Medicine-Assisted Therapy | Gold Coast

Q: Am I eligible for Medicine-Assisted Therapy?

Not all patients are eligible for Medicine-Assisted Therapy. Access requires meeting Australian regulatory referral requirements and completing a clinical screening process to assess suitability and safety.

Q: How do I get a referral for Medicine-Assisted Therapy?

If you have PTSD or treatment-resistant depression, you may obtain a referral from your GP or treating psychiatrist for screening. Once your referral is received, our team will contact you to arrange screening appointments and discuss the assessment process.

Q: What is the criteria for Medicine-Assisted Therapy?

Referral criteria include a diagnosis of treatment-resistant depression or PTSD, prior treatment attempts such as antidepressant medication, absence of certain medical or psychiatric contraindications, and completion of clinical screening. A referral enables entry into screening but does not guarantee access to treatment.

Q: How long does Medicine-Assisted Therapy take?

A Medicine-Assisted Therapy program is typically delivered over several months and includes screening, preparation sessions, in-clinic medicine sessions where clinically indicated, and integration therapy. Individual timeframes and responses vary.

Q: What is the difference between Medicine-Assisted Therapy and traditional therapy?

Traditional therapy typically involves regular sessions over an extended period. Medicine-Assisted Therapy is delivered as a structured program combining preparation, supervised in-clinic medicine sessions, and integration therapy within a regulated clinical framework, supported by a multidisciplinary team.

Q: How much does Medicine-Assisted Therapy cost?

Fees for Medicine-Assisted Therapy depend on the individual treatment plan and include screening, preparation, in-clinic medicine sessions where clinically indicated, integration therapy, and multidisciplinary clinical care. Funding support options may be available through third parties, subject to independent eligibility criteria and approval.

Q: How do I prepare for Medicine-Assisted Therapy sessions?

Preparation includes scheduled therapy sessions, guidance from your clinical team, and individualised planning to support safety and readiness. Your clinicians will provide detailed instructions tailored to your treatment plan.

Q: Can my partner be involved in the Medicine-Assisted Therapy screening process?

Where appropriate, a partner or support person may be involved in aspects of the screening or preparation process. This can be discussed with your clinical team during assessment.

Q: What if my doctor isn't familiar with Medicine-Assisted Therapy?

We can provide general information to referring practitioners about the screening pathway and clinical model to support informed referrals.

A novel approach for Treatment Resistant Depression, and PTSD delivered within Australia's current regulatory framework.

Medicine-Assisted Therapy at Conscious Mind Centre is a structured and immersive therapeutic program delivered over a span up to 4 months* within a regulated clinical setting in Australia. It combines individual psychotherapy, extended in-clinic medicine sessions conducted under medical supervision, and dedicated integration support, designed to create space for meaningful therapeutic work that unfolds in a way guided by each individual’s unique clinical needs and response to treatment.

At Conscious Mind Centre, this treatment is delivered by a highly trained, experienced, and authorised multidisciplinary team. Medicine-Assisted Therapy is not a standalone medication or homebased intervention, but a carefully supported therapeutic protocol delivered within defined clinical and regulatory frameworks.

Emerging Therapies in Australia

Delivered within Australia's current regulatory and clinical frameworks

Multidisciplinary Care

Collaborative care delivered by Clinical Psychologist, Psychiatrist, and Mental Health Professionals

Clinical Governance

Delivered under medical oversight with defined clinical protocols and safety standards

The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek.

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About Conscious Mind Centre

Conscious Mind Centre is a psychology-led clinic delivering Medicine-Assisted Therapy within Australia’s Authorised Prescriber regulatory framework. Treatment is provided in collaboration with an Authorised Prescriber psychiatrist and a multidisciplinary clinical team, including clinical psychologists and other mental health professionals.

Conscious Mind Centre was the first clinic in Queensland to operate within the Authorised Prescriber pathway for Medicine-Assisted Therapy, and the first psychology-led clinic in Australia established within this model of care. Our psychology-led approach ensures that therapeutic support remains central throughout the entire process.

For many patients, this means being supported by the same clinical team across screening, preparation, medicine sessions, and integration therapy. Therapeutic care is not limited to the treatment protocol itself, with ongoing psychological support available where clinically appropriate. This continuity allows patients to continue working with clinicians who understand both their individual history and the Medicine-Assisted Therapy process, recognising that integration processing may continue to unfold over time.

Treatment Pathway

Access to Medicine-Assisted Therapy follows a structured clinical pathway to ensure safety, regulatory compliance, and clinical appropriateness. The process begins with referral and comprehensive screening, then proceeds to treatment only where clinically indicated. The infographic below outlines the key stages from referral through to discharge and continuity of care.

