Hundreds of VA Therapists Quit Over Trump Policies, Leaving Veterans in Crisis

Mental health care access for veterans has become increasingly difficult as the VA loses hundreds of psychologists and social workers.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 3:38pm

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As the Department of Veterans Affairs struggles with staffing shortages, hundreds of mental health care providers have left the agency, citing disagreements with new administration policies under President Trump. This has led to longer wait times, reduced appointment lengths, and a lack of access to one-on-one therapy for many veterans in need of mental health support.

Why it matters

The exodus of therapists and social workers from the VA has severely impacted the agency's ability to provide adequate mental health care to veterans, many of whom rely on the VA as their primary or only source of such services. This crisis is putting vulnerable veterans at risk, as they face difficulties accessing the specialized care they need to manage conditions like PTSD, depression, and anxiety.

The details

After President Trump returned to office, the VA announced plans to overhaul the agency and cut thousands of jobs. While front-line mental health workers were largely spared, hundreds chose to leave anyway, citing disagreements with new administration policies, including several targeting the LGBTQ+ community. The VA has lost around 500 psychologists and psychiatrists, as well as nearly 700 social workers, over the past year. This has led to increased workloads, shortened appointment times, and the replacement of one-on-one therapy with large group sessions at many VA facilities.

  • In March 2025, the Trump administration announced plans to overhaul the VA and deliver 'the highest quality care'.
  • Throughout 2025, hundreds of VA mental health care providers left the agency, with departures outpacing hires in all four quarters of the year.

The players

Jason Beaman

A 54-year-old veteran of the Navy and Army Reserve who has struggled to find consistent mental health therapy through the VA after multiple therapists assigned to him left the agency.

Doug Collins

The VA Secretary who claimed the administration is 'finally going to give the veterans what they want' through the agency's overhaul.

Michelle Phillips

A 56-year-old Navy veteran from Ohio who lost her weekly virtual therapy sessions when her VA therapist quit due to Trump's policies.

James Jones

A 54-year-old Gulf War veteran living in North Carolina who has seen his therapy sessions cut in half after his VA therapist had to take on more clients due to staffing shortages.

George Retes

A 26-year-old former Army soldier who has been waiting months for an initial mental health appointment at a VA clinic in California after a traumatic incident.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This crisis highlights the severe impact that staffing shortages and policy changes at the VA are having on veterans' access to critical mental health services. It raises urgent questions about the agency's ability to fulfill its mission of providing high-quality care for those who have served.