The VA is Now Evaluating MDMA, GLP-1s and Psilocybin for Behavioral Health
By Laura Lovett | August 14, 2026
Photo by Logan Voss on Unsplash
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Under new direction from Chief of Staff Curt Cashour since early 2026, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has made it a priority to research and test emerging treatments, including:
- MDMA for PTSD
- GLP-1s for alcohol use disorder
Now, the VA is launching its latest clinical trial to evaluate psilocybin’s effectiveness for veterans with treatment-resistant depression, marking the 20th active clinical trial exploring psychedelic-assisted therapies for mental health conditions. These trials are funded by over $23 million in external funding from the VA’s Office of Research and Development.
"Far too many Veterans are living with mental health conditions that don’t respond to available treatments," said Doug Collins, VA secretary, in a press release. "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."
Some of the VA’s other mental health and substance use disorder drug trials were initiated quickly after President Donald Trump signed an executive order calling for accelerated FDA approval of psychedelics for serious mental illnesses and PTSD treatment, which disproportionately affect veterans.
While other departments like the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) have faced funding cuts and surprises under the Trump administration, the VA has maintained stability in behavioral health care funding. The only healthcare area to receive a budget boost in the FY 2026 budget, the VA was also spared from the administration’s rapid cuts and subsequent reinstatement.