Exploring the use of psychedelics in the treatment of PTSD and other mental health conditions
In recent years, there’s been a growing wave of interest in the therapeutic use of psychedelics — particularly in the treatment of trauma-related conditions like PTSD. You might have seen headlines about psilocybin (magic mushrooms) or MDMA being used in mental health trials overseas. But where do things stand here in Australia? Is psychedelic therapy available, and if so, to whom?
As psychologists working with trauma, it’s important that we stay informed — not just about what’s trending in global research, but also what’s currently accessible and ethically sound for our clients in Melbourne and across Australia.
This blog will provide an overview of psychedelic-assisted therapy, the types of substances being studied, what the research is showing so far, and how — or if — this treatment is available within Australia’s mental health system.
What is psychedelic therapy?
Psychedelic therapy refers to the supervised use of psychedelic substances in combination with psychotherapy to help individuals process psychological distress. The therapy typically involves a structured framework. It includes preparation sessions, guided sessions under the influence of a psychedelic, and integration sessions to help make sense of the experience.
While this might sound new, psychedelics were actually studied in psychotherapy back in the 1950s and 60s. It’s only in recent years, after a long period of prohibition and stigma, that clinical interest has returned. The results are starting to gain serious attention.
Common psychedelics used in therapy
The most studied psychedelics in therapeutic contexts are:
MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine): Technically a stimulant with mild psychedelic properties. MDMA-assisted therapy has been primarily trialled for PTSD, with promising results.
Psilocybin: The active ingredient in “magic mushrooms.” Psilocybin therapy has been explored for depression, anxiety (especially related to terminal illness), and addiction.
Ketamine: A dissociative anaesthetic that, while not a classic psychedelic, has been used in therapeutic settings for treatment-resistant depression and PTSD. Ketamine therapy is already legal and used in Australia under strict medical supervision.
Ayahuasca and LSD: These are being studied more cautiously. They’re often explored in the context of personal growth or spiritual exploration, rather than clinical use at this stage.
What does the research say?
One of the most widely publicised studies is the Phase 3 trial of MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD, published in Nature Medicine in 2021. The study found that 67% of participants no longer met the criteria for PTSD after three sessions of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy. This was compared to just 32% in the placebo group.
Psilocybin has shown similarly compelling results for treatment-resistant depression. In a phase 2 trial published in The New England Journal of Medicine, participants who received psilocybin reported significant improvements in mood. These effects lasted several weeks to months.
It’s worth noting that these treatments aren’t just about the substance. The psychotherapeutic process that surrounds the experience is critical. Psychedelic sessions take place in highly structured, supportive environments. They involve careful screening, preparation, and post-session integration.
Are these treatments available in Australia?
This is the part where curiosity often meets frustration. As of 2024, psychedelic therapy is not widely available in Australia — but that is beginning to shift.
In July 2023, Australia became the first country to officially approve the use of MDMA and psilocybin for medical use in specific circumstances. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) rescheduled both substances, allowing authorised psychiatrists to prescribe:
MDMA for PTSD
Psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression
However, access remains extremely limited.
Why is access still so restricted?
Only a small number of psychiatrists have been authorised under the TGA’s Special Access Scheme. These practitioners must work within a tight regulatory framework. The cost of treatment can be prohibitive — often several thousand dollars — due to the clinical time involved and lack of Medicare rebates.
At present, psychedelic therapy is not something psychologists in Melbourne (or anywhere in Australia) can offer independently. It must be done under the direction of an authorised psychiatrist within a multidisciplinary treatment plan.
That said, psychologists may be involved in the integration phase of treatment. This involves helping clients make sense of their experiences afterwards — particularly if the client is already in ongoing therapy.
Is psychedelic therapy right for everyone?
While the early data is encouraging, psychedelic therapy isn’t suitable for everyone. People with a history of psychosis, bipolar disorder, or certain medical conditions may be at higher risk of adverse effects. These treatments are still in early stages, and more long-term data is needed.
There’s also a growing concern around self-medication or unregulated use, particularly in retreat settings overseas. While the idea of plant medicine or spiritual healing can be appealing, it’s important to approach this space with a critical lens. We need to understand both the potential and the risks.
Where does this leave clients and psychologists?
If you’re a client curious about psychedelic therapy, you’re not alone. At Cova Psychology, we often hear from people who’ve read articles or watched documentaries and are wondering whether this is something that could help with trauma or depression.
Right now, for most people in Australia, psychedelic-assisted therapy is not yet an accessible or mainstream option — especially outside of clinical trials or private programs.
But that doesn’t mean we can’t help.
If you’re dealing with the effects of trauma or PTSD, evidence-based therapies like EMDR, trauma-informed therapy, and CBT for PTSD have strong research backing. These are widely available and can make a meaningful difference — with or without psychedelics.
For those who prefer to access care from home, telehealth with a psychologist in Melbourne is also available.
As psychologists in Melbourne, we keep up with emerging research. We’re happy to have informed conversations with clients about their options — whether that’s to provide support, unpack past experiences, or help weigh up treatment paths.
Final thoughts
Psychedelic therapy is one of the most exciting (and controversial) developments in mental health treatment in recent years. It holds real promise, especially for people living with PTSD or treatment-resistant depression. But for now, it remains a tightly controlled and relatively inaccessible option in Australia.
For those considering it, it’s important to be cautious, informed, and supported by professionals who understand both the research and the realities.
If you’re seeking support for trauma, anxiety, or other mental health concerns, you don’t have to wait for psychedelic therapy to become mainstream. There are effective, evidence-based treatments available now — and we’re here to help you access them.
Reach out to Cova Psychology in Melbourne if you’d like to explore trauma-informed therapy or have questions about your mental health treatment options. We’re here to support you in finding what works best for your wellbeing.
Dr. Chris Coleiro
Chris is Clinical Psychologist and a co-director of Cova Psychology, located in the Melbourne CBD, where he provides supervision to psychologists whilst cultivating a supportive culture within the Cova team. Chris has worked extensively in the assessment and treatment of trauma, PTSD, and Borderline Personality Disorder. He combines a range of therapies in his approach including CBT, Schema Therapy, EMDR and IFS. Chris is a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS), the APS college of Clinical Psychology, and of the Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing Australian Association (EMDRAA).
