Australia has become the first country in the world to approve psychedelic-assisted therapy for mental health treatment and one Melbourne clinic is leading the way.

Dr. Eli Kotler, a psychiatrist and founder of The Journey Clinic, says the new facility offers “a powerful new option” for people living with trauma, addiction, and depression.

“Australia in 2023 was the first country in the world to schedule psychedelic medicines for therapy,” Dr. Kotler said. “It made a lot of sense for us to open a clinic dedicated to this.”

What Is Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy?

Psychedelic-assisted therapy combines approved psychedelic medicines with guided psychotherapy. The goal is to help patients access and process deep emotional wounds in a safe environment.

“The psychedelic helps people go through a therapy process,” Dr. Kotler explained. “It allows us to open up to ourselves and connect to others in profound ways.”

Currently, Australian psychiatrists can prescribe MDMA for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and psilocybin the active compound in magic mushrooms for treatment-resistant depression.

Safety and Structure Come First

Dr. Kotler says the clinic follows strict safety guidelines. All medicines are medical grade and approved under the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

“There are a lot of protocols in place to ensure people are safe,” he said. “The medicines we get are 100% medicinal grade.”

Each patient receives preparatory sessions before dosing, followed by integration therapy to process what arises during the psychedelic experience.

“Healing takes work,” said Dr. Kotler. “But in a supportive environment, that work can be powerful and transformative.”

A New Hope for Addiction and Depression

Unlike traditional treatments that focus on reducing symptoms, psychedelic-assisted therapy aims to address the root cause of mental distress.

“It doesn’t just try to decrease symptoms,” said Dr. Kotler. “It helps the person connect to themselves and work through their underlying issues.”

The Journey Clinic offers both residential rehabilitation for addiction and outpatient programs for depression and trauma.

Blending Science and Spirituality

As a person of faith, Dr. Kotler says his Jewish heritage influences his compassionate approach to psychiatry.

“It gives me a sense of the humanity of people,” he said. “I prefer to meet each person where they are and get to know them as a human being.”

He believes that acknowledging spirituality can play an important role in healing.

Expanding Nationwide

While The Journey Clinic is based in Melbourne, Dr. Kotler expects the model will soon expand across Australia.

“We’re just the first off the mark,” he said. “As more psychiatrists are trained and approved, it will spread Australia-wide.“

Listen to Dr Eli’s full conversation with Doug on Table Talk below.