Post-Screening Treatment Journey

Medicine-Assisted Therapy is delivered as a structured journey with three distinct stages including a clear beginning and end point. Rather than open-ended care, which is more common in standard mental health care, Medicine-Assisted Therapy follows a defined clinical protocol that includes preparation, medicine sessions, and integration within a time limited framework.

Clinical Evidence and Safety

Clinical trial data has shown significant reductions in PTSD symptoms, and remission after an 18-week treatment protocol whereby 67% of participants in the active medicine group no longer met diagnostic criteria on treatment completion. Similarly, another clinical trial of patients with moderate-severe PTSD found that 71% of patients no longer met clinical criteria of PTSD upon completion of 18-weeks of treatment.

Further clinical studies compared Medicine-therapy and SSRI medication and found no difference between groups after 6-weeks of treatment, however, at 6 month follow up showed the active medicine group experienced less rebound depressive severity, enhanced meaning in life and psychological connectedness.

Medicine Assisted Therapy is not without risk, side effects, and the potential of no effect at all.

Common Side-Effects

Here are some of the more common side-effects seen throughout the clinical trial research:

Increased emotional distress or feeling flat
Headache
Jaw tension
Anxiety
Sweating
Temporary reduction in appetite
Increased thirst
Slight increased heart-rate
Nausea

These side-effects are transient and often remit within 24-72 hours of the medicine*.

Therapy Model Comparison

The table below outlines the procedural differences between Medicine-Assisted Therapy and standard psychotherapy within a regulated clinical setting.

Investment and Available Funding Options

At Conscious Mind Centre, our comprehensive Medicine-Assisted Therapy protocols start from $16,500 AUD, whereas comparable treatments in Australia generally cost upwards of $35,000 AUD. Potential funding support options for this emerging treatment include:

Department of Veterans Affairs support for eligible veterans;
Philanthropic support programs for qualifying patients.

All treatment costs, potential rebates, and third-party funding eligibility will be discussed transparently during your initial screening consultation at our Gold Coast facility. If you would like more information about how to access Medicine-Assisted Therapy, take our eligibility quiz today!.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I Eligible for Medicine-Assisted Therapy?

Not all patients are eligible for Medicine-Assisted Therapy, there are several criteria that need to be met to access this treatment. First criteria is the Australian Government TGA requirements, see above in Treatment Pathway. If this is met, the second criteria is to satisfy Conscious Mind Centre’s Screening Program.

How do I get a Referral for Medicine-Assisted Therapy?

If you have PTSD or Treatment-Resistant Depression, you may obtain a referral from your GP or treating psychiatrist for Medicine-Assisted Therapy screening at Conscious Mind Centre.

What to Tell Your Referring Doctor:

You want a referral for Medicine-Assisted Therapy for PTSD or Treatment-Resistant Depression
You meet the eligibility criteria (two unsuccessful antidepressant courses, one type of talk therapy, and no family history of schizophrenia, bipolar, or psychosis)
You’re interested in treatment at Conscious Mind Centre’s Gold Coast clinic
You understand this is a privately paid comprehensive therapy protocol

Referral Process Steps:

Book appointment with your GP or psychiatrist
Discuss your interest in Medicine-Assisted Therapy
Provide information about our Queensland clinic and treatment approach
Request referral letter addressed to ‘PSYCHIATRIST at Conscious Mind Centre‘ – the referral does not need to be specifically addressed to a name but for Medicare rebates it must say psychiatrist
Forward referral to our administration team for our clinical team to review and schedule screening assessment

Next Steps After Referral:

Once we receive your referral, our team will contact you to arrange screening appointments. Contact our Administration Team if you need assistance with the referral process or have questions about working with your current healthcare provider.

What is the Criteria for Medicine-Assisted Therapy?

In Australia, to access Medicine-Assisted Therapy you need to meet criteria set out by the TGA in order to be eligible for a referral. The TGA requires patients to:

Have been diagnosed with Treatment Resistant Depression or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. This can be previously diagnosed by a psychologist or psychiatrist.
Demonstrate a minimum of two unsuccessful courses of anti-depressant medication.
Not currently pregnant or breast feeding.
Have no personal or family history of psychotic disorders including Bipolar, Schizophrenia, or Psychosis – suspected, diagnosed, or treated. This includes first generation relatives (your parents, your siblings, aunts, and uncles) and second generation relatives (your grandparents and their siblings, including your great-aunts and great-uncles).
Completion of the screening process and endorsement from Conscious Mind Centre’s Medicine-Assisted Therapy team.

A referral for Medicine-Assisted Therapy does not guarantee access to this treatment. A referral enables you to complete our screening process. In the instance you satisfy our screening process, you will then be offered the treatment protocol.

How long does Medicine-Assisted Therapy Take?

Conscious Mind Centre’s comprehensive Medicine-Assisted Therapy protocol spans up to 4 months following your initial screening assessment. However, individual responses vary, and therapeutic progress may occur at different stages of treatment.

