The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs head, John Kelly (VA), reiterates his commitment in exploring the psychedelic treatment options available to veterans.
VA Secretary Doug Collins was pressed on social media by a commenter about VA’s plans to expand the use of alternative therapies. Collins responded on Monday saying that the VA is “looking at psychedelic treatment as well as alternative treatments like hyperbaric oxygen rooms, and virtual therapy.”
“We’re also working with Congress on approving more treatments,” said he.
“I will do all I can to help veterans receive better care.”
As I have said, we’re looking at alternative treatments like hyperbaric oxygen rooms and virtual reality therapies. Also, we are working closely with Congress on approving more treatments.
I am committed to doing what we can to make the… https://t.co/Fi4Fv5M6mi
— Doug Collins (@RepDougCollins) April 28, 2025
Rachel Yehuda responded by saying that it was “great” to hear the Secretary’s comments. She is director of mental healthcare at VA James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
It’s great to hear that! https://t.co/OHH4xVz6E6
— Rachel Yehuda (@RachelYehuda) April 29, 2025
Collins revealed earlier in the month, that he spoke with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. the top health official of the Trump Administration about the therapeutic benefits of psychedelic medicines. Collins intends on pressing Congress to do something about the matter.
When Congress is considering pathways to access, He said he was open to the idea that the government could provide vouchers for the veterans to receive psychedelic treatment outside of VA.
In December, VA separately announced that it’s providing $1.5 million in funding to study the efficacy of MDMA-assisted therapy for veterans with PTSD and alcohol use disorder (AUD).
VA’s Yehuda touted a first study funded by the agency that had “stunning, robust results”. It was its very first clinical trial of MDMA.
Shereef Enahal, former VA Assistant Secretary of Health in January 2017, said it was a “very positive” sign that Trump had chosen Kennedy to lead the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. And he hoped to work with him on the issue if he stayed on for the next administration, but that didn’t pan out.
While advocates await Collins’ approach to marijuana policy, the VA is also interested to know how he will handle it. In previous years, VA officials have resisted attempts by congress to amend rules governing cannabis research or authorize doctors from government to recommend medical marijuana to vets in states that allow its use.
The official has a prior record of voting against medical cannabis access for military veterans during his time in Congress.
Separately, a GOP congressman recently cheered news that the Department of Defense (DOD) has allocated nearly $10 million in funding for research into the therapeutic potential of MDMA for active-duty military members.
Another Republican congressman has also expressed optimism about the prospects of advancing psychedelics reform under Trump, arguing that the administration’s efforts to cut spending and the federal workforce will give agencies “spines” to tackle such complex issues.
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Carlosemmaskype, Apollo and other photographers provided the images.