Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy (PAP) using MDMA or Psilocybin
Find out about DVA funding of Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy (PAP)
Back to topAbout PAP
MDMA and psilocybin are psychedelic drugs and are strictly controlled by the Australian Government.
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs has recently approved the funding of MDMA for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and psilocybin for treatment resistant depression (TRD), where these are used in combination with intensive psychotherapy. This is called psychedelic assisted psychotherapy (PAP).
DVA is committed to ensuring that all medical treatment provided to veterans is high quality, safe, and effective. PAP is an emerging treatment and there may be risks and side-effects that are not yet known.
We will continue to monitor and review our approach to PAP funding alongside developing research regarding the efficacy and safety of MDMA and psilocybin as treatment options alongside the Therapeutic Goods Administration regulations and advice.
To ensure that veterans can access PAP in a safe manner, DVA requires veterans and medical providers to meet strict guidelines for treatment funding.
Psychedelic drugs are strictly controlled, and PAP treatment may only be provided by a specialist psychiatrist who has been authorised to deliver this treatment (Authorised Prescriber).
General Practitioners and other medical specialists who are not Authorised Prescribers cannot legally deliver this treatment.
PAP is not an initial treatment for either PTSD or TRD.
To receive DVA funding for PAP your Authorised Prescriber will be required to demonstrate that you have attempted multiple standard treatments for PTSD or TRD, and that these attempts have not been successful.
Back to topHow can I receive PAP treatment
If you believe your mental health would benefit from PAP, you should speak to your general practitioner (GP) or mental health professional (psychologist or psychiatrist) who can refer you to an Authorised Prescriber.
Before DVA can fund PAP, veterans will need to go through a clinical assessment process with your Authorised Provider.
Please note that even if you have been diagnosed with PTSD and/or TRD, you may not meet the stringent clinical requirements to receive the treatment. This is to ensure you are medically suitable for PAP treatment, and the treatment poses no risk to your health.
Back to topCan I apply for funding?
No. Only Authorised Prescribers can apply for funding for your treatment.
Back to topCan I be reimbursed if I self-fund PAP treatment?
No. As an emerging treatment DVA is unable to reimburse your treatment costs if you self-fund these as a private patient.
Back to topFurther support
For further support, you may contact Open Arms – Veterans and Families Counselling for free and confidential 24/7 counselling services via:
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