At Daintree Psychiatry, our authorised providers offer safe and effective ‘medication-assisted psychotherapy’ (MAT) for the treatment of both, Treatment resistant Depression and PTSD.
This advanced therapy involves the administration of a medication that provides an opportunity for patients to undertake therapy with our highly trained clinicians whilst in an altered state of consciousness.
Medication assisted therapies work primarily by activating specific neuroreceptors in the brain. This activation leads to altered states of consciousness, enhanced emotional processing, and increased neuroplasticity. These effects can facilitate deep psychological healing.
These medications are administered in a supervised clinical setting under the guidance of highly trained professionals to help facilitate the processing of complex emotions, to enhance psychological insight, and to promote healing.
The Process
Our medication-assisted therapies include three key phases:
- Preparation Sessions: These sessions help individuals understand the process, set intentions, and build trust with the therapist. Clients are guided in exploring their mental and emotional landscapes before the experience.
- Altered state sessions (Dosing): Medication is given in a highly supportive setting with 2 dedicated clinicians present. The experience is closely monitored with emotional and psychological support provided throughout the entirety of the dosing session.
- Integration Sessions: After the experience, clients engage in follow-up therapy sessions to process insights, reinforce positive changes, and integrate new perspectives into daily life. Integration is a crucial part of ensuring lasting therapeutic benefits.
Dr Nigel Strauss
Dr Nigel Strauss is currently working alongside our highly trained psychiatrists Dr Claire King and Dr Jens Gaarslev with their MAT program at Daintree Psychiatry.
Dr Nigel Strauss FRANZCP is a Melbourne-based psychiatrist and leading advocate for the clinical use of medication assisted therapy (MAT). With over four decades experience, he has been involved in pioneering Australian trials using MAT for mental health treatment.
