A New Era in PTSD Recovery: Acacia Clinics Partners with Vagus Nerve Society and electroCore for Breakthrough Research
A New Era in PTSD Recovery: Acacia Clinics Partners with Vagus Nerve Society and electroCore for Breakthrough Research
February 26, 2026
At Acacia Clinics, our mission has always been to bridge the gap between cutting-edge science and compassionate mental health care. We are thrilled to share a major milestone in that journey: the launch of a new research initiative in collaboration with the Vagus Nerve Society and electroCore (Nasdaq: ECOR).
As recently highlighted in industry news and shared by our VP of Research, Danielle DeSouza, PhD, we are embarking on a study to explore the potential of the gammaCore™ non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS) device as a powerful new tool for treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
The Challenge: Why We need New Solutions
PTSD affects roughly 6% of the population at some point in their lives, yet only one-third of those suffering achieve full remission with current standards of care. As Dr. DeSouza noted in the official announcement, the "vagus nerve represents a unique window" between the brain and the body, offering a promising target for those who haven’t found relief through traditional means.
The Study: Advancing Precision Neuromodulation
This prospective study, done in partnership with electroCore and with funding from the Vagus Nerve Society, will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of nVNS as an adjunctive treatment for PTSD symptoms.
Key details of the initiative inlcude:
Investigator-Led: The study is led by Acacia’s own Dr. Danielle DeSouza, a leading voice in neurotechnology-focused clinical trials, alongside Dr. Noah DeGaetano, a board-certified psychiatrist and neuromodulation expert.
Target Outcomes: We are measuring success using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5), the golden standard for assessing symptoms severity and recovery.
Handheld Innovation: Unlike older versions of vagus nerve stimulation that required surgical implants, the gammaCore device is handheld, non-invaside, and is applied directly to the side of the neck.
Why This Matter for You
For our patients at Acacia Clinics, this partnership means we are at the absolute forefront of what is possible. By integrating the biological insights of the Vagus Nerve Society with the proven technology of electroCore, we are moving toward a "bottom-up" approach to healing—calming the nervous system’s "fire alarm" so that the mind can finally find peace.
As Dr. DeSouza shared, this research is about more than just data; it’s about providing a safe, convenient, and effective option for those who have spent years trapped in the physiological loop of trauma.
The Future of Care at Acacia
We believe that your recovery should be as unique as your nervous system. Whether through fMRI-guided TMS, Ketamine-Assisted Therapy, or emerging tech like nVNS, we are committed to finding the right key to unlock your healing.
References & Further Reading
DeSouza, D. (2026, January). Exciting News: Acacia Clinics and the Vagus Nerve Society launch PTSD research initiative with electroCore. LinkedIn.
electroCore, Inc. (2026, January 21). Acacia Clinics and Vagus Nerve Society Conduct Study Using electroCore’s gammaCore Sapphire for Adjunctive Treatment of Symptoms Associated with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (“PTSD”). Stock Titan / Global Newswire.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (2022, January). gammaCore™ Non-Invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation (nVNS) Receives Breakthrough Device Designation for Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Vagus Nerve Society. (2024, December). Clinical Practice Guidelines for nVNS and PTSD.
Bremner, J. D., Inan, O., et al. (2021).Transcutaneous Cervical Vagal Nerve Stimulation in Patients with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): A Pilot Study. Journal of Affective Disorders Reports.
