Psychedelic Therapy at the Crossroads

Psychedelic-assisted therapy has progressed from decades of prohibition to one of the most rapidly evolving areas of mental health care. This presentation explores the field through the lens of its past, present, and future: tracing the history of psychedelic medicine, the evidence underpinning its resurgence, the current regulatory landscape, and the next generation of drug development. It will examine how Australia compares with international leaders in clinical implementation and consider one of the field's greatest remaining challenges: access.

While clinical efficacy has become increasingly well established, delivering these treatments safely, affordably, and at scale remains unresolved. The session will explore emerging models of care and implementation science that may determine whether psychedelic therapy becomes a niche intervention or an integrated component of mainstream mental healthcare.

Key Takeaways:

• The history and evolution of psychedelic medicine.

• The evidence underpinning the recent resurgence in psychedelic-assisted therapies.

• The current regulatory landscape in Australia.

• How Australia compares with international leaders in clinical implementation.

• Emerging areas of psychedelic drug development and next-generation therapeutics.

• Ongoing challenges around access, affordability and scalability of care.