The short version
- HHS and the VA signed a memorandum of understanding on July 13, 2026, lasting five years with renewal options.
- Goals: more veterans in clinical trials, clinician training, real-world safety data, and clinical guidance.
- Ibogaine for opioid use disorder is a major focus, with ARPA-H and NIDA funding research.
- It doesn't make psilocybin available through the VA yet.
What was signed
On July 13, 2026, the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Veterans Affairs signed a memorandum of understanding to research, develop, and eventually deploy FDA-approved, rapid-acting psychedelic treatments for veterans with serious mental health conditions. The agreement runs five years, with options to renew.1
What it does
- Gets more veterans into clinical trials. Veterans have often been underrepresented in psychedelic research.
- Trains clinicians to administer psychedelic treatments once they're approved.
- Collects and shares real-world safety and effectiveness data.
- Develops clinical guidance and education.
- Coordinates research so the FDA has what it needs to make decisions.1
Why ibogaine gets top billing
HHS put particular emphasis on ibogaine, a psychedelic being studied for opioid use disorder. ARPA-H, the federal health research agency, is inviting funding proposals for ibogaine research, and the National Institute on Drug Abuse is funding a multi-phase project aimed at an Investigational New Drug application.1 Ibogaine is promising and also risky, with known heart toxicity, which is exactly why supervised research matters.
Where psilocybin fits
The agreement covers psychedelic treatments broadly, which includes psilocybin.2 The most relevant psilocybin research for veterans right now is PTSD: Compass Pathways received FDA clearance in January 2026 for a late-stage trial after an early study found a single dose cut PTSD symptom scores sharply.3 As that trial enrolls, the new agreement could make it easier for veterans to participate. Read more in psilocybin for PTSD.
What veterans can do today
The agreement doesn't make psilocybin a VA benefit, and VA clinicians can't prescribe it. Right now, the realistic paths are:
- Clinical trials, searchable on ClinicalTrials.gov
- Licensed programs in Oregon and Colorado, paid out of pocket. See our psilocybin therapist finder.
- Evidence-based PTSD treatments available through the VA now
If you're a veteran in crisis, call 988 and press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line.
Sources
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. HHS, VA partner to advance psychedelic therapies for veterans. July 13, 2026. hhs.gov
- Military Times. VA, HHS to increase psychedelic therapy research for PTSD, military-related mental health issues. July 14, 2026. militarytimes.com
- HealingMaps. FDA clears Compass Pathways to begin late-stage psilocybin trial for PTSD. January 13, 2026. healingmaps.com
This article is for education only and is not medical or legal advice. Psilocybin is a Schedule I substance under U.S. federal law. Talk with a licensed clinician before making decisions about your health. In a crisis, call or text 988.