NW Houston News

WASHINGTON D.C. - In a significant move to address the pressing issue of mental health among veterans and servicemembers, Rep. Dan Crenshaw's amendment to the Defense Appropriations Act was adopted by a voice vote on Wednesday. The amendment directs the Defense Health Agency to report to Congress on options for service members to participate in VA psychedelic-assisted therapy clinical trials.

"We have a crisis, and the idea that we wouldn't research potential breakthrough treatments is unacceptable," expressed Congressman Dan Crenshaw. "The status quo is inadequate and won't stop veterans and servicemembers from committing suicide. But I believe this research will."

With the adoption of this amendment, Rep. Crenshaw aims to pave the way for exploring innovative treatment options that could potentially revolutionize mental health care for veterans and servicemembers. Psychedelic-assisted therapy has shown promising results in treating various mental health conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety.

The Defense Health Agency's report to Congress will outline the feasibility and potential benefits of incorporating psychedelic-assisted therapy into the existing mental health care system for service members. This step is seen as a crucial first move towards providing alternative treatments to those struggling with mental health disorders.

"We owe it to our veterans and servicemembers to leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of effective mental health interventions," said Rep. Crenshaw. "By exploring psychedelic-assisted therapy, we can potentially unlock breakthrough treatments that may save lives and provide hope to those who need it the most."

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Rep. Crenshaw passionately advocated for his amendment on the House floor. A clip of his powerful speech can be viewed here.

As the nation continues to grapple with the alarming rate of veteran suicides, innovative approaches to mental health care are gaining attention. The potential of psychedelic-assisted therapy to address the underlying causes of mental health disorders has garnered interest from experts and lawmakers alike. This recent amendment signifies a step forward in prioritizing the well-being of those who have bravely served the country.

For more information on Rep. Dan Crenshaw's amendment and his efforts towards improving mental health care for veterans and servicemembers, please visit his official website here.