A SUNSHINE Coast mental health clinic has been selected as Queensland’s sole site for a landmark global clinical trial into psychedelic-assisted therapy for depression.
Maroochydore’s Brain & Mind Hub will lead the local delivery of the EMBRACE trial, which is testing a novel investigational psychedelic compound similar to psilocin – for treating Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).
“This is a world-class trial, and we’re proud to be offering people access to it here on the Sunshine Coast,” said Brain & Mind Hub Director and CEO, Dr Jim Lagopoulos.
“There’s growing global interest in how psychedelic therapies may help address complex mental health conditions … when paired with psychological support, they may modulate the brain circuits involved in depression.”
The clinic is one of only five sites nationally – and the only in Queensland – to be selected for the phase three trial, which follows promising early-stage results.
“In the past year, we’ve seen a real increase in the complexity of mental health needs across the region,” Dr Lagopoulos said.
Dr Megan Dutton added the clinic’s specialised therapies, including ketamine, Spravato®, and neuronavigated TMS, are making a real difference.