HHS, VA partner on psychedelic mental health treatments

The U.S. departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Veterans Affairs (VA) have entered into a five‐year agreement to coordinate research, clinical development and future implementation of rapid‐acting psychiatric treatments, including psychedelic‐based therapies, for veterans with serious mental health conditions, an HHS news release stated. Under the agreement, the agencies will expand clinical research participation, support workforce training, develop clinical protocols and collect real‐world evidence to help prepare the VA health care system for potential future Food and Drug Administration–approved treatments. The initiative is part of the Trump administration's broader effort to accelerate development of treatments for serious mental illness and substance use disorders. The agreement remains in force for five years, with the option to renew.