LANGHORNE, PA—This week, Congressmen Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) and Conor Lamb (PA-17) introduced H.R. 8147 the bipartisan Testing, Researching, and Expanding Alternative Treatments (TREAT) Act. This legislation would increase veterans’ access to integrative health care and mental health services to improve the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) suicide prevention efforts.

“It is imperative that our nation’s veterans receive access to the highest quality medical testing and holistic treatment options, including for mental health,” said Fitzpatrick.  “Building upon my partnership with Rep. Lamb on the Whole Veteran Act, our bipartisan TREAT Act will provide our veterans with integrative health options for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety. I am proud to work with my friend Rep. Lamb on improving our veterans’ access to the care that they deserve.”

“We must do more to combat the veteran suicide crisis. Congress needs to give the VA every tool possible to meet the mental health challenges facing our veterans before they get to the point of danger,” said Lamb. “This work is critical, and it is bipartisan because we all know that one more veteran lost to suicide is one too many.”

The TREAT Act requires the VA to establish a two-year program to provide complementary and integrative health services for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety. The bill also requires a study on providing integrative health treatments such as yoga, meditation, acupuncture, chiropractic care, and other treatments that help with mental or physical health conditions.