Veterans of U.S. wars with post-traumatic stress disorder may soon be able to undergo MDMA-assisted therapy through their health care plans. The Department of Veterans Affairs is working on making the care possible ahead of the potential Food and Drug Administration approval of the drug, commonly known as ecstasy, for therapeutic uses.

The Veterans Health Administration, the largest integrated health care system in the U.S., with more than 150 medical centers, recently launched an internal “Psychedelic Charter” to devise a comprehensive strategy for the deployment of FDA-approved psychedelic treatments for mental health disorders, according to a document reviewed by The Intercept and two sources with knowledge of the plan who asked for anonymity.

In March, the VA opened a center in Portland, Oregon, to stage a group MDMA trial for veterans, one of 13 psychedelic studies it is funding. Ketamine-assisted therapy and esketamine treatments have also recently been rolled out to a few dozen centers.

The moves on psychedelic mental heath therapy from the VA comes amid a growing veterans’ suicide crisis. The U.S. saw an average of 18 veteran suicides a day in 2021, more than 70 percent higher than national rates, according to a recent Government Accountability Office report. Some estimates hold that the number is as high as 40 former service members taking their own lives per day. The VA dispenses $18 billion a year on disability compensation to 1 million veterans with PTSD, with the runaway costs straining the department’s budget.

Many are struggling on their current treatments, and the VA has faced criticisms for only taking significant steps now, with approval of psychedelic therapies on the horizon.

“It’s a relief to now see VA leadership stepping up with some important proactive measures to help those who are struggling and in need of new tools,” said Brett Waters, the executive director of advocacy group Reason for Hope, which pushes for the public policy changes to allow wider access to psychedelic therapies.

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