As Australia becomes first country to legalise use of psychedelic drugs in the treatment of mental illness, Incannex Healthcare’s subsidiary Clarion Clinics is preparing to take in clients.
Incannex Healthcare (ASX:IHL) has announced that its subsidiary Clarion Clinics Group is now accepting direct registration of interest in treatment from potential clients via its website at clarionclinics.com ahead of its planned Q3 opening.
People who have an interest in treatment from Clarion can now register and request further information on the Clarion website.
Clarion’s first clinic is located on the Yarra Riverfront in the Melbourne suburb of Abbotsford, close to the city centre.
It’s a purpose-designed facility with seven treatment rooms and other facilities conducive to psychedelic-assisted therapy.
Fit-out of the premises is expected to be completed before the end of August before being shortly followed by the opening.
“This is the first step in the process towards receiving treatment and we anticipate that there will be a high level of interest in our leading-edge treatments,” IHL director responsible for Clarion Peter Widdows says.
Clarion director and head of psychotherapy Sean O’Carroll says a lot of thought went into the design of the clinic, as both practical and aesthetic considerations are important for the type of treatment.
“It’s imperative that clients feel welcome, comfortable, and safe, “O’Carroll says.
“We wanted the design of the space to support a sense of calm and a positive mindset, as we know these things contribute to better treatment outcomes.”
Bespoke treatment for positive results
The clinic’s opening is part of IHL’s strategy to become one of the first movers to take advantage of a landmark decision by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
From July 1 medicines containing the psychedelic substances psilocybin and MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine) can be prescribed by authorised psychiatrists in Australia for treating depression and PTSD.
The TGA decision has made Australia the first country in the world to recognise psychedelics as medicines.
Clarion director and chief scientific officer Dr Paul Liknaitzky, Clarion director and head of psychiatry Professor Suresh Sundram and O’Carroll have developed a bespoke nine-month long treatment program, designed to maximise the chance of positive results for clients.
“Our evidence-informed treatment protocols, professional team, and experience within research trials will soon be in service of our clients and the best possible treatment we can provide,” Liknaitzky says.
To be able to prescribe the psychedelic compounds to be used in Clarion’s PAT protocol, psychiatrists must be approved under the TGA’s Authorised Prescriber Scheme.
Once Clarion‘s approvals have been received, treatments can start.
“The recent guidance from the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists in regards to PAT are part of the process towards the safe and effective provision of clinical psychedelic care to the many people who are without adequate treatment options for serious mental health conditions,” Sundram says.
Australian health authorities estimate that 12% of Australians will suffer from PTSD at some point in their lifetime, and 1.5% of the population (390,000 people) have a PTSD diagnosis at any given time.
Certain groups, for example people who serve in the defence force, military veterans, first responders, and certain minority groups make up a disproportionate share of people who experience the debilitating mental health disorder.
Along with the many sufferers of PTSD, it’s estimated that 26.5% of the just over one million Australians who suffer depression (280,000 people) do not adequately respond to standard treatments.
“The term treatment-resistant has misleading connotations, implying that all avenues have been exhausted and that front-line treatments work well for everyone else.
“In reality, neither are typically true,” Liknaitzky says.
“For people who have suffered with certain conditions that have not responded to available treatments, psychedelic-assisted therapies may provide substantial improvements to negative symptoms and quality of life.
“At Clarion Clinics, our aim is to achieve the best outcomes possible using psychedelic therapies, through tailored and extended protocols and a brilliant team.”
This article was developed in collaboration with Incannex Healthcare, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing.
This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.
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