Scheana Shay is showing support for Jax Taylor's choice not to return for season 3 of The Valley. "For Jax, I think that's a smart decision," Shay, 40, said on Wednesday, July 23, episode of the "So Bad It's Good" podcast. "I think that's a healthy decision." Shay noted that Taylor, 46, should be prioritizing himself, adding, "I think he does need to focus on his mental health and his sobriety right now. Being in rehab, trying to film a TV show and having the FOMO [fear of missing out] and all of that. None of that was healthy for him." She concluded: "I think this is a very smart and mature decision of him to focus on his sobriety. I hope he continues on that path for not just himself, but for [his son] Cruz and for Brittany." What Jax Taylor's 'VPR' Costars Have Said About His Cocaine Addiction Us Weekly broke the news on July 16 that Jax will not be returning to The Valley. "After an incredibly challenging year and many honest conversations with my team and producers, I'll be stepping away from the next season of The Valley," Jax told Us in an exclusive statement. "Right now, my focus needs to be on my sobriety, my mental health and coparenting. Taking this time is necessary for me to become the best version of myself - especially for our son, Cruz." Jax, who shares Cruz, 4, with Brittany, 35, documented his stint in rehab for mental health on season 2 of the Bravo series. He subsequently checked into treatment again for a cocaine addiction. "I've been in and out of using cocaine for a while. I wouldn't use it every single day. There would be months I would take off," he exclusively told Us in March. "And then I would do it like a week here, maybe two times a month or three times a month. It got really bad though. When the divorce started, I felt like I was doing it recreationally." After Jax confirmed his exit, Andy Cohen weighed in on the news. 'Vanderpump Rules' Cast: Then and Now "Jax announced yesterday that he's gonna be stepping away from The Valley," Andy, 57, said in an episode of SiriusXM's Andy Cohen Live. "I'm very pleased with his decision and I think it is reading the room well and I think the most important thing is that I hope that he can work on all of his issues." The Bravo executive producer teased the discussion he had with Jax during The Valley season 2 reunion taping, saying, "I have, kind of, a serious conversation with him about his need for control and his anger issues, and what it's gonna take to get to a better place with Brittany and in the world." Andy expressed his hope that Jax "takes the time to lean into" his sobriety and mental health away from the cameras. "He seems very committed, from our conversations to his sobriety, and I hope that time away from the cameras will further encourage that and further encourage him to get it together," he concluded. The Valley airs on Bravo Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET. Stream old episodes anytime on Peacock.