Published Oct 22 2021

‘What Happens Next?’: Is It Time to Join the Psychedelic Renaissance?

Susan
Carland
Academic, author and social commentator
Paul liknaitzky
Head, Clinical Psychedelic Research, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
Meaghan o'donnell
Head of Research, Phoenix Australia

Attitudes towards psychoactive drugs for the treatment of mental health are changing, and for good reason – it’s hard to disagree with the evidence of the therapeutic benefits. Compelling studies are being conducted around the world, several of them here at Monash. And it won’t be long until you see the results of these studies for yourself – experts suggest health care providers could begin prescribing psychedelic drugs for PTSD patients as soon as 2023.

Read more Psychedelic research renaissance: The urgent quest for new mental health medicines

In this episode of What Happens Next?, Dr Susan Carland talks to Dr Paul Liknaitzky, the principal investigator on a number of Australia’s first clinical psychedelic trials. She’s also joined by Dr Meaghan O’Donnell, head of research at Phoenix Australia, the centre for posttraumatic mental health, and professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Melbourne.

Listen now to learn how psychedelic drugs, in concert with more traditional therapies, can help trauma survivors shift their perceptions, and about some of the upcoming research that will revolutionise psychiatry and change the lives of millions of people suffering from mental illness.

To be added to Monash University’s notification list for psychedelic drug trial recruitment, email psychedelic@monash.edu.

“This is both an old and a new treatment approach, in a strange way, and there are so many ways in which we can still innovate and develop.”

Paul Liknaitsky

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About the Authors

  • Susan carland

    Director, Bachelor of Global Studies, and Lecturer, School of Language, Literature, Cultures and Linguistics

    Susan's research and teaching specialties focus on gender, sociology, contemporary Australia, terrorism, and Islam in the modern world. Susan hosted the “Assumptions” series on ABC’s Radio National, and was named one of the 20 Most Influential Australian Female Voices in 2012 by The Age.

  • Paul liknaitzky

    Head, Clinical Psychedelic Research, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

    Paul is Head of the Clinical Psychedelic Lab, and Senior Research Fellow in the Department of Psychiatry at Monash University. He has played a central role in establishing the field of clinical psychedelic research in Australia, and is the principal investigator on a program of psychedelic trials. He leads the country’s largest and most experienced group of psychedelic researchers and clinicians, is involved in numerous psychedelic studies across the country, and collaborates with many international experts and organisations in the field. He has led several world-first studies, including the first trial to use psilocybin in the treatment of a primary anxiety condition, the first study testing the utility of psilocybin as a therapist training tool, and the first trial testing a psychedelic-augmented virtual-reality treatment. In Australia, he established the first psychedelic lab, coordinated the first applied psychedelic therapist training program, and obtained the first industry funding for psychedelic research. Together with clinical and industry colleagues, he co-founded Australia’s first purpose-built psychedelic-assisted therapy clinic. He is regularly invited to speak on psychedelic science for academia, medical peak bodies, industry, and government. His work is focused on investigating novel applications for psychedelic therapies, translating evidence into best clinical practice, exploring under-examined risks, delivering next-generation therapist training, and improving access and affordability.

  • Meaghan o'donnell

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