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Queenslanders suffering post-traumatic stress disorder and treatment-resistant depression will soon have access to MDMA and magic mushrooms through their private health insurance, saving tens of thousands of dollars.
The world-leading psychotherapy program involves the prescribed use of psychedelic substances MDMA and psilocybin, commonly known as magic mushrooms, and will be delivered by authorised practitioners at private mental health hospital Avive Health in Windsor.
Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy is facilitated by authorised and specially trained psychiatrists in controlled environments. Credit: Chris Hopkins
Private health provider Medibank will offer the service to eligible customers after becoming the first insurer in Australia to launch a fully rebated psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy program for PTSD and TRD treatment in Perth this year.
Medibank chief medical officer and practising psychiatrist Dr Andrew Wilson said the specialised treatment, which had been approved in Australia since July 2023, was only facilitated by a small number of psychiatrists and was financially out of reach for most people.
“We are improving access by funding this innovative model of mental healthcare,” he said.
“I encourage any of our customers with PTSD or TRD to speak to their healthcare professional about all types of treatment that may be clinically appropriate for them.”
To be an approved prescriber of psychedelic substances, psychiatrists must undertake specialised training and be listed as an Authorised Prescriber (AP) under the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s AP scheme.
Out-of-pocket expenses for patients seeking alternative treatment for PTSD and TRD can reach up to $30,000.
Medibank customers will be able to claim the treatment in full.
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“We’re pleased to collaborate with Medibank on innovative treatments that improve access and affordability while keeping clinical quality at the centre,” Avive Health co-chief executive and co-founder Mark Sweeney said.
“Bringing this program to Brisbane means more people can access evidence-based care within a consistent, team-based setting.”
Data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows 11 per cent, or one in nine, Australians will experience PTSD, a mental health condition caused by extremely stressful or traumatic events, in their life.
TRD is a subset of a major depressive disorder that does not respond to traditional therapeutic options such as antidepressant medications, and can often lead to prolonged periods of inpatient treatments.
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Psychedelics, a subclass of hallucinogenic drugs that trigger non-ordinary states of consciousness, have increasingly emerged as an effective treatment for PTSD and TRD, in controlled environments, in conjunction with therapy.
Perth biotechnology company Emyria, backed by Andrew Forrest’s private investment group Tattarang, introduced psychotherapy treatment at Empax clinic in June.
Emyria managing director and chief executive Dr Michael Winlo told the Australian Financial Review the success rate of the company’s MDMA treatment was “staggering”, with nearly 60 per cent of patients losing their PTSD diagnosis altogether.
“It’s a much more durable psychological insight that takes place facilitated by the medicine,” Winlo said.
“It really just allows people to discuss difficult content without being overwhelmed, and therefore allows the therapy to become more effective.”
Medibank committed $50 million to improve mental health access of its customers earlier this year and said it would continue exploring opportunities to expand treatments to other states.
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