Aurora Podcast - Season 2 Episode 2
Rewiring Recovery: Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy (PAT) in Practice
Rewiring Recovery: Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy (PAT) in Practice
About this episode
In this episode, we explore the evolving evidence base and clinical considerations around psychedelic‑assisted therapies in Australia. Belmont Private Hospital Psychiatrists Dr Lana Fernandes and Dr Scott Newman join GP host Dr Peta‑Ann Teague to discuss how substances such as psilocybin, MDMA and ketamine are being studied and, in limited circumstances, clinically applied within a regulated framework.
The conversation focuses on treatment‑resistant depression and post‑traumatic stress disorder, outlining current diagnostic definitions, patient selection considerations, and how psychedelic‑assisted therapy differs from standard pharmacological treatment. The guests discuss assessment requirements, safety considerations, medical and psychiatric exclusions, and the importance of intensive psychological support before, during and after treatment.
This episode is intended for health professionals and provides general educational information only. It does not constitute medical advice, does not promote specific treatments, and does not replace individual clinical assessment or referral pathways. Psychedelic‑assisted therapies are highly regulated in Australia and are only appropriate for select patients following specialist assessment.
Learning outcomes
- Apply current clinical definitions of treatment‑resistant depression and post‑traumatic stress disorder when assessing patients in general practice.
- Identify patient factors, contraindications and red flags relevant to considering referral for psychedelic‑assisted therapy.
- Describe the GP’s role within a psychiatrist‑led, regulated model of psychedelic‑assisted therapy, including referral pathways and shared care.
- Evaluate the current evidence base, limitations and uncertainties of psychedelic‑assisted therapies to support informed, patient‑centred discussions.
Presented by
- Dr Scott Newman, Psychiatrist, MBBS, FRANZCP
- Dr Lana Fernandes, Psychiatrist, MBBS, MMH, Bpharm, FRANZCP
- A/Prof Peta-Ann Teague, MBChb, MRCGP, DRCOG, FRACGP, Dip Med Ed
About Belmont Private Hospital
Belmont Private Hospital is Queensland’s largest private mental health hospital and part of Aurora Healthcare’s national network. The hospital provides inpatient and outpatient mental health care for adults across a broad range of presentations, working closely with referrers to support timely access to evidence‑based treatment pathways.
Belmont supports a number of specialty cohorts, including women’s mental health, perinatal mental health, and young adults, alongside services for more complex and high‑acuity presentations. The hospital offers specialist care including a dedicated special care unit and neurostimulation therapies such as ECT and rTMS. In line with Aurora Healthcare’s network‑wide approach, Belmont supports contemporary models of care and an interest in emerging therapies within established clinical and regulatory frameworks.
Disclaimer
This podcast is intended for healthcare professionals, including mental health clinicians and general practitioners, and is provided for CPD and educational purposes only.
The content is general in nature and is not intended to replace individual clinical judgement, diagnosis, or treatment planning. Clinicians should consider each patient’s specific circumstances, relevant clinical guidelines, and current regulatory requirements when applying information discussed.
While we aim to provide accurate and up-to-date information, healthcare is complex and constantly evolving. What we discuss may not apply to your individual circumstances, and Aurora Healthcare does not endorse any specific treatments, clinicians, or products mentioned.
By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge that Aurora Healthcare is not responsible for any decisions made based on the information provided.