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Advancing Veteran Mental Health Initiatives at the Senate Veterans Affairs Hearing

  • Writer: Brian  Schiefer
    Brian Schiefer
  • Aug 24
  • 3 min read

Senator Tuberville leads the discussion on the VA Senate hearing


On August 22, 2025, members of SCI-DI had the profound honor of representing our mission at the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs field hearing in Montevallo, Alabama, titled "Separating Fact from Fiction: Exploring Alternative Therapies for Veterans’ Mental Health." We extend our deepest gratitude to Senator Tommy Tuberville for inviting us to contribute to this critical discussion. The mental health crisis facing our veterans is urgent, with an average of 18 veterans lost to suicide each day, a statistic that also extends into the civilian population. We are in the middle of a national mental health emergency, and it demands unity, urgency, and action.


Panel members discuss psychadelics, HBOT, non invasive neuromodulation and others in their testimonies

A Pivotal Moment for Mental Health

Held at the American Village—a site dedicated to honoring veterans and educating future generations about our nation’s founding—the hearing provided a powerful platform to explore innovative treatments like psychedelic-assisted therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) / Scuba, non-invasive neuromodulation, and other emerging solutions. These therapies are not only vital for veterans but also hold transformative potential for the civilian population, offering transformative potential and hope to millions grappling with the national mental health crisis.

Key takeaways from the hearing included:

  • VA’s Commitment to Psychedelics Research: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is actively researching psychedelic compounds, with 12 clinical studies underway across nine VA medical centers. These studies focus on MDMA, psilocybin, DMT, and LSD to address PTSD, major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and substance use disorders.

  • The Push for HBOT: Despite current FDA and VA/DoD guidelines finding insufficient evidence to recommend HBOT for PTSD or mild TBI, compelling testimonies highlighted its potential. Over 70,000 individuals have been treated successfully with no serious side effects, and states like North Carolina and Kentucky are funding HBOT for veterans, signaling a need for further consideration. HBOT has demonstrated effectiveness in numerous cases, and it is crucial that the VA takes immediate action to integrate this therapy!

  • Veteran Voices: The hearing featured powerful stories from veterans who have found hope through these therapies. These narratives underscore the urgency of expanding access. However, challenges like regulatory hurdles and resistance to change within the VA system remain significant barriers.

Panel Members listening to Senator Tuberville

Our Commitment at SCI-DI.org

At SCI-DI, we are dedicated to advocating for evidence-based, innovative therapies that can transform lives. The hearing reinforced the need for a balanced approach—prioritizing both safety and accelerated innovation to meet the urgent needs of veterans and civilians alike. We are committed to partnering with the VA, policymakers, and community organizations to ensure these therapies are rigorously tested, safely integrated, and made accessible without delay.

The stories shared during the hearing, from veterans who have traveled to places like Mexico for treatments like ibogaine to those benefiting from community-driven HBOT programs, like those of Dr Eddie Zant in Destin FL, highlight the resilience and determination of our veteran community. Yet, as Senator Tuberville emphasized, the red tape within the system must be addressed. The VA, as the largest healthcare system in the world, must prioritize veterans over bureaucracy and allocate resources effectively to save lives.

SCI-DI members in discussion with Senator Tuberville and others following the hearing.

A Call to Action

To our veterans, their families, and advocates: there is hope. These emerging therapies—whether psychedelic-assisted treatments, HBOT, non-invasive neuromodulation, Scuba, or others—are not just alternatives; they are breakthrough solutions. If you’re struggling, know that you are not alone. Advocate for change by contacting your senator or congressperson.


Watch the full Senate hearing here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmZntXW7SDk


Moving Forward Together

We are inspired by the momentum from this hearing and the shared commitment to leave no veteran behind. At SCI-DI, we pledge to continue this dialogue, support research, and push for policies that expand access to these lifesaving treatments. The mental health crisis is a national emergency, and it demands unity, urgency, and action.

Join us in this mission. Share your thoughts, connect with us, and help spread the word about the potential of these therapies to transform lives—not just for veterans, but for all those facing mental health challenges.

Senator Tuberville and Brian Schiefer


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