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For the public
Psychedelic-assisted therapy, in plain language.
What it is, whether it is legal, and how to find safe support. No hype, and no jargon.
The basics
Start here if this treatment is new to you.
Psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) is a treatment where a medicine is given alongside structured psychological support from trained practitioners. In Australia it is a regulated medical treatment, used for specific mental health conditions under strict conditions. It is not a wellness product, and it is not the same as using these substances recreationally.
The two medicines in this pathway are MDMA and psilocybine. They are not generally approved medicines. They have been down-scheduled so that a psychiatrist specifically authorised by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) may prescribe MDMA for post-traumatic stress disorder and psilocybine for treatment-resistant depression. This is still an emerging area of care, the evidence is developing, and access is limited.
Legality & access
The lawful pathway, and who it is for.
Yes. There is a lawful pathway in Australia, but it is narrow, and most people are not eligible. A few things worth knowing:
- Only TGA-authorised psychiatrists can prescribe. A GP, psychologist, or counsellor cannot. The authorised psychiatrist leads the treatment.
- It is for specific conditions. MDMA for PTSD, psilocybine for treatment-resistant depression, generally where other treatments have already been tried.
- It is expensive and not widely available. These treatments are largely not covered by Medicare or private health insurance, and only a small number of practitioners are authorised.
- Access is only lawful through this pathway. Be cautious of anyone offering these treatments outside it.
If you think this pathway might be relevant to you, the right first step is a conversation with your GP or treating psychiatrist. For the full picture of the current rules, see our Regulatory landscape page.
Finding a practitioner
Safe first steps and what AMAPP membership does (and does not) mean.
AMAPP does not refer people to providers or arrange access to treatment. The safest first step for most people is a conversation with your GP or treating psychiatrist, who can talk through whether this pathway is appropriate.
AMAPP maintains a database of member practitioners for transparency. Being listed means a practitioner has met AMAPP's membership criteria. It is not an endorsement, a quality rating, or a statement that a member is safer or more suitable than a non-member, and it is not proof that someone can lawfully prescribe these medicines.
When choosing any practitioner, you can confirm their registration through AHPRA, and it is reasonable to ask about their training, what a course of treatment involves, what it costs, and how they handle the sessions before and after.
About AMAPP
Who we are and how this information is prepared.
AMAPP is a professional association for practitioners. We do not provide therapy, prescribe medicines, or arrange access to treatment. The information here is general and is not medical advice. For advice about your own situation, speak with your GP or a registered health practitioner.
Last reviewed 19 June 2026.
A plain-language glossary
Seven terms you will see across this site.
Authorised Prescriber (AP) scheme
A TGA arrangement that lets a specific psychiatrist prescribe a medicine that is not generally approved, to treat a specific condition. It is how MDMA and psilocybine can be lawfully prescribed.
Dyad
The treating pair at the core of a session. The TGA has recommended the authorised psychiatrist plus at least one other practitioner from a defined list of registered professions. Additional support members may be involved under the psychiatrist's oversight.
Integration
The sessions before and after a dosing day where the person works with their practitioners to make sense of the experience.
Psilocybine
The medicine derived from certain mushrooms, used in this pathway for treatment-resistant depression. You may also see it spelled psilocybin; Australian regulation uses psilocybine.
Schedule 8
A medicines category for controlled drugs with strict prescribing and storage rules. MDMA and psilocybine sit here for these approved uses.
Set and setting
The person's mindset (set) and the physical and social environment (setting).
Treatment-resistant depression
Depression that has not improved after trying other established treatments.
Still have a question?
AMAPP is a professional association for practitioners; we cannot give medical advice or referrals. For anything else, get in touch. This page is general information only. Last reviewed 19 June 2026.
