On May 8, 2025, the Psychedelic Medicine Coalition hosted the inaugural Federal Summit on Psychedelic Medicine at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.—bringing together over 115 leaders from across government, science, industry, advocacy, and the veteran community for a landmark day of policy-focused dialogue.
The Summit marked a pivotal moment in the national conversation around psychedelic-assisted care. Kicking off with bipartisan leadership from Rep. Lou Correa (D-CA) and Rep. General Jack Bergman (R-MI), co-chairs of the Congressional Psychedelics Advancing Therapies (PATH) Caucus, the day opened with a public briefing on the Innovative Therapies Centers of Excellence Act (H.R. 2623) —the first federal bill of its kind to establish psychedelic treatment hubs within the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Throughout the day, attendees heard from an extraordinary lineup of speakers, including:
- Veterans speaking to the urgency of new treatment options for PTSD, chronic pain, and moral injury.
- Researchers from institutions like Johns Hopkins, UT Austin, and Harvard discussing the current state of psychedelic science.
- Federal policy experts exploring regulatory and legislative pathways.
- Healthcare and infrastructure leaders addressing what it will take to build safe, scalable delivery systems.
- Investors and entrepreneurs outlining how public-private partnerships can drive access, innovation, and equity.
The Summit closed with a challenge: to turn evidence and momentum into meaningful policy. In her closing remarks, PMC Founder & CEO Melissa Lavasani reminded the room that scientific progress alone won’t guarantee access—that lasting change will require regulatory clarity, legislative commitment, and strategic investment.
This was not just a gathering. It was a signal. That Washington is paying attention. That bipartisan leadership is taking shape. And that a coordinated national effort to bring psychedelic-assisted care into the healthcare system is underway.
Psychedelic Medicine Coalition is proud to be leading this charge. For those ready to support the work ahead, we invite you to partner with us—in advocacy, in collaboration, and in building a future where healing is finally within reach.
