Medicine-Assisted Therapy

About Medicine-Assisted Therapy

Who is it for?

Medicine-assisted therapy may be helpful if:

• You have depression that has not improved with standard antidepressant medications
• You are experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), especially where symptoms have not responded to therapy or medication
• You are living with long-term anxiety or emotional distress that feels stuck or difficult to shift
• You have experienced significant life events, grief, or trauma that continues to affect your wellbeing
• You are under the care of a psychiatrist and exploring alternative or adjunct treatment options
• You have tried multiple evidence-based treatments without sufficient improvement

This treatment is generally considered when other approaches, such as medication and psychotherapy, have not been effective enough on their own.

A comprehensive psychiatric assessment is required before starting treatment.

Benefits of Medicine-Assisted Therapy

Medicine-assisted therapy may offer:

• Rapid and meaningful reductions in depressive or trauma-related symptoms
• Increased emotional insight and self-awareness
• Reduced avoidance of difficult thoughts, memories, or emotions
• Improved engagement with ongoing psychotherapy
• A sense of psychological “reset” or new perspective for some individuals
• Potential longer-lasting improvement after a small number of sessions (varies by person)

What to Expect

Medicine-assisted therapy is delivered in three main phases:

Preparation Phase

• Several preparation sessions with your treating psychiatrist and therapy team
• Discussion of your history, goals, and expectations
• Education about what the experience may involve
• Emotional preparation and safety planning before the session

Treatment Session

• A guided, supervised session in a calm clinical environment
• Typically lasts several hours depending on the medication used
• You will be supported by trained clinicians throughout
• Music, comfort items, and therapeutic support may be used to help guide the experience

Integration Phase

• Follow-up sessions with your psychiatrist and/or therapy team
• Support in making sense of insights, emotions, and experiences
• Assistance in applying changes to daily life and relationships
• Ongoing review of your mental health and progress

After the Session

After treatment, you may feel:

• Emotionally reflective or sensitive
• Tired or mentally “open”
• A shift in mood or perspective over the following days

You will require time to recover following the hospital admission. You should not drive, return to work immediately, or make major decisions straight after discharge. A support person is advised for discharge and early recovery support.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

While Medicine-assisted therapy is conducted in a safe, supervised environment, some side effects may occur during or after treatment, including:

• Anxiety, emotional discomfort, or distressing thoughts during the session
• Nausea or physical discomfort
• Headache or fatigue afterwards
• Temporary confusion or altered perception
• Intense emotional experiences or resurfacing of past trauma
• Increased heart rate or blood pressure during administration

These effects are usually temporary and are supported by trained clinicians throughout the experience.

Medicine-assisted therapy may not be suitable for individuals with a history of psychosis, certain medical conditions, or unstable mental health. Your psychiatrist will carefully assess whether this treatment is appropriate for you.