Exploring Emerging Therapies: Understanding the Role of Psychedelic-Assisted Treatments in Mental Healthcare

At Mind Medicine Australia, we are dedicated to transforming the treatment of mental illness by expanding access to evidence-based psychedelic-assisted therapies. As a leading charity in the field, we support the development and clinical implementation of innovative therapies involving psilocybin and MDMA. These treatments, supported by international research, offer new opportunities for Australians experiencing persistent mental health challenges.

Why We Need New Solutions

In Australia today, one in four people live with a mental illness. We understand the frustration and despair that can arise when conventional options don’t work. This underscores the urgent need for innovative solutions that address the root causes of suffering more effectively and compassionately.

What Are Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies?

Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapies involve the use of psychedelic compounds, such as psilocybin and MDMA, combined with psychotherapy. These treatments follow a three-phase model: preparation, experience, and integration. These sessions are held in safe, therapeutic environments under the supervision of trained professionals. Patients are carefully screened and supported throughout the process to ensure safety and maximise outcomes. Learn more about psychedelic-assisted therapies here.

Increased communication between brain networks (based on fMRI scans): Brain imaging comparison before (a) and after (b) psilocybin treatment. Source: Beckley Foundation, United Kingdom. Based on clinical trials at Imperial College, London

Clinical trials at leading institutions—including Johns Hopkins University and Imperial College London—have consistently shown that these therapies can lead to remission in patients with treatment-resistant conditions, such as depression1 and PTSD2. These therapies have shown remission rates of up to 60-80% after just 2-3 treatments when used in combination with psychotherapy and with minimal adverse side-effects23. They are often rated by patients as among the most meaningful experiences of their lives.

How Mind Medicine Australia Made History

In 2023, following advocacy efforts by Mind Medicine Australia, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved the rescheduling of psilocybin and MDMA for controlled clinical use. This landmark decision makes Australia the first country to formally allow treatments in clinical environments.

Since January 2024, 100+ patients have been treated in clinics across Australia as part of the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s (TGA) Authorised Prescriber (AP) program with medicines and training supplied through Mind Medicine Australia.

This milestone builds on six years of sector leadership, during which we’ve trained over 500 clinicians through our globally recognised Certificate in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies (CPAT)™ program, secured $15 million in federal research funding, supported the launch of clinics nationwide, and funded groundbreaking trials for conditions like OCD and PTSD.

With over 3,500+ individuals educated through workshops and courses and public outreach reaching hundreds of thousands, we’re not just supporting individual healing—we’re transforming mental healthcare in Australia and beyond.

World-Leading Training

We offer professional education through our Certificate in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies (CPAT)™, training clinicians in best practices. This hybrid program (online + face-to-face) is for registered healthcare professionals—psychiatrists, psychologists, psychotherapists, counsellors, and more—who want to deliver psychedelic-assisted therapy using psilocybin and MDMA in clinical settings.

The training is delivered by a world-class faculty made up of global leaders in the field including Dr Gabor Maté CM (Canada), Dr Bessel van der Kolk (USA), Dr Rick Doblin (USA), and many more. We’ve received outstanding feedback for the program with Professor David Nutt (UK) describing it as “the best course in the world for educating people about how to use psychedelics”.

How You Can Help

Our vision includes establishing more clinical programs, making therapies accessible, and ensuring long-term safety and effectiveness through continued research and community engagement. We believe these treatments have the power to revolutionise mental health care in Australia, but only when delivered safely, ethically, and responsibly. We are committed to supporting access to treatments that can truly make a difference, which is why we have created our Patient Support Fund (PSF).

Together, with continued research, compassionate care, and community support, we can bring these life-changing therapies to those who need them most—offering not just treatment, but hope for healing and brighter futures.

Disclaimer: This post is provided by Mind Medicine Australia for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. Psychedelic-assisted therapies are available only through approved clinicians in accordance with the Therapeutic Goods Administration guidelines. Always consult with a qualified health professional regarding your treatment options.

References

1. Davis, A. K., Barrett, F. S., May, D. G., Cosimano, M. P., Sepeda, N. D., Johnson, M. W., … & Griffiths, R. R. (2021). Effects of psilocybin-assisted therapy on major depressive disorder: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA psychiatry, 78(5), 481-489.
2. Jerome, L., Feduccia, A. A., Wang, J. B., Hamilton, S., Yazar-Klosinski, B., Emerson, A., … & Doblin, R. (2020). Long-term follow-up outcomes of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for treatment of PTSD: a longitudinal pooled analysis of six phase 2 trials. Psychopharmacology, 237, 2485-2497.
3. Ross S, Bossis A, Guss J, Agin-Liebes G, Malone T, Cohen B, Mennenga SE, Belser A, Kalliontzi K, Babb J, Su Z, Corby P, Schmidt BL. Rapid and sustained symptom reduction following psilocybin treatment for anxiety and depression in patients with life-threatening cancer: a randomized controlled trial. J Psychopharmacol. 2016 Dec;30(12):1165-1180. doi: 10.1177/0269881116675512. PMID: 27909164; PMCID: PMC5367551.
4. Yaden, D. B., & Griffiths, R. R. (2020). The subjective effects of psychedelics are necessary for their enduring therapeutic effects. ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science, 4(2), 568-572.