The Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center is joining a national clinical trial testing psilocybin as a treatment for major depression in veterans, including those also living with PTSD. According to a Monday press release from the VA, the trial is titled Psilocybin Intervention for Veterans Overcoming Treatment-Resistant Depression, or PIVOT, and will enroll veterans diagnosed with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder. The VA strongly discourages self-medicating or replacing existing mental health treatments with psychedelics or other unprescribed substances. For more information, contact Tuscaloosa VA Public Affairs at VHATUAPublicAffairs@va.gov or 205-554-2000, extension 3544. For more exclusive coverage of healthcare and veterans' news in West Alabama, stay connected to the Tuscaloosa Thread.