Correa, Bergman, PATH Caucus Co-Chairs, Requested Meeting with Collins in May, Encouraged By Remarks on Importance of Psychedelics Research for Veterans
WASHINGTON — Yesterday, Representatives Lou Correa (CA-46) and General Jack Bergman (MI-01), Co-Chairs of the Congressional Psychedelic Advancing Therapies (PATH) Caucus, met with Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins to discuss psychedelic-assisted therapies research and access for veterans struggling with PTSD and other invisible wounds.
Reps. Correa (Middle), Bergman (Right) Pose for Photo With VA Secretary Doug Collins (Left)
In May, Correa and Bergman requested a meeting to discuss the VA’s progress in making psychedelics and other innovative therapies as treatments available for Veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance use disorder, and other conditions.
“Our veterans put their lives on the line to defend our county and far too many come home with invisible wounds. Today’s rate of up to 20 veteran suicides a day is unacceptable, one veteran suicide is unacceptable,” Correa said. “Veterans deserve treatment that works, and the science shows that psychedelics have game-changing results. It was an honor to meet with Secretary Collins today to reaffirm our joint commitment to ensuring our nation’s heroes have access to the care they need and deserve.”
Reps. Correa (Middle), Bergman (Right) Meet With VA Secretary Doug Collins (Left)
“Our Veterans didn’t hesitate to fight for us – and now it’s up to us to fight for them,” Bergman said. “Psychedelic-assisted therapies are bringing real hope to those battling PTSD and other challenges, and thanks to Secretary Collins’ leadership, the VA is shifting from talk to action. Together, we’re advancing innovative solutions to ensure every Veteran gets the care they’ve earned.”
“VA is challenging the status quo to find new ways of helping Veterans. To that end, VA is conducting 11 clinical studies of potential psychedelic-assisted therapies,” Secretary Collins said. “I appreciate the leadership of Reps. Correa and Bergman on this issue, and I look forward to working with Congress as VA explores new avenues to safely and responsibly help those who have served.”
During the meeting, Representatives Correa, Bergman, and Secretary Collins discussed how Congress can better support the clinical research trials occurring at the VA, the future of delivering these therapies to decrease instances of veteran suicide, and how to continue to build bipartisan support for the Innovative Therapies Centers of Excellence Act of 2025, the first piece of stand-alone psychedelics-related legislation to be introduced by the PATH Caucus earlier this year.
Reps. Correa, Bergman, Staff Meet With VA Secretary Doug Collins
BACKGROUND: In June, Correa and Bergman introduced an amendment that would push the VA to evaluate and make recommendations on changes that would need to be made to the existing health care infrastructure at the VA to integrate approved psychedelic-assisted therapies into veterans' care options for conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorders. The amendment passed the House of Representatives with bipartisan, unanimous support.
In April, Correa and Bergman introduced the Innovative Therapies Centers of Excellence Act of 2025, bipartisan legislation that would increase federally funded research on innovative therapies to treat Veterans experiencing conditions like PTSD, substance use disorder, and depression. This was the first piece of stand-alone psychedelics-related legislation to be introduced by the PATH Caucus.
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