Trump's veterans secretary says psychedelic treatments for military trauma and mental health have made major progress inside the VA and beyond

Psychedelic treatments for veterans' mental health are gaining institutional support as former Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin says the field has made massive progress and deserves serious attention. PTSD, depression and suicide prevention stand at the center of the push, especially for military veterans who have not benefited from conventional care. Shulkin points to growing evidence, expanding research and rising interest from policymakers and veteran advocates. MDMA and psilocybin are the main substances in focus, with treatment models tied to trauma care rather than general drug policy reform. Federal agencies, lawmakers and veteran communities increasingly frame psychedelics as a potential breakthrough in mental health treatment. That shift matters because the VA has historically moved cautiously, and high-level support can accelerate research, access pathways and broader mainstream legitimacy.