Expanding Holistic Care Options for Veterans: New Task Force on Integrative Health.
This law mandates the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a task force focused on Complementary and Integrative Health (CIH). The goal is to assess and plan the integration of non-traditional therapies (like yoga, acupuncture, and peer support) into standard VA medical care for veterans. This initiative aims to improve the accessibility and effectiveness of treatments for conditions such as PTSD, depression, and traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Key points
A new expert task force will evaluate the effectiveness and safety of holistic therapies (e.g., massage, meditation, biofeedback) for treating veterans' mental health issues and TBI.
The task force must develop a strategy to integrate these treatments, including peer-led support programs, into the VA's continuum of care.
The ultimate goal is to provide veterans with more diverse and proven treatment options, potentially reducing treatment dropout and relapse rates.
Introduced
Additional Information
Print number: 119_HR_5943
Sponsor: Rep. Elfreth, Sarah [D-MD-3]
Process start date: 2025-11-07