Press Release · Health Policy Podcast
Psychedelics in Mental Health: From Clinical Trials to State Lines
Published · Featuring Jennifer Cutler of DCI Group
Jennifer Cutler of DCI Group discusses the evolving role of psychedelics in mental health treatment and the importance of state-level regulatory readiness.
Jennifer Cutler, a partner at DCI Group, discusses the intersection of psychedelic treatments and mental health policy on the Health Policy Podcast. Key topics include FDA regulation of psychedelic therapies and their potential benefits for veterans' mental health.
WASHINGTON — August 27, 2026 — Jennifer Cutler, a partner at DCI Group, joined the Health Policy Podcast to discuss the evolving landscape of psychedelic treatments for mental health. The conversation covered the FDA's role in regulating these therapies, the challenges of state-level access, and the implications for veterans suffering from mental health issues.
Cutler emphasized the urgency of addressing mental health in the U.S., noting that over 14 million Americans live with a serious mental illness. She explained that innovative psychiatric medicines using psychedelics are finally progressing through the FDA, marking a significant shift after 25 years of limited treatment options. "Mental health continues to be a serious issue in this country. And over 14 million Americans live with a serious mental illness," Cutler stated.
The FDA's approval process for psychedelic treatments is rigorous and lengthy, requiring extensive clinical trials. However, Cutler pointed out that FDA approval alone does not guarantee patient access. "FDA approval is a huge milestone, but by itself, it does not put a medication in patients' hands, especially not for controlled substances," she said. This gap highlights the need for states to prepare their regulatory frameworks to facilitate access once drugs are approved.
Cutler also warned that states lacking groundwork may hinder patient access to new treatments. "If a state hasn't done any of this groundwork in advance, here's what's going to happen: the FDA is going to approve a drug, patients are going to start hearing about it, but if the legislature isn't meeting for another 6 months, these patients aren't going to have access," she explained.
DCI Group is a public affairs firm based in Washington, D.C., with additional offices in New York, Brussels, and Florida. The firm specializes in grassroots and coalition building for corporate clients across various sectors, including healthcare.
About the Health Policy Podcast
The Health Policy Podcast focuses on the intersection of energy, infrastructure, policy, and economic growth. The show features expert guests discussing pressing health policy issues and their implications for society.
About DCI Group
DCI Group is a full-service public affairs consulting firm specializing in strategic communications and advisory services. Drawing on a global network of grassroots, media and government-affairs specialists—including professionals across all 50 states—the firm helps organizations navigate complex policy debates, manage reputational challenges and engage key audiences at the local, national and international levels.
About the Guest
Jennifer Cutler — Partner
Jennifer Cutler provides counsel to corporate clients on public and government relations strategies, drawing on her experience in state and federal legislative affairs, grassroots management, coalition building, and strategic communications. Jennifer specializes in the telecommunications and technology sectors and has extensive experience in creating and executing public affairs strategies on high profile industry issues. She also has first-hand experience leading winning advocacy campaigns across a variety of policy issues, including tax reform, trade and health care. Prior to joining DCI in 2005, Jennifer served as Vice President and Political and Research Director of McAuliffe Message Media (M3), a top media consulting firm specializing in political messaging, strategy, and media. Jennifer is a graduate of Boston University where she earned a Masters in Mass Communication with a focus on qualitative and quantitative research. Also at Boston University, Jennifer received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations. While studying at Boston University, Jennifer interned on a presidential campaign and for a market research company in London, United Kingdom.
About the Health Policy Podcast
The Health Policy Podcast hosts conversations on energy, infrastructure, policy and economic growth — interviewing the operators, regulators, and innovators powering America's grid, gas, nuclear, and industrial future. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
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