Psychedelic therapy for depression needs to be equitable - editorial
Embargoed until:
Publicly released:
2025-07-11 00:01
The one psychiatrist in NZ who can now prescribe psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression has expressed concern about this treatment only being available for the privileged few who can pay out of pocket. In an editorial for the New Zealand Medical Journal, Dr Cameron Lacey says we need to act now to find ways to publicly fund psilocybin-assisted therapy, along with gathering robust data and outcome tracking from day one. In doing so, he says NZ can reduce the burden on our mental health system, improve productivity, and most importantly, save lives.
Journal/conference: New Zealand Medical Journal
Organisation/s: University of Canterbury, Elimbias Health
Funder: Competing interests: Cameron Lacey is the founder of Elimbias Health. Elimbias Health provides private paying psilocybin-assisted therapy.
Media release
From: Pasifika Medical Association Group
The recent announcement by the Honourable David Seymour approving the clinical use of psilocybin-assisted therapy for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) has placed New Zealand on the global map, joining a handful of countries at the forefront of psychedelic medicine. There has been intense public, professional and media interest; stories in the New York Times, Time Magazine, Stuff, and Radio New Zealand have captured imaginations and raised expectations across the country. But with this attention comes a significant challenge: to ensure that this emerging treatment does not become the preserve of the privileged few but is available equitably to all New Zealanders who need it.
