Accessing Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy in Perth
Since July 2023, psilocybin and MDMA can be prescribed in Australia only by psychiatrists approved as TGA Authorised Prescribers — a national scheme that is not restricted to particular cities or states. Treatment is delivered by a treating team including the Authorised Prescriber and trained therapists, typically in a controlled clinical setting.
PIA is a training organisation, not a clinical treatment provider — we don't operate a clinic in Perth or anywhere else. If you're looking to access psychedelic-assisted therapy as a patient, the starting point is discussing eligibility with a psychiatrist, as Authorised Prescriber arrangements are determined on a case-by-case basis. For a deeper explanation of how the Authorised Prescriber scheme works, see our training and accreditation guide.
Training Options for WA-Based Practitioners
PIA's training is delivered in two parts, and both are open to practitioners based anywhere in Western Australia:
- Foundational Knowledge (Part A): A fully online, self-paced course covering psychedelic pharmacology, history, therapeutic frameworks, and Australian regulations. Because it's online, location is not a barrier — WA-based practitioners study on the same terms as anyone else in Australia.
- Essential Skills Program (Part B): The hands-on clinical skills training is a 5-day in-person intensive delivered in Melbourne. There is currently no in-person intensive delivered in Perth, so WA-based practitioners travel for this component. The next confirmed intake is 8–12 February 2027.
PIA has trained practitioners based in Western Australia before, and has established Perth-based faculty connections (below) — the hands-on clinical skills component is delivered in Melbourne.
Perth-Based Faculty
A/Prof Petra Skeffington
Clinical Psychologist in private practice and academic at Murdoch University in Perth. MAPS-certified for MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy, lead therapist on an MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy clinical trial, and part of the therapy team on a Psilocybin-Assisted Psychotherapy trial.
Read Petra's full profile →
Dr Stephen Bright
Senior Lecturer of Addiction at Edith Cowan University in Perth, and co-founder of PRISM. Principal Investigator on an Australian MDMA-for-PTSD clinical trial and lead therapist on a psilocybin trial for treatment-resistant depression.
Read Stephen's full profile →The Next Step: Melbourne, 8–12 February 2027
Once you've completed the online Foundational Knowledge course, the Essential Skills Program — held at Abbotsford Convent in Melbourne — is the hands-on clinical skills training that follows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is psychedelic-assisted therapy training available in Perth?
PIA's Foundational Knowledge online course is self-paced and accessible from anywhere in Australia, including Perth and Western Australia. The hands-on Essential Skills Program is delivered in-person in Melbourne, so it requires travel — there is currently no in-person intensive delivered in Perth. The next confirmed intake is 8–12 February 2027.
Does PIA have faculty based in Perth or Western Australia?
Yes. A/Prof Petra Skeffington is a Clinical Psychologist and academic at Murdoch University in Perth, and Dr Stephen Bright is Senior Lecturer of Addiction at Edith Cowan University in Perth. Both are PIA faculty and MAPS-certified clinicians with direct clinical trial experience. PIA has also trained practitioners based in WA.