A coalition of veteran advocates has launched a new campaign urging Congress to explore unconventional mental health treatments as part of the effort to address the ongoing tragedy of veteran suicides.
These leaders believe that innovation is necessary because traditional treatments, while effective for many, do not always work for everyone. At the same time, they acknowledge that any new approach must be thoroughly studied to ensure safety and effectiveness before it is widely adopted.
“We know that existing treatments can help the majority of traumatized veterans, but none works for everyone,” said Brian Dempsey, government affairs director at Wounded Warrior Project, during a press conference outside the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday.
His remarks underscored both the limitations of current methods and the importance of expanding available options.
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Dempsey emphasized that the coalition wants to make certain “policy and science are moving together so that new treatments are being studied safely and effectively, and decisions are being made based on evidence, informed research and deep consideration of veteran health and safety. There is reason for hope in so many directions.”
His words captured the spirit of cautious optimism that defines this new movement.
The newly formed Veteran Alliance for Legislative Outreach and Reform, known as VALOR, is at the center of this effort.
The alliance is led by Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions and includes respected groups such as the Green Beret Foundation and the Navy Seal Foundation.
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These organizations joined forces with a shared mission of promoting “broader access to treatments that show promise in addressing PTSD, TBI, and addiction issues.”
The advocates explained that these potential treatments could include psychedelic-assisted therapies and other programs that are currently offered in other countries but remain unavailable or unapproved within the United States.
Because these ideas are still viewed as unfamiliar and sometimes controversial, coalition members intend to focus heavily on building a foundation of credible research. Their long-term goal is to demonstrate potential benefits, which could then lead to more widespread acceptance and use.
The statistics that frame this issue are stark and heartbreaking. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, approximately 17 veterans take their own lives every day.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has designated September as national suicide prevention month, which added even more weight and urgency to the coalition’s announcement.
Veterans, lawmakers, and advocates all agree that the current pace of loss is unacceptable. Because of this, they are united in the belief that no possible solution should be dismissed without serious exploration.
Tuesday’s announcement included strong endorsements from lawmakers who have served in the military themselves. Many of these members of Congress said they have been approached directly by veterans in their districts who are asking for new alternatives beyond the traditional mental health treatments available through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Some lawmakers expressed optimism about introducing new legislation in the near future to support research into these alternative methods. However, they also cautioned against moving too quickly without first securing scientific validation.
They stressed the importance of balancing urgency with responsibility.
Rep. Morgan Luttrell, R-Texas, a former Navy Seal, explained the challenge clearly. “We have to put the legislators in their comfort zone and explain to them exactly what we’re trying to do,” he said. “We have to show them the science. We have to present the ideas. So we want to move ahead, but at a very coordinated, controlled pace.”
His comments reflected a shared understanding among coalition members and congressional supporters that patience, discipline, and education are essential for success.
Coalition members pledged to begin the work of educating lawmakers immediately.
Their plan includes engaging additional congressional offices, building bipartisan relationships, and coordinating with outside organizations that share the goal of advancing research into new mental health treatments for veterans.
They hope that by bringing more voices to the table, they can create momentum for meaningful legislative reform.
The leaders of VALOR believe that progress will require persistence and cooperation, but they are encouraged by the initial support they have received. Their message to both Congress and the public is that veterans deserve the very best care available, and therefore no option should be overlooked if it has the potential to save lives.
More information about the coalition’s work and its future plans is available on the VALOR website.
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