{"id":854,"date":"2026-08-05T15:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-08-05T15:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thirstier.news\/?p=854"},"modified":"2026-08-05T15:00:00","modified_gmt":"2026-08-05T15:00:00","slug":"va-launches-psilocybin-trial-for-veterans-with-treatment-resistant-depression","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/itsveterans.com\/?p=854","title":{"rendered":"VA launches psilocybin trial for Veterans with treatment-resistant depression"},"content":{"rendered":"
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WASHINGTON <\/strong>\u2014 The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs today announced the launch of a new clinical trial to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of psilocybin to treat major depression in Veterans, including those with concurrent post-traumatic stress disorder.<\/p>\n

The new trial comes after President Trump\u2019s recent executive order on \u201cAccelerating Medical Treatments for Serious Mental Illness<\/a>,\u201d which aims to increase clinical trial participation and accelerate innovative research models and drug approvals for psychedelic drugs.<\/p>\n

VA\u2019s trial, titled \u201cPsilocybin Intervention for Veterans Overcoming Treatment-Resistant Depression,\u201d or PIVOT, reflects VA\u2019s commitment to pursuing innovative solutions for Veterans who have not responded to existing treatments.<\/p>\n

\u201cFar too many Veterans are living with mental health conditions that don\u2019t respond to available treatments,\u201dsaid VA Secretary Doug Collins.<\/strong> \u201cUnder 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

The randomized, controlled trial will enroll Veterans diagnosed with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder, with or without concurrent PTSD, and will compare outcomes between two psilocybin dosage levels. The study will also assess participants\u2019 levels of depression before and after treatment, tolerability of side effects, and overall patient-reported depression.<\/p>\n

The trial will be conducted in five locations: Birmingham VA Health Care System and Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center in Alabama; VA Portland Health Care System in Oregon; Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center in Philadelphia; and VA Puget Sound Health Care System in Seattle, Washington.<\/p>\n

The health and safety of Veterans who choose to participate in this trial is VA\u2019s top priority. The trial will be conducted in a safe, controlled, clinical setting using pharmaceutical-grade drugs under careful quality controls, stringent safety protocols that were developed with FDA, and in a setting that includes psychological support.<\/p>\n

In addition to this trial, VA is involved in 20 active clinical trials focused on psychedelic therapies for mental health conditions. All VA research \u2014 including research into psychedelics \u2013 is conducted under strict safety protocols and in full compliance with federal guidelines.<\/p>\n

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted breakthrough therapy designation to several companies developing psychedelic substances, including MDMA, psilocybin and LSD, allowing for expedited review of these drugs. Clinical use of these therapies outside of research will only be considered by VA once FDA approval is granted.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT07226232).<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Reporters and media outlets with questions or comments should contact the Office of Media Relations at vapublicaffairs@va.gov<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Veterans with questions about their health care and benefits (including GI Bill). Questions, updates and documents can be submitted online.<\/p>\n

Contact us online through Ask VA<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Veterans can also use our chatbot to get information about VA benefits and services. The chatbot won\u2019t connect you with a person, but it can show you where to go on VA.gov to find answers to some common questions.<\/p>\n

Learn about our chatbot and ask a question<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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