A senior U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) official has described Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s position on psychedelics reform as a promising step forward, potentially paving the way for improved mental health treatments for veterans. Shereef Elnahal, the VA’s Under Secretary for Health, shared his optimism in a recent interview, stating that Kennedy’s openness to alternative therapies aligns with efforts to address severe mental health challenges among veterans.
Kennedy, tapped by President-elect Donald Trump to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has been a vocal advocate for drug policy reform, a stance that could significantly impact veterans’ healthcare if translated into actionable policies.
A New Chapter for Psychedelics Research?
Elnahal emphasised the importance of advancing psychedelics research to explore its potential as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and other debilitating conditions faced by veterans.
“The public statements from Bobby Kennedy on this have been very encouraging,” Elnahal told Politico. “His approach to wellness and mental health could benefit veterans immensely.”
In particular, Elnahal highlighted Kennedy’s support for therapies like psilocybin and MDMA, which have shown promise in clinical trials. According to Elnahal, these therapies represent a critical opportunity for innovation in mental healthcare. However, he stressed that rigorous research and regulatory oversight are essential to ensure their safety and efficacy.
Breaking Barriers to Access
A significant obstacle for veterans seeking psychedelic therapy is accessibility. Many must travel abroad to countries like Mexico or Costa Rica to access treatments that remain illegal or highly restricted in the United States. Elnahal expressed his hope that Kennedy’s leadership at HHS could bring these therapies closer to home.
“The only way to move forward is by conducting robust research and providing veterans access to these therapies domestically,” he said. “They shouldn’t have to leave the country to get the help they need.”
Elnahal cited a groundbreaking VA-funded study on MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD and alcohol use disorder as a sign of progress. This study, the first of its kind in decades, aims to provide a more nuanced understanding of how psychedelics could be integrated into clinical practice.
Mixed Reactions to Kennedy’s Appointment
Kennedy’s nomination has sparked a wide range of opinions. While his progressive stance on psychedelics reform has garnered praise, critics have voiced concerns about his controversial views on vaccines and other health policies.
Prominent author and psychedelics advocate Michael Pollan expressed apprehension about Kennedy’s potential impact on the movement. He warned that Kennedy’s association with anti-vaccine rhetoric could undermine public trust in the scientific basis for psychedelics.
“The fact that someone this high up in this administration is supportive of psychedelic-assisted therapy is encouraging in one way,” Pollan said. “But if the science of psychedelics gets tangled up with anti-science agendas, it could do long-term damage.”
In contrast, former Texas Governor Rick Perry, who served in Trump’s first administration, has praised Kennedy’s nomination as a positive development for the psychedelics reform movement. Perry pointed specifically to Kennedy’s openness to exploring treatments like ibogaine, a lesser-known psychedelic that has shown potential in treating addiction.
The Path Ahead: Hopeful but Uncertain
Whether Elnahal will remain in his role under the Trump administration remains unclear. Trump’s selection of former Representative Doug Collins to lead the VA has raised questions about the agency’s future direction, particularly regarding cannabis and psychedelics policies. Collins has previously voted against medical cannabis access for veterans, a stance that contrasts sharply with the progressive tone set by Elnahal and Kennedy.
Kennedy’s approach to drug policy reform also extends beyond psychedelics. During his presidential campaign, he advocated for the legalisation and taxation of cannabis and certain psychedelics, positioning these measures as part of a broader public health strategy.
Veterans’ Voices in the Psychedelics Conversation
As discussions about psychedelics gain momentum, veterans’ organisations have increasingly called for greater involvement in shaping policy. These groups argue that veterans should play a central role in determining how alternative therapies are researched, regulated, and implemented.
“The VA must lead in this area to build trust with veterans who face severe health challenges,” Elnahal said. “We owe it to them to explore every possible avenue for treatment.”
For veterans struggling with PTSD and other conditions, the stakes are high. According to the VA, an estimated 17 veterans die by suicide every day—a stark reminder of the urgent need for innovative mental health solutions.
A Controversial Figure, A Potential Turning Point
Kennedy’s potential leadership at HHS offers a complex mix of hope and uncertainty for psychedelics reform. While his advocacy for alternative therapies aligns with emerging trends in mental health care, his polarising views on other health issues raise questions about how his leadership might shape the future of veterans’ healthcare.
For now, Elnahal remains focused on the potential opportunities. He has expressed his willingness to continue serving under the new administration, saying it would be “an honour” to advance an agenda that prioritises veterans’ wellbeing.
“This is about more than policy—it’s about saving lives,” he said.
