Which Psychiatrists or Clinics in Australia Are Authorised to Prescribe Psilocybin?
Accessing psilocybin-assisted therapy in Australia involves navigating a rigorous and highly regulated medical pathway. Since July 1, 2023, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has permitted authorised psychiatrists to prescribe psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression. Nevertheless, the list of authorised prescribers is not a public directory, and the number of practitioners and clinics remains relatively small. Consequently, this guide explains the regulatory framework, identifies the known clinics and services, and outlines how eligible patients can find an authorised psychiatrist.
The Authorised Prescriber (AP) Framework
The TGA’s Authorised Prescriber (AP) scheme is the only legal route to access psilocybin outside of clinical trials . This pathway is intentionally strict and multi-layered.
Who Can Prescribe?
Only psychiatrists who meet the following criteria can prescribe psilocybin:
- Hold specialist registration as a psychiatrist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) .
- Be a Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) .
The Authorisation Process:
To become an Authorised Prescriber, a psychiatrist must:
- Develop a clinical treatment protocol and obtain approval from a registered Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) .
- Apply to the TGA and receive specific authorisation for each substance (MDMA or psilocybin) .
As of the most recent TGA data (up to April 2025), a total of 35 Authorised Prescriber approvals had been granted for psilocybin and MDMA combined, with 17 approvals specifically for psilocybin . It is important to note that one psychiatrist may hold separate authorisations for both substances. The TGA data also shows that as of the reporting period ending December 2024, 83 patients had received psilocybin or MDMA therapy under the AP scheme . This small number of patients reflects the limited number of APs and the high barriers to entry.
Known Clinics and Services Offering Psilocybin Therapy
While the TGA does not publish a list of approved clinics, several facilities and organisations are publicly known to offer psilocybin-assisted therapy or are actively establishing services.
Mind Medicine Australia Clinic (Melbourne, VIC)
Mind Medicine Australia (MMA), the not-for-profit organisation that successfully campaigned for the TGA’s rescheduling decision, has opened a dedicated clinic in Abbotsford, Melbourne . This clinic functions as a Centre of Excellence, providing PAT for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and PTSD . MMA also partners with a network of aligned Authorised Prescribers across Australia . The clinic provides clinical services and practical training for clinicians .
Empax Clinics (Perth, WA | Brisbane, QLD | Mornington Peninsula, VIC)
Emyria, a mental health care company, has established Empax clinics that offer psychedelic-assisted treatments under the AP scheme. These clinics operate as an end-to-end care model, encompassing screening, supervised therapy, and post-treatment monitoring . The Empax network includes:
- Perth Clinic (Western Australia) : This was the first Empax centre .
- Avive Health Brisbane (Queensland) : This clinic offers MDMA and psilocybin therapy with coverage through private health insurer Medibank .
- Avive Health Mornington Peninsula (Victoria) : A clinic is currently being established in this location, with patient treatment expected to commence in the first half of 2026 .
Avive Health (Brisbane, QLD)
Avive Health, a private mental health hospital, has partnered with Medibank and Emyria to deliver psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy programs. Eligible Medibank customers with PTSD or TRD can access this treatment with full coverage, saving tens of thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses .
Thompson Brain and Mind Healthcare (Sunshine Coast, QLD)
This not-for-profit clinic is the only Queensland site selected for a global Phase III trial of psilocybin for major depressive disorder . While this is a clinical trial rather than a general AP service, it represents a significant research site for psilocybin therapy .
Individual Authorised Prescribers
Several individual psychiatrists have publicly identified themselves as Authorised Prescribers. For example:
- Dr Annette Mackereth was one of the first Authorised Prescribers of MDMA and psilocybin in Australia and continues to work in this capacity in Western Australia .
How to Find an Authorised Prescriber in Your Area
There is no central public directory of Authorised Prescribers . This is partly because the TGA does not publish a list for privacy reasons. Consequently, finding a prescriber requires proactive engagement through the healthcare system.
Step 1: Consult Your General Practitioner (GP)
This is the most essential first step. Your GP can assess your medical history and determine if you meet the clinical criteria for treatment-resistant depression. They can then write a referral to a psychiatrist who is, or is willing to become, an Authorised Prescriber.
Step 2: Contact Known Clinics Directly
If you live near one of the known clinics (Mind Medicine Australia in Melbourne, Empax clinics in Perth, Brisbane, or the Mornington Peninsula, or Avive Health Brisbane), you can contact them directly to inquire about their services and referral process .
Step 3: Seek Referral to a Specialist
If you are not near a known clinic, your GP should refer you to a psychiatrist who specialises in treatment-resistant depression or psychedelic-assisted therapies. This specialist will be able to advise on whether PAT is an appropriate option.
Important Considerations
- Cost: The treatment is expensive. The cost of a standard course of care typically ranges from $20,000 to $30,000 AUD . Nevertheless, private health insurers like Medibank are beginning to offer coverage for eligible patients at specific clinics .
- Eligibility: PAT is a last-line treatment for treatment-resistant depression. The AP psychiatrist must verify that you have exhausted all TGA-approved treatments before considering psilocybin .
- Setting: Treatment must occur in a medically supervised environment. Patients cannot take the medicine home .
Conclusion
The number of psychiatrists and clinics authorised to prescribe psilocybin in Australia is small but growing. The Mind Medicine Australia Clinic, Empax clinics, and Avive Health are key known providers. The pathway to access this therapy involves a referral from a GP to a psychiatrist who has or can obtain TGA authorisation. This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you believe you may be eligible for psilocybin-assisted therapy, the first step is to discuss your situation with a General Practitioner.