The VA Announces New Trial Assessing the Impact of Psilocybin in Veterans With Major Depressive Disorder

Key Takeaways:

• The US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced the launch of a new clinical trial, the “Psilocybin Intervention for Veterans Overcoming Treatment-Resistant Depression,” or PIVOT.
• PIVOT will assess the efficacy and safety of psilocybin in veterans with major depression, including those with concurrent post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• The trial reflects the VA’s continued research on psychedelic drugs as potential treatments for mental illness.

On August 5, 2026, the VA announced a new clinical trial aimed at evaluating the impact of psilocybin on veterans with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder, including those with concurrent PTSD.

The “Psilocybin Intervention for Veterans Overcoming Treatment-Resistant Depression,” or PIVOT, will take place across 5 VA medical centers. Researchers will compare the effectiveness and safety of different psilocybin dosages between 2 randomized patient cohorts. Outcomes will include levels of depression before and after treatment, side effects, and overall patient-reported depression.

The trial was developed in response to Executive Order 14401, “Accelerating Medical Treatments for Serious Mental Illness.” It reflects the VA’s ongoing efforts to increase veteran participation in clinical trials and to develop innovative therapies for psychedelic drugs.

In addition to PIVOT, the VA has 20 other active trials observing the effect of psychedelic drugs on mental health conditions. All trials are conducted in controlled clinical settings following US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) safety protocols and guidelines. Clinical therapies will not be used in practice settings until granted FDA approval.

Reference

VA launches psilocybin trial for Veterans with treatment-resistant depression. VA News. Published August 5, 2026. Accessed August 10, 2026. https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-launches-psilocybin-trial-for-veterans-with-treatment-resistant-depression/