More than 60 House Democrats raised concerns about reductions in the Veterans Health Administration’s behavioral and mental health workforce and the potential effects on veterans’ access to care.
The Department of Veterans Affairs has lost more than 300 psychologists and 700 social workers since the beginning of the Trump administration, according to a July 28 letter sent to VA Secretary Doug Collins. The department also reportedly lost about 200 psychiatrists in just 2025.
The lawmakers said “57% of facilities reported severe psychology staffing shortages” in 2025. They also cited reports of longer wait times, canceled appointments, interrupted treatment and loss of clinicians.
The lawmakers requested information on staffing, vacancies, provider separations, recruitment and retention efforts, wait times and continuity of care. They asked the VA to respond by Aug. 14.
Read the full letter here.
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