In a bold move that could change how the U.S. approaches mental health care for veterans, Congress has introduced new legislation aimed at creating specialized research centers within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The Innovative Therapies Centers of Excellence Act of 2025 would establish a minimum of five VA-designated centers focused exclusively on studying psychedelic therapy for veterans.
These centers would evaluate treatments involving MDMA, psilocybin, ketamine, and other psychedelic substances to better support veterans dealing with PTSD, depression, and substance use disorders.
Why This Legislation Matters Now
Veterans continue to struggle with the long-term effects of military service, especially mental health conditions that are often invisible but deeply damaging. PTSD, anxiety, substance use disorder, and depression are widespread among this group—and while traditional treatments exist, they don’t always work. In fact, some veterans report feeling stuck with ineffective options and little hope for improvement.
Psychedelic therapy offers a different approach. When paired with professional psychotherapy, substances like MDMA and psilocybin can help patients revisit and process traumatic memories in a safe and supported setting. Unlike daily medications, many psychedelic-assisted therapies are designed as short-term treatments with long-term benefits.
Encouraged by promising results from recent clinical trials, lawmakers and federal agencies are beginning to take notice.
What the Centers Would Do
If passed, the bill would:
Launch at least five VA research centers focused on psychedelic and innovative therapies.
Direct these centers to study MDMA, ibogaine, ketamine, and psilocybin as potential treatments for PTSD, bipolar disorder, chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and more.
Require the VA to produce a formal report outlining findings and recommendations to improve treatment options for veterans.
This push follows the VA’s December 2024 announcement of funding for its first MDMA study in over 50 years. The bill builds on that momentum by laying the groundwork for an entire research infrastructure within the VA system.
Strong Support from Veterans’ Groups
The bill has been met with widespread approval from organizations that advocate for veterans' wellbeing:
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) praised the bill for finally responding to the needs of modern-day veterans seeking more effective treatments.
Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) called the bill a “visionary step” toward evidence-based alternatives.
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Disabled American Veterans (DAV) also voiced strong support, emphasizing how important it is to study these therapies within a trusted and structured system.
“Veterans deserve real solutions, not more of the same,” said Rep. Lou Correa (D-CA), who introduced the legislation alongside Rep. Jack Bergman (R-MI).
The Bigger Picture: Expanding the Conversation on Mental Health
Psychedelic therapy is still considered experimental in many circles, but its rise in mainstream research is undeniable. For veterans who’ve exhausted conventional treatments, it may represent a much-needed lifeline. By creating Centers of Excellence within the VA, this legislation could pave the way for faster access, better understanding, and safer delivery of these therapies.
The message is clear: it’s time to look beyond what’s been done and explore what could work better.
Citations:
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. “VA Funds First-Ever Study on Psychedelic Therapy.” https://www.va.gov
Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies. "MDMA-Assisted Therapy for PTSD." https://maps.org
Read more topics from the Interventional Psychiatry News & Subscribe to our Newsletter
Editorial Disclaimer:
This article was produced using a combination of editorial tools, including AI, as part of our content development process. All content is reviewed by human editors before publication.