE Study: Enhancing Psilocybin Therapy
In addition, VHBHIC recently launched a study to explore psilocybin’s effects on MDD in April 2025. OPTIMIZE Study participants will receive a single strong dose of pure psilocybin at the Wiegers Mental Health Clinic, where they will be supervised by a licensed therapist and a trained facilitator in a comfortable, living-room-style setting. The 140 participants will undergo preparation and post-experience sessions to maximize the benefits of the treatment.
The study will also explore using vagus nerve stimulation to enhance memory formation and will track participants’ daily mental health changes through various assessments and apps. The findings could revolutionize the treatment of depression, offering new hope for lasting mental health improvements.
