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Attitudes toward psychedelics and psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy among Australian mental healthcare providers

Summary

Australian doctors and mental health professionals have positive views about using psychedelics like psilocybin and MDMA to treat depression and trauma, which were recently approved by regulators. However, many still have safety concerns and gaps in their knowledge, particularly psychiatrists. Most doctors learn about psychedelics from podcasts and websites rather than formal training. The study recommends that professional organizations provide better education to prepare healthcare workers for this new treatment approach.

Background

Australia approved MDMA for treating post-traumatic stress disorder and psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression in 2023. Limited data exists on Australian mental healthcare providers’ attitudes, knowledge and readiness to implement psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy despite these regulatory changes.

Objective

To examine the attitudes, knowledge, readiness and personal experiences of Australian psychiatrists, psychologists and general practitioners regarding psychedelics and psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy following TGA approval.

Results

Overall attitudes toward psychedelic-assisted therapy were positive, with 91.1% agreeing psychedelics may improve outcomes with psychotherapy and 89.1% supporting further research. However, safety and efficacy concerns persisted, particularly among psychiatrists who were more likely to perceive psychedelics as unsafe and question research rigor. Many clinicians relied on informal sources like podcasts rather than evidence-based education.

Conclusion

While Australian mental healthcare providers generally support psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, significant safety and efficacy concerns remain, particularly among psychiatrists. Targeted educational initiatives from professional bodies emphasizing evidence-based training and accessible resources are essential to support informed clinical decision-making and safe therapeutic practices.
  • Published in:Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry,
  • Study Type:Cross-sectional Survey,
  • Source: PMID: 40660894, DOI: 10.1177/00048674251346679
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