As the funder and sponsor of the most advanced research of a psychedelic-assisted therapy, MAPS is encouraged to see a fourth nation provide access to some psychedelic-assisted therapies. Australians who have endured long-standing psychological suffering will soon have the opportunity to consider emerging treatments backed by rigorous clinical research: MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD, with two successful Phase 3 studies, and psilocybin-assisted therapy for treatment-resistant depression, currently in Phase 2 clinical trials. Australia’s policy change is one that every country should consider: suffering people, regardless of nationality, need more opportunities to access novel treatments. We hope that this announcement will encourage more international discussion and collaboration towards access to psychedelic therapies and comprehensive drug policy reform.
Rick Doblin, Ph.D., Founder and Executive Director of MAPS

Following Israel, the United States, and Canada, Australia is now the fourth government agency to enact a compassionate use program for psychedelic-assisted therapies to treat mental health conditions.

Beginning July 1, 2023, psychiatrists in the Authorized Prescriber Scheme will be permitted to administer psychedelic-assisted therapies in controlled clinical settings. Among other safety constraints, the new TGA regulations require that Authorized Prescribers obtain informed consent from the patient, are approved by an ethics committee, and “have the training and expertise appropriate for the condition being treated and the proposed use of the product.”