Full Breakdown
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Controversial Spending on Ketamine Therapy
3/22/2026, 12:34:59 AM
Campaign Expenditures on Mental Health Services
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) has come under scrutiny for spending nearly $19,000 in campaign funds on psychiatric services from Dr. Brian Boyle, a Boston-based psychiatrist known for his work with ketamine therapy. According to Federal Election Commission records, Ocasio-Cortez's campaign made three payments to Boyle totaling $18,725, categorized as “leadership training and consulting.” The specifics of these sessions remain unclear, as her campaign did not respond to requests for comment.
Dr. Boyle, who is the chief psychiatric officer at Stella, a chain of mental health clinics, specializes in unconventional treatments for conditions such as treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, and anxiety. He has gained attention for advocating the use of ketamine, a substance originally developed as a horse tranquilizer, which has gained popularity in recent years for its potential therapeutic effects. Boyle has described the transformative potential of such treatments, stating, “I just saw the incredible power of what these treatments could do.”
Legislative Background on Psychedelic Research
Ocasio-Cortez has a history of advocating for the medical use of psychedelics. In 2019, she introduced an amendment aimed at allowing federal funding for research into the medical applications of psilocybin and ecstasy, which was rejected. However, her persistence paid off when a similar bill she co-sponsored was signed into law in 2023, allowing for further exploration of psychedelic therapies.
The congresswoman has openly discussed her own mental health challenges, particularly following the January 6 Capitol riots, which she described as traumatizing. She has emphasized the importance of mental health care and self-care practices, reflecting on her own experiences with therapy and the pressures of public life.
Criticism of Campaign Fund Usage
Critics have raised concerns regarding the appropriateness of using campaign funds for personal mental health services. Paul Kamenar, counsel to the National Legal and Policy Center, criticized the expenditures, suggesting they may violate federal campaign finance laws. He argued that while Ocasio-Cortez labeled these expenses as “leadership training,” Dr. Boyle lacks the relevant expertise typically associated with such training, indicating a potential misuse of campaign contributions.
Medical Community's Caution on Ketamine
While some, including Ocasio-Cortez, view ketamine as a promising treatment for mental health issues, medical professionals have expressed caution. Dr. Simon Dosovitz highlighted the risks associated with ketamine, noting its potential to induce psychosis in some individuals. He emphasized the importance of thorough diagnostic evaluations before administering such treatments, warning against the risks of unsupervised use.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I just saw the incredible power of what these treatments could do,” — Dr. Brian Boyle, Psychiatrist
- “While I can understand why AOC would spend $18,000 for a shrink whose specialties include narcissistic personality disorders, using her campaign contributions for what appears to be an expense for personal use violates federal campaign finance laws,” — Paul Kamenar, Counsel to the National Legal and Policy Center
- “There’s a risk of people receiving infusions for ketamine without an appropriate diagnostic workup and considering other factors which may be responsible for their symptoms,” — Dr. Simon Dosovitz, Psychiatrist
The controversy surrounding Ocasio-Cortez's spending raises questions about the intersection of mental health advocacy, campaign finance, and the evolving landscape of psychedelic therapy.
