A pioneering regional mental health clinic has been selected as Queensland’s only site for a landmark international clinical trial into psychedelic-assisted therapy for depression.
Led locally by the Brain & Mind Hub in Maroochydore, the EMBRACE trial will assess whether a novel investigational psychedelic drug, similar to psilocin, can help reduce symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).
Brain & Mind Hub director and chief executive officer Dr Jim Lagopoulos PhD said the launch of the trial marks a major milestone in the clinic’s first year of operation and reflects its growing involvement in next-generation treatments for depression.
“This is a world-class trial, and we’re proud to be offering people access to it here on the Sunshine Coast,” Dr Lagopoulos said.
“There’s growing global interest in how psychedelic therapies may help address complex mental health conditions – and mounting evidence that, when paired with psychological support, they may modulate the brain circuits involved in depression, changing how thoughts and emotions are processed.
“This trial is an important step in understanding whether a combined approach – psychedelic therapy, psychological support, and standard antidepressants – can promote meaningful healing for those living with MDD.”
The investigational drug has already shown promising results in phase one and two trials and is now entering phase three, with broader testing at select sites worldwide. Brain & Mind Hub is one of just five Australian sites selected – with three in Victoria, one in Sydney, and the Sunshine Coast representing Queensland. Additional international sites are still being finalised.
“By the time a drug reaches phase three in trials, it has already undergone rigorous early-stage testing for safety and dosing and will now be tested in larger populations,” Dr Lagopoulos said.
“This stage is about scale – it’s where we begin to see whether the treatment is not just promising, but truly effective for a broader population. It’s a critical step before any new therapy can be considered for wider clinical use.”
Since opening its doors one year ago, Brain & Mind Hub has emerged as a national leader in integrated mental health care – bringing cutting-edge, neuroscience-backed treatments to the Sunshine Coast through a unique model that unites psychiatrists, psychologists, nurse practitioners, allied health and peer support under one roof. It’s a model that Dr Lagopoulos says is now more important than ever.
“In the past year, we’ve seen a real increase in the complexity of mental health needs across the region. It reinforces why our integrated model and multidisciplinary team approach is so vital – it allows us to deliver personalised care that adapts to each person’s unique and evolving needs,” Dr Lagopoulos said.
To date, the clinic has delivered nearly 3000 appointments to people across the Sunshine Coast, Gympie, Wide Bay–Burnett regions and continues to receive around 100 new enquiries every month.
Dr Megan Dutton, manager of Clinical Services and Research Coordinator at Brain & Mind Hub, said the clinic’s rare combination of neuroscience-informed care, advanced diagnostics and evidence-based therapies have been in high demand since day one.
“We’ve already supported hundreds of patients at our clinic, offering a range of innovative therapies tailored to individual needs. These include oral ketamine therapy, the newly introduced Spravato nasal spray, and advanced Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) protocols,” Dr Dutton said.
“We’re one of only three clinics on the Sunshine Coast to offer Spravato and the only site to offer advanced neuronavigated TMS – and it’s making a real difference.
“Whether it’s TMS, Esketamine, or now psychedelic-assisted therapy, these are treatments that, until recently, were only available overseas or in major metropolitan centres – and now they’re right here on the Coast, offering real hope to people who’ve felt stuck or unsupported by traditional approaches.”
For more information, contact (07) 5220 8793 or visit: www.brainandmindhub.org.au
