US Government Backs Psychedelic Therapies Research For Veterans With PTSD and Depression

The U.S. government’s Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently announced partnering with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to fast-track the development of psychedelic-assisted therapies to treat veterans living with mental health issues like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and more. After years of interest, 2026 has marked a major policy shift, with the White House, Congress, and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) all actively participating in accelerating research into treatments like psilocybin, MDMA, and ibogaine. HISTORIC: Secretary Doug Collins and Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. have signed an MOU to improve cooperation on psychedelic drug trials between VA and HHS.Read: https://t.co/iSEZ0QtN5q pic.twitter.com/0OLQyHh4yu— Veterans Affairs (@DeptVetAffairs) July 13, 2026 ]]>“America owes every veteran the best care our nation can provide,” said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “We’re not going to wait while promising treatments sit on the sidelines. Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, HHS and the VA are working together to develop safe, FDA-approved innovations and transition them from research into care so veterans can access the treatments they deserve.” The collaboration comes as a bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced a new bill in Congress that would require the U.S. Department of Defense to evaluate how ongoing psychedelic research, particularly those involving psilocybin, could benefit service members who are active on duty and veterans transitioning back to civilian life. “President Trump opened up a world of possibility for treating Veterans and others with mental health conditions, and VA is proud to be part of this important work,” said VA Secretary Doug Collins. “Today’s MOU ensures effective cooperation with HHS as we try to turn research into life-changing treatment.”Also read: Under HHS’s ‘Make Hospital Food Healthier’ Pledge, Trump Administration Pushes Hospitals To Offer Healthier Food Initiative To Accelerate Treatments For Mental Illnesses The initiative was accelerated this year in April when President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing federal agencies to ramp up research, regulatory review, and appropriate patient access ways for psychedelic medicines targeting serious mental illnesses. According to the White House, the goal is to expand the scope of scientific research while ensuring safety and regulatory requirements, rather than recklessly legalizing psychedelic drugs for general medical use. Most psychedelic compounds, including psilocybin, MDMA, and ibogaine, remain classified as Schedule I substances under federal law.Also read: As Part Of Trump’s Great American Recovery Initiative, US Announces 281 Million Funding To Tackle Addiction Mental Health Challenges Faced By Veterans Mental health challenges remain one of the most pressing issues U.S. veterans face after their military service. They are prioritised because they face a disproportionately high burden of PTSD, depression, suicide, and traumatic brain injury among former service members. While conventional treatments, including antidepressants and psychotherapy, help many patients, a substantial number do not achieve lasting relief. Researchers hope psychedelic-assisted therapy, administered under carefully supervised clinical settings alongside psychotherapy, may offer another option for people who are still struggling despite existing treatments. Growing Interest In Psychedelic Medicine The interest in psychedelic medicine has grown rapidly over the past decade. Studies have suggested that MDMA-assisted psychotherapy may help alleviate PTSD symptoms in some patients, while psilocybin-assisted therapy has shown promise for treatment-resistant depression in clinical trials. These therapies differ from recreational drug use because they involve carefully screened patients, controlled doses, trained therapists, and structured treatment plan and follow-up sessions.