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VA Launches Psychedelic Drug Trial for Veterans: Here's Who Can Take Part
0 Share Newsweek is a Trust Project member See more of our trusted coverage when you search. Prefer Newsweek on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has launched a new medical trial to determine the effectiveness of using psilocybin to treat depression in veterans.
In April, President Donald Trump issued an executive order to expand access to and trials of psychedelic drugs to combat serious mental illness rates across the United States.
VA Secretary Doug Collins said in a news release on Wednesday: "Far too many Veterans are living with mental health conditions that don't respond to available treatments. Under President Trump, VA is pursuing all avenues to evaluate new treatments and offer meaningful relief for those who have worn the uniform. This clinical trial reflects another step toward this goal."
Newsweek contacted the VA for comment by email outside regular working hours.
The trial—named Psilocybin Intervention for Veterans Overcoming Treatment-Resistant Depression—enrolls veterans who have treatment-resistant major depressive disorder, including those who also suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.
The study is expected to compare the clinical outcomes of participants taking two different dosages of psilocybin, one of the psychoactive ingredients in magic mushrooms. This includes observing participants' reported levels of depression before and after treatment.
The trial is set to be conducted at the following five locations:
The VA said regarding the trials of psychedelic drugs: "VA strongly discourages self-medicating or attempting to replace other mental health treatment options with psychedelics or any other unprescribed substances. Proven, evidence-based treatments, are currently available at VA facilities to treat Veterans with mental health conditions. Veterans should always consult their health care providers before making any treatment decisions."
The VA is currently involved in 20 active trials looking at psychedelic treatments for mental health conditions. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted breakthrough therapy designation for a number of companies developing substances such as MDMA, LSD and psilocybin, allowing for expedited analysis and trials.
In May, the VA announced a new trial looking at the efficacy of MDMA-assisted therapy in the treatment of severe mental health disorders.
The trial is taking place at the VA Providence Healthcare System, enrolling about 80 veterans at VA facilities in Providence, Rhode Island, and West Haven, Connecticut.
"This trial represents an important step in safely evaluating new approaches and innovations to treat Veterans with severe mental health conditions," Collins said at the time.
In July, the VA and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) signed a memorandum of understanding to support the implementation of Trump's April executive order.
The MOU creates a framework for increased VA-HHS cooperation on psychedelic trials. This includes providing training for doctors, nurses and therapists; collecting and sharing data on the effectiveness of the therapies; and developing educational materials for patients.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said last month: "America owes every Veteran the best care our nation can provide. … 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."
On April 18, Trump announced his "historic" drug policy reform to ease restrictions on the use and trialing of psychedelics to support veterans' health.
"In many cases, these experimental treatments have shown life-changing potential for those suffering from severe mental illness and depression, including our cherished veterans," Trump said at the signing of the executive order. "Our veterans are having a tremendous hard time."
He added: "It's for a lot of people, but it's for our military in particular. The suicide epidemic among veterans is a national tragedy. Since 9/11, we've lost over 21 times more veteran lives to suicide than on the battlefield … and today we're bringing them new hope."
Trump's order directs federal agencies to accelerate research, review and potential approval of psychedelic-based treatments for serious mental illnesses, particularly for patients who have not responded to existing therapies.
The order states that for over 20 years there have been more than 6,000 veteran suicides each year, and that the current rate of suicide is "more than twice as much as the non-veteran adult population."
Contact Newsweek editors on this story: John Fitzpatrick and Shakeema Edwards .
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