Recent federal firings and executive orders have created instability in mental health services at the Department of Veterans Affairs, according to providers and patients. The VA is one of the largest providers of mental health care in the country and faces planned job cuts of 80,000 positions. Mental health providers report struggling with concentration at work, concerned about potential termination for speaking out about conditions affecting patient care.
Concerns Over DEI and Gender-Related Orders
Executive orders directed federal employees to eliminate “equity related” grants and contracts and to recognize only two sexes. Veterans Affairs staff have been instructed to remove symbols indicating support for transgender or queer rights. Therapists report that LGBTQ-identifying patients—already a marginalized population—are being singled out, with some patients requesting that their medical records be altered to remove references to gender identity and sexual orientation due to fears of discrimination or being placed on a list. Employees have also received emails encouraging them to report colleagues violating the new diversity, equity, and inclusion ban. Some patients with post-traumatic stress disorder report heightened anxiety following these changes.
Research and Integrated Care at Risk
Veterans’ advocates warn that staff reductions could compromise an integrated model of physical and mental health care. Rashi Romanoff, CEO of the National Association of Veterans’ Research and Education Foundations, cautioned that “high quality research is a part of high quality care.” The group warned that $35 million worth of ongoing research could be lost if the VA does not preserve between 350 and 400 clinical trials covering topics such as suicide mitigation and substance use disorder treatment. The VA spokesperson stated the agency would continue funding these programs for 90 days “while the department conducts a comprehensive assessment of ongoing research.”
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/03/12/nx-s1-5325239/veterans-affairs-va-trump-mental-health