Since psychedelics for therapeutic treatment became legal in Australia earlier this year, 2023, people have become increasingly eager to get their hands on this magic medicine. We sat down with one person, for privacy reasons we shall call the Psychonaut. The following is an account of one person's account of the first steps of their journey in trying to access psychedelic therapy.
"The first thing I did was to google “Medical magic mushrooms.” The Alcohol and Drug Foundation’s (ADF) site stood out as the most reputable place to get information from. The article “Magic Mushrooms as medicine” gave me the first piece of information I needed to try and track down a legal route to getting psilocybin.
The article confirmed some important precursors. At this stage, psilocybin will only be available for people with treatment-resistant depression.The ADF explains, “This is generally when someone hasn't responded well to antidepressant medications/treatments for their condition.” Luckily, or unluckily as the case may be, I believe that describes me.
The method to get shrooms on prescription is if a general practitioner (GP) thinks that psilocybin-assisted therapy may be an appropriate treatment option, they can refer you to a psychiatrist who is an authorised prescriber. However, the ADF goes on to set some expectations, “This will likely be a very small number of psychiatrists to begin with, and GPs might not know of available psychiatrists.”
This is exactly what happened to me. I reached out to the medical practice who are familiar with my medical history to see if anyone in the practice had connections to this kind of work. But alas, while I was able to get a referral for a psychiatrist, my doctor could not be certain that the clinic they were referring me to had this kind of capability.
An alternative method the ADF mentions is to participate in a clinical trial. I used the Australian Clinical Trials search to find my way in. Sadly, there were no trials in my state or trails that were suitable to my mood disorder. I did find a trail for DMT-assisted therapy, so I followed a trail of information to find the contact information for the clinical supervisor. I emailed, introducing myself; however, I received an automated response saying the inbox was not monitored.
Successively, I have found professional academics, who I surmise are likely to know of trials, and I cold-reached out to them. One pointed me in the direction of active trails. I was so grateful to be given the chance. However, after filling out the eligibility assessment, I received a message saying I was ineligible.
“Your responses to this survey indicate that you are not eligible to participate in this clinical trial. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide any further information as to the specific reasoning for your exclusion. Please note that this trial has some very strict inclusion/exclusion criteria and just because you are not eligible to participate in this trial, it does not mean that you will not be eligible for other trials.”
Rather than feeling despondent, I have decided that the universe is sending me a message. Perhaps it isn’t the right time for me to be doing the trail, or maybe I’m not supposed to get the treatment in this way. No doubt cynics will say, “It’s because you’re not supposed to be taking hallucinagins when you’re depressed,” but I’d say that recent research is proving otherwise.
Hey ho, I’ll keep giving it a go, and until then I’ll try not to be tempted by less legal routes. "
Turns out the administraive assisten gave me the worng info. No, the psychiatrist i booked in with cannot deliver psychedlic-assited therapy. As it was a stipulation for why I booked in, the practice are agreeing to refund me the $500 deposit. I said I's keep the appointment in there just in case I can't wait longer to see a psychiatrast, PAT or no.
Started a mental health care plan. I've been paying to see a CBT therapist, but Aus offers 10 sessions free. Saw a new doctor, she recommended I saw a clinical psychologist.
Monarch called explained what I wanted. Got a referral to Electrical therapy. Ran out of steam.
Spoke to them today. I need a psychologist referral, and a psychiatrist approval. Screening $1000. Could still be no. They like you to have done two treatments. Then it's $19,000.
Had to ask my Dr to change the psychiatrist referral. Again.
Called two clinical psychology places that have a roster of doctors. Neither, had a dr pursuing psychedlics.
We're incredibly grateful to have Psychonaut sit down with us and share a no-holds-barred version of their experience of trying to access psychedelic therapy. In a time when we are facing an information deficit due to the newness of legal psychedelic experiences in Australia, it's crucial that we can hear the experiences of our peers. This allows us to learn from them and be reassured that we are not alone.