Who Can Deliver Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy?
Working as a Therapist in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy (PAT)
(MDMA & Psilocybin — Australia) This guidance reflects current regulatory expectations under the TGA Authorised Prescriber (AP) Scheme, informed by the TGA targeted consultation on psychedelic-assisted therapies.
At present, the lead therapist role must be filled by a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist. The secondary therapist role may be undertaken by a trained health professional holding appropriate registration with a recognised professional body, such as AHPRA, PACFA, ACA, CMA, ACN, AASW ANTA, IICT, etc… Importantly, therapists in both roles are required to have completed specific, relevant training in psychedelic-assisted Common mental illnesses are depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety disorders. therapy, such as that provided through Mind Medicine Australia’s CPAT™ program. TGA reference
Regulatory Context
From 1 July 2023, MDMA and psilocybin may be prescribed by Authorised Prescriber psychiatrists under the TGA AP Scheme for specific mental health conditions.
The TGA’s targeted consultation identified widespread confusion regarding the composition of the therapy “dyad” and clarified expectations regarding therapist qualifications and oversight.
TGA post-consultation position:
“The PAT dyad must include at least one therapist who is registered with a National Board… Oversight of the qualifications and experience of any additional therapists participating in sessions is guided by the determination of the Authorised Prescriber.”
— TGA Targeted Consultation Outcomes (2025)
What is a Second Therapist ?
Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy is delivered by a two-therapist team:
Lead Therapist: A psychiatrist (Authorised Prescriber) or clinical psychologist responsible for clinical leadership.
Second Therapist: A trained therapist who supports preparation, dosing, and integration sessions and does not prescribe medication.
Who Can Work as a Second Therapist?
A Second Therapist may be a qualified health or allied health practitioner, including but not limited to:
- Psychotherapists
- Counsellors
- Social workers
- Mental health nurses
- Occupational therapists
- Art therapists and creative therapists
- Somatic / body-based therapists
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practitioners
- Holistic Practitioner
- and more
Key clarification
The TGA does not restrict second therapists to psychiatrists or clinical psychologists. Suitability is determined by the Authorised Prescriber, based on training, competence, and governance.
Training Requirement
Mind Medicine Australia’s Certificate in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies (CPAT)™:
- Is accepted by HRECs
- Is recognised by the TGA as appropriate training for clinicians working in authorised PAT teams
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)
(KAP) is subject to fewer regulatory constraints regarding who may deliver treatment. CPAT™ graduates are therefore eligible to provide KAP, either by prescribing ketamine themselves (where appropriately qualified) or by working in partnership with a medical practitioner who can prescribe.
Extended Training Pathway & Supervised Clinical Experience
Graduates of the CPAT™ program may apply to Mind Medicine Australia’s extended training pathway, which supports the transition from formal education into supervised clinical practice.
This pathway provides selected graduates with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience delivering psychedelic-assisted therapy within Mind Medicine Australia’s Melbourne-based clinical Centre of Excellence, under established clinical governance and supervision frameworks.
Through participation, clinicians further develop practical skills, work alongside experienced multidisciplinary teams, and continue their professional development in a structured, highly supported clinical environment. This pathway reflects Mind Medicine Australia’s commitment to translating education into safe, ethical, and clinically robust practice, ensuring psychedelic-assisted therapies are implemented responsibly in real-world clinical settings.
Insurance Requirement (Critical)
All Second Therapists must hold their own professional indemnity insurance. Your insurance must:
- Cover psychotherapy / counselling services
- Cover your actual scope of practice
- Not explicitly exclude emerging or intensive therapies
Important clarifications:
- The Authorised Prescriber’s medical indemnity does not cover other therapists
- Clinic insurance does not replace individual professional indemnity
- Practitioners should confirm coverage in writing with their insurer
PAT delivered under the AP Scheme is lawful, regulated medical practice. Insurance is assessed on scope and governance, not on illegal activity.
Professional Insurance FAQs
Do I need insurance to enrol in CPAT™?
No. Insurance is not required to enrol.
Do I need insurance to practice after CPAT™?
Yes. If you intend to work clinically in PAT, you must hold professional indemnity insurance.
Do I need to be AHPRA-registered to be a second therapist?
No. The TGA requires at least one therapist in the dyad to be National-Board registered. Additional therapists may be non-AHPRA-registered if approved by the Authorised Prescriber.
Does my insurance need to say “psychedelic-assisted therapy”?
Not necessarily. It must cover psychotherapy and not exclude emerging or intensive therapies.
Will the psychiatrist’s insurance cover me?
No. Each practitioner is responsible for their own insurance.
Key MMA Position Statement:
Second Therapists in psychedelic-assisted therapy do not need to be psychiatrists or clinical psychologists. They need to have undertaken appropriate CPAT training and then can work under the supervision of Authorised Prescribers in Clinics around Australia.