Federal Election Commission records reveal a surprising expenditure by Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s campaign: nearly $19,000 paid to a psychiatrist specializing in innovative mental health treatments.
The payments, totaling $18,725, were made in 2025 to Dr. Brian Boyle and were listed as expenses for “leadership training and consulting.” This detail has sparked scrutiny given Dr. Boyle’s prominent work in the field of ketamine-assisted therapy.
Dr. Boyle is the chief medical officer at Stella, a Boston-based clinic focused on alternative treatments for conditions like PTSD and depression. He has openly discussed the potential of ketamine to rapidly improve mental wellbeing, describing the experience of helping patients as “a ton of fun.”
The campaign has remained silent regarding the specific services provided by Dr. Boyle or which individuals within the campaign participated. This lack of transparency has fueled speculation about the nature of the “leadership training.”
Interestingly, Representative Ocasio-Cortez has a history of advocating for expanded research into psychedelic substances. In 2019, she championed an amendment to increase federal funding for studies involving psilocybin and MDMA, arguing for a shift in perspective on drug policy.
Her stance stemmed from a belief that drug use should be approached as a medical issue rather than a criminal one, emphasizing the need for scientific investigation. While that initial amendment failed, similar efforts gained traction and were ultimately approved in 2023.
This recent disclosure isn’t an isolated incident. Past reports revealed other unusual campaign expenditures, including funds allocated for dance lessons and upscale dining experiences. These instances have raised questions about the campaign’s financial priorities.
Records showed a $850 payment to a dance company and over $3,700 for “training” services from an individual, alongside a substantial bill from a Mexican restaurant. These expenses, like the recent payments to Dr. Boyle, have drawn criticism and calls for greater accountability.
