Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy in Sydney Now Available
Dr. Maria-Elena Lukeides now offers access to psychedelic-assisted therapy in Sydney in collaboration with a certified psychedelic clinic. This innovative, evidence-based approach is showing powerful outcomes for individuals living with chronic depression or trauma-related conditions who have not found success with traditional treatments.
Currently, Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has approved MDMA-assisted therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and psilocybin-assisted therapy for recurrent or treatment-resistant depression. Clinical studies show that these treatments can lead to substantial symptom reduction, improved emotional processing, and increased quality of life—even for individuals who have struggled for many years.
Your safety and wellbeing are the top priority. Before beginning any psychedelic therapy, all individuals complete a short course of preparatory therapy with Maria-Elena. This helps assess whether psychedelic therapy is appropriate, and offers a foundation of support to optimise treatment outcomes. With over 25 years of experience in trauma therapy, depression treatment, and integrative mental health care, Maria-Elena ensures a trauma-informed, compassionate approach every step of the way.
At present, only the following conditions are eligible for psychedelic-assisted therapy in Australia:
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or trauma-related conditions
Recurrent or treatment-resistant depression
Some people with co-occurring mental health conditions may also be eligible. However, those with a personal or family history of bipolar disorder, psychosis, or certain psychiatric conditions are not yet considered suitable, based on current research and safety protocols.
Once an initial trial of psychological therapy with Maria-Elena has been conducted and suitable for these therapies has been established, Dr Maria-Elena will be able to recommend you to a psychiatrist for initiation of the psychedelic program. Dr Maria-Elena Lukeides will be able to be your lead therapist throughout the entire process.
The full program, including assessment by a psychiatrist, preparation for medicine, supervised MDMA or psilocybin dosing sessions, and post-treatment integration therapy, costs approximately $20,000 AUD (this is paid to the external clinic).
If you're looking for psychedelic therapy in Sydney and want to explore whether this path could support your healing, you’re welcome to book an initial consultation.
Integration therapy for those who have had a psychedelic experience
There are a lot of reports that people have been reaching out to “underground” shamans to access these treatments before they have become mainstream in traditional mental health settings. However, this can lead to adverse experiences and actual worsening of presenting symptoms because people suffering with mental health issues may need greater support before and following ingestion of psychedlics. That's why psychological integration is critical when using psychedelics.
Psychological integration refers to the process of integrating the insights and experiences gained from a psychedelic experience into one's daily life. This process is essential for making lasting changes and deriving long-term benefits from a psychedelic experience. Without proper integration, the insights and experiences gained from a psychedelic experience may be lost or fade away, and the potential benefits of the experience may not be fully realized.
The use of psychedelic substances, such as psilocybin or MDMA, in combination with psychotherapy can facilitate profound and transformative experiences that can lead to long-lasting positive changes in mental health and well-being. Dr Maria-Elena Lukeides is certified in this treatment approach and has received specialised training in providing psychedelic assisted therapy and more importantly integration of psychedelic experiences.
We understand that the idea of using psychedelic substances as a form of therapy may be new and potentially concerning for some people. It is important to note that psychedelic assisted therapy is not about using these substances for recreational purposes, but rather as a tool to facilitate deeper self-exploration, emotional processing, and healing in a safe and supportive environment.
Dr Maria-Elena Lukeides is committed to providing a personalised and integrative approach to treatment that meets the unique needs and goals of each individual client. She uses a combination of evidence-based therapeutic techniques and innovative approaches to support her clients on their journey towards greater mental health and well-being.