AOC’s Campaign Invested $19K in Psychiatrist Famous for Hallucinogenic Treatment

Ocasio-Cortez’s Campaign Fund Allocated for Psychiatric Treatment

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) utilized approximately $19,000 from her campaign finances last year for psychiatric services focused on ketamine therapy. This therapy employs a powerful drug to induce a hallucinatory state, aimed at tackling conditions like trauma and depression.

An investigation into federal election records revealed that Ocasio-Cortez had engaged Dr. Brian Boyle, a leading psychiatrist at a Boston clinic named Stella, noted for its “innovative” treatment approaches that have emerged lately.

According to the Federal Election Commission, Ocasio-Cortez’s campaign paid Dr. Boyle $11,550 in March 2025, followed by $2,800 in May and $4,375 in October, amounting to a total of $18,725. Despite the rising popularity of ketamine therapy, some critics are bewildered about its designation as a legitimate campaign expenditure since it can be an effective treatment when conducted properly.

The expenditures were logged under “Leadership Training and Consulting.” However, details regarding the specific nature of the sessions or participants were not disclosed, and Ocasio-Cortez’s team did not respond to inquiries.

Dr. Boyle, a Harvard-educated M.D., has been acknowledged for his approaches in mental health, which have reportedly provided rapid and lasting benefits to numerous patients. Stella boasts experienced providers and claims to have treated over 30,000 individuals across various facilities.

Ketamine, primarily known as a dissociative anesthetic, has garnered attention due to its association with high-profile incidents, notably the tragic death of actor Matthew Perry, who was misusing the drug outside a clinical setting. Nevertheless, when administered correctly, it has demonstrated efficacy in relieving conditions such as anxiety and PTSD, particularly in cases where traditional treatments fall short.

For example, the Ketamine Clinic in Los Angeles, a pioneer in this field, reports an impressive success rate of 83% with its intravenous therapy.

In addition to ketamine treatment, Stella offers various alternative therapies, including transcranial magnetic stimulation and FDA-approved esketamine nasal spray, for conditions like depression.

Ocasio-Cortez has consistently exhibited a keen interest in alternative health treatments. She previously introduced bills to promote research on psychedelic substances, such as “magic mushrooms,” for mental health applications. In 2023, she co-sponsored legislation aimed at investigating psychedelics for treating PTSD and traumatic brain injuries in military personnel, which has since become law.

However, there is considerable skepticism regarding the appropriateness of using campaign funds for psychiatric care.

“While it makes sense for AOC to seek help from a psychiatrist specializing in personality disorders, funding such personal expenses with campaign resources raises questions about compliance with federal campaign finance laws,” stated Paul Kamener, an adviser at the National Law and Policy Center. He noted that labeling these costs as “leadership training” seems dubious, especially as Dr. Boyle lacks specific expertise in this area, suggesting potential misuse of campaign funds.