Bipartisan Push for Psychedelic Therapy in VA Care Gains Momentum
A bold new bill introduced in Congress could radically change how the VA treats PTSD and other mental health conditions — and it’s gaining bipartisan support.
The proposal?
To create VA-run “Centers of Excellence” focused on psychedelic-assisted therapy.
This would mark a massive shift in the way the government approaches trauma healing for veterans — and could be a lifeline for thousands who’ve tried everything else without results.
What the Bill Proposes
The legislation, introduced by Sens. Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Rand Paul (R-KY), would establish specialized VA facilities dedicated to researching and delivering psychedelic therapies like MDMA and psilocybin for veterans suffering from:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Treatment-resistant depression
- Anxiety and moral injury
- Substance use disorders
These therapies would be conducted in safe, clinical environments — guided by trained professionals, not recreational drug use. The goal? To make the breakthrough results seen in clinical trials accessible to veterans through the VA healthcare system.
Learn more via Task & Purpose’s full article.
The Research Is Clear — But the System Is Slow
Numerous clinical studies — some sponsored by the Department of Defense — have shown remarkable outcomes for veterans undergoing guided psychedelic therapy.
For example:
- MDMA-assisted therapy has been shown to reduce PTSD symptoms in over 70% of participants in clinical trials.
- Psilocybin (the active compound in “magic mushrooms”) has demonstrated fast-acting results for depression and trauma-related anxiety.
But despite the science, veterans currently have almost zero access to these treatments through the VA.
Why?
Because psychedelic substances are still classified as Schedule I drugs — illegal for general use — under federal law. This bill is a push to change that for veterans, and carve out a safe, evidence-based path through the VA.
Why This Matters to the Veteran Community
Every day, 17–22 veterans die by suicide. Many more live with invisible wounds that are barely touched by traditional medication or talk therapy. Psychedelic therapy offers a new option — not a silver bullet, but a powerful tool — especially for:
- Veterans who have “failed” multiple rounds of antidepressants
- Combat vets still carrying trauma decades later
- Survivors of military sexual trauma
- Veterans dealing with chronic substance abuse linked to mental health
Let’s be honest: VA mental health treatment, while improved, still isn’t reaching many of the people who need it most. This bill aims to expand — not replace — existing services and make the VA a leader in trauma innovation.
What Happens Next?
This bill has been introduced — but not passed. And if history is any guide, change will only happen if veterans speak up and push lawmakers to act. Here’s what you can do:
- Call Your Senator
Ask them to support the VA Psychedelic Therapy Centers of Excellence bill. You can find your senator here: senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htm - Join Advocacy Groups Fighting for Psychedelic Access
Groups like Heroic Hearts Project and Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions (VETS) are leading this charge. - Talk to Other Veterans
Stigma still surrounds this topic. Share credible research, survivor stories, and resources to open up the conversation.
Final Thoughts: Innovation or Excuse?
This isn’t about “getting high.” It’s about finally getting help — for the veterans who’ve already been through hell and back.
The VA’s legacy should be built on care that evolves with the science, not bureaucracy that buries it. If psychedelics can help even a fraction of the veterans struggling with PTSD, then access should be a right — not a privilege.
Let’s not wait for another decade of lost lives before the VA catches up.
Let’s push for the change now.
We used to take MDMA in service. Big party. Nobody waiting decades on these pseudo intellectuals…who wouldn’t take half the shit that they push and prescribe themselves. Same assholes who wanted to use pot use as proof and evidence that people had “pre service mental health conditions” a decade ago. Just a bunch of bullshitters who will do anything and everything to deny people care at VA. They’re pissed that they didn’t go to medical school instead of fucking off in service or too long at the university… didn’t have the aptitude for medical school so chip on shoulder.
When VA stays the same or gets worse under Dementia Donaldo… you’ll know who to blame… and who do you think works there in these red areas? Conservatives who hate benefits and people with problems. Keep on voting for the sons of bitches. They’re the one’s fighting progress everywhere.
MDMA good. Shrooms bad…bad trip man. Had too many bad trips. Even pot, if you smoke it enough, can cause psychotic symptoms. The VA can’t handle the legal heat from that because they’re already derelict, malfeasant, and above the law. If we had functional judicial system then none of this would be such an issue.