Rep. Murphy, Senator Nelson and Rep. Soto Announce $3 Million in Federal Funding Intended to Support University of Central Florida RESTORES Clinic

U.S. Rep. Stephanie Murphy (FL-07), along with U.S. Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL) and U.S. Rep. Darren Soto (FL-09), today announced that the Fiscal Year 2017 Omnibus Appropriations Act, which became law in May, includes a provision intended to provide $3 million for the University of Central Florida's RESTORES Clinic, which uses virtual reality to treat military service members, veterans and first responders with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The RESTORES clinic was established in 2011 after the University of Central Florida secured a $5 million grant from the Department of Defense. This funding was depleted in 2016 and, since then, the clinic has operated with philanthropic donations. The clinic, which has attracted national attention, uses a technique called exposure therapy. This technique utilizes virtual reality to return patients to the situations that gave rise to their PTSD. If done repeatedly, the memory of the event no longer causes as much anxiety, resulting in substantial decreases in PTSD symptoms.

Over 250 service members, veterans and first responders have been treated at the clinic to date. After this treatment program, 66 percent of participants no longer meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD, a success rate that is significantly higher than more conventional PTSD treatment therapies.

This federal funding will supplement $2.5 million in funding from the Florida State Legislature. Accordingly, RESTORES is likely to receive $5.5 million in combined federal and state funds.

U.S. Rep. Stephanie Murphy said: "It is our duty to fight for those who fight for us. Central Florida's military service members, veteran and first responders put their lives on the line in the service of our community and our country, and it's important we do everything possible to support their recovery from PTSD. I support UCF's innovative, life-saving therapy and I am proud to have worked with Senator Nelson and Congressman Soto to secure funding intended for this critical program."

U.S. Senator Bill Nelson said: "The RESTORES clinic at UCF is a great example of how we can work together to help care for our veterans and first responders. These brave men and women put their lives on the line to keep us safe, and deserve the very best care we can give them."

U.S. Rep. Darren Soto said: "It is critical that we develop new and innovative technologies and techniques, as the University of Central Florida's RESTORES clinic is doing, to help treat those affected by PTSD. I am honored that this cutting-edge research is occurring in Central Florida, and look forward to continuing to support the program in the future."

Dr. Deborah Beidel, Trustee Chair and Pegasus Professor of Psychology and Medical Education at UCF and the Director of UCF RESTORES, said: "This funding will help us expand our services in several ways. First, we will begin to establish satellite clinics throughout the state of Florida and in other states. This will include developing high fidelity training programs so that many more clinicians will be able to provide the evidence-based treatments that our veterans and active duty personnel deserve. Second, because our clinic will remain operational and appropriately staffed, our clinical efforts will guide the generation of new grant proposals that will further refine effective treatments for veterans and active duty servicemen and women."

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