For many Veterans living with depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), finding a treatment that works can be a long and difficult process. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is now taking another step toward exploring new options for Veterans who have not responded to traditional treatments.
On August 5, 2026, the VA announced the launch of a new clinical trial studying psilocybin-assisted treatment for Veterans with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder, including Veterans who are also living with PTSD.
What Is the PIVOT Trial?
The study, called PIVOT — Psilocybin Intervention for Veterans Overcoming Treatment-Resistant Depression, is a randomized, controlled clinical trial designed to evaluate both the safety and effectiveness of psilocybin.
Researchers will compare two different dosage levels and evaluate changes in participants’ depression symptoms, side effects, treatment tolerability, and Veterans’ own reports of how they are feeling before and after treatment.
The trial will take place at five VA locations:
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Birmingham VA Health Care System — Alabama
- Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center — Alabama
- VA Portland Health Care System — Oregon
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System — Washington
The inclusion of Philadelphia makes this research particularly relevant for Veterans in southern New Jersey and the surrounding region who may be interested in the study.
Why This Research Matters
Treatment-resistant depression generally refers to depression that has not adequately improved after multiple established treatment approaches. For Veterans who have spent years trying medications, therapy, or other interventions without sufficient relief, research into additional treatment options could be significant.
PIVOT is also part of a much broader VA research effort. According to the Department, it is currently involved in 20 active clinical trials examining psychedelic therapies for mental health conditions.
Importantly, this does not mean psilocybin is currently an approved VA treatment. The VA says psychedelic therapies would only be considered for clinical use outside research after receiving approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
This Is a Controlled Clinical Trial — Not Self-Treatment
Veterans interested in this development should understand the distinction between participating in clinical research and using psychedelic substances independently: participants in the PIVOT study will receive pharmaceutical-grade substances in a controlled clinical environment with psychological support and safety protocols developed with the FDA. The VA strongly discourages Veterans from self-medicating with psilocybin or other psychedelics or discontinuing existing mental health treatment without first speaking with their health care provider.
Veterans who are interested in the research can review the official clinical trial listing here under study number NCT07226232 to learn more about eligibility, study requirements, and recruitment information.
ROGER provides resource information for educational purposes and does not provide medical advice. Veterans should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to their mental health treatment.