In the clinical trial research, many patients report initial therapeutic insights during their first dosing day. However, the full therapeutic benefits of Medicine-Assisted Therapy may continue developing throughout the entire treatment protocol and beyond.

While clinical trial data shows significant therapeutic outcomes for suitable candidates, Medicine-Assisted Therapy outcomes vary between individuals. Our clinical team conducts thorough screening to identify patients most likely to benefit from this emerging treatment approach.

What is the Difference between Medicine-Assisted Therapy and Traditional Therapy?

Traditional therapy typically involves 1-to-1 clinical sessions lasting 50 minutes, often requiring months or years of treatment for conditions like PTSD and Treatment-Resistant Depression. Traditional approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) follow structured, manualised protocols delivered through regular weekly appointments.

Medicine-Assisted Therapy at our Queensland clinic is delivered as a structured therapeutic program involving preparation, 8-hour in-clinic medicine sessions allow patients to access a deeper therapeutic state under clinical supervision, and integration support. The therapy components are uniquely patient-guided based on individual responses during medicine treatment sessions.

Unlike traditional therapy, Medicine-Assisted Therapy involves a multidisciplinary team including psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, and registered psychologists throughout the treatment protocol, ensuring comprehensive patient care and safety.

Our Queensland-based team may be able to determine if Medicine-Assisted Therapy is suitable for your specific mental health needs, particularly if traditional therapeutic approaches have been suboptimal in your recovery.

How much does Medicine-Assisted Therapy cost?

At Conscious Mind Centre, our comprehensive Medicine-Assisted Therapy protocol starts from $16,500 AUD, while similar treatments in Australia typically cost upwards of $35,000 AUD.

What’s Included in Our Medicine Assisted Therapy Cost:

Medicine in accordance with Australian regulatory requirements
Our specialised treatment protocol including:
- Personalised preparation therapy protocol
- Multiple* 8-hour supervised medicine dosing days (maximum 3 dosing days) at our Gold Coast clinic
- Personalised integration therapy protocol throughout the 4-month treatment
Supported by our highly trained multi-disciplinary team (psychiatrist, clinical psychologist, registered psychologist)

Funding Support Options Available:

Department of Veterans Affairs coverage for eligible veterans
Philanthropic support options through Mind Medicine Australia may be available to eligible patients following successful Medicine-Assisted Therapy screening processes

All treatment costs, potential rebates, and funding support options will be discussed transparently during your initial screening consultation.

Please note: All third-party funding is subject to independent eligibility criteria, application processes, and approval. Third-party funding decisions are independent of Conscious Mind Centre.

Is Medicine-Assisted Therapy covered by private health insurance?

Currently, most private health insurers in Australia don’t yet cover Medicine-Assisted Therapy for PTSD and Treatment-Resistant Depression. However, as this emerging trauma treatment becomes more accessible nationwide, we anticipate private health insurance coverage will expand.

Current Insurance Developments:

Medibank Private is actively exploring coverage options for Medicine-Assisted Therapy
Several major insurers are reviewing policies for innovative mental health treatments
Coverage may vary by policy level and treatment indication

Private health insurance in Australia generally covers psychiatric treatment delivered during a hospital admission. Outpatient psychiatric consultations and structured therapy programs delivered outside a hospital setting are typically not covered, though Medicare rebates may apply to eligible consultations.

How do I Prepare for Medicine-Assisted Therapy Sessions?

From screening to treatment protocol completion, you’ll receive comprehensive guidance at each step of your Medicine-Assisted Therapy journey at Conscious Mind Centre. We understand preparing for MAT can feel overwhelming, our clinical team will provide detailed preparation support.

Preparing for Medicine-Assisted Therapy dosing days includes:

Completing your preparation therapy sessions with our psychologists
Pre-treatment lifestyle guidelines and recommendations
Engaging in emotional, physiological, and social support guided by our team
Detailed dosing-day preparation for optimal therapeutic outcomes

On your treatment day, we recommend a light breakfast, adequate hydration to prepare your mind and body for the Medicine-Assisted Therapy experience. Our team will guide you through every preparation step to ensure you feel confident and supported throughout your PTSD or Treatment-Resistant Depression treatment protocol.

Can my Partner be Involved in the Medicine-Assisted Therapy Screening Process?

Absolutely! We encourage partner involvement throughout your Medicine-Assisted Therapy journey in Queensland. Your partner can participate in the initial screening consultation to help our clinical team assess your safety and suitability for treatment. We’ll discuss the best ways your partner can support you from the initial assessment throughout your treatment at our Gold Coast clinic.

What if My Doctor Isn't Familiar with Medicine-Assisted Therapy?

Our Administration Team can provide educational materials about Medicine-Assisted Therapy to referring practitioners. We’re happy to discuss the treatment protocol with your doctor to ensure they’re comfortable with, and understand the referral process.