VA Launches Clinical Trial Evaluating the Impact of MDMA-Assisted Therapy on Veterans With Mental Illness
Key Takeaways:
- The US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will establish a new clinical trial to examine the effects of methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-assisted therapy on veterans with severe mental illness.
- The trial will have 80 participating veterans broken into 2 groups; the investigational group will receive MDMA-assisted therapy while the control group will receive a placebo drug.
- The VA is collaborating with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure the study follows the proper safety protocols and considers the health and well-being of the participants.
On May 26, 2026, the VA announced a new clinical trial that will evaluate the impact of MDMA-assisted therapy on veterans with severe mental illness such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder.
The trial, which has been named “A Randomized Controlled Trial of MDMA-Assisted Therapy for PTSD and Alcohol Use Disorder in U.S. Veterans,” will include 80 veterans. Some participants will receive MDMA-assisted therapy, and a control group will receive a placebo.
According to VA Secretary Doug Collins, “This trial represents an important step in safely evaluating new approaches and innovations to treat Veterans with severe mental health conditions.”
This study is not the only assessment of psychedelic drugs. The VA currently has 19 other active clinical trials that are examining the effect of psychedelic therapies on veterans with mental health conditions. These trials are conducted with the collaboration of the FDA and under strict safety protocols with the health of the participants always kept in mind.
This new trial showcases the VA’s ongoing efforts to improve veteran care, especially those suffering from mental illness.
Reference
VA launches MDMA-assisted mental health therapy trial. VA News. Published May 26, 2026. Accessed June 1, 2026. https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-launches-mdma-assisted-mental-health-therapy-trial/
