The VA and HHS Partner to Improve Clinical Research on Psychedelic Drugs

Key Takeaways:

• The US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that establishes a partnership aimed at improving research on psychedelic drugs.
• This partnership was created in response to President Trump’s executive order, which is designed to accelerate therapies for patients with mental illness.
• VA-HHS cooperation will improve clinical trials on psychedelic drugs and share data with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) so that treatments can be quickly evaluated and approved.

On July 13, 2026, the VA and the HHS signed an MOU to improve cooperation on clinical trials studying the efficacy and safety of psychedelic drugs on veterans with mental illness.

Psychedelic drugs are organic or synthetic drugs that can alter consciousness or awareness and are a potential treatment option for patients with mental illness.

The MOU is a result of President Trump’s Executive Order 14401: Accelerating Medical Treatments for Serious Mental Illness, which is designed to explore the role of psychedelic drugs in treating patients with mental conditions.

The executive order specifically calls for cooperation between the VA and HHS to improve participation in clinical trials and to share data with the FDA in a timely manner.

The VA-HHS partnership is designed to increase efforts in the following areas: 1) improving participation in medical studies, 2) training the medical professionals involved in these trials, 3) sharing data with the FDA so treatments can be quickly approved, and 4) creating educational materials for patients to inform and raise awareness.

Currently, the VA is involved in 20 active clinical trials evaluating the effects of psychedelic drugs. All research is conducted in accordance with FDA guidelines and safety protocols, and the outside use of possible treatments will be considered only after they receive FDA approval.

According to VA Secretary Doug Collins, “Today’s MOU ensures effective cooperation with HHS as we try to turn research into life-changing treatment.”

Reference

VA, HHS sign MOU to improve cooperation on psychedelic drug trials. VA News. Published July 13, 2026. Accessed July 14, 2026. https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-hhs-sign-mou-to-improve-cooperation-on-psychedelic-drug-trials/