Welcome to
Clarion Clinics

A number of clinical trials have shown that assisted psychotherapy can be effective for a proportion of people with difficult-to-treat mental health conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder and treatment-resistant depression. Of the individuals who undergo this class of treatments in clinical trials, many report sustained improvements in negative symptoms, quality of life, and wellbeing.

The therapeutic effects of assisted psychotherapy can be attributed to the combination of two important factors:

• Experiences that occasion profound insights, increased self-awareness, compassion, and shifts in perspective, among other changes.
• Specialised psychotherapy designed to prepare for, support, and integrate those experiences in the safest and most useful way.

The safety of our clients is our top priority. The substances we use in our treatment protocols have been shown to have good physical and psychological safety when used in supervised settings under the support of clinicians with specialised training.  

Our dedicated team of therapists and medical professionals have nation-leading experience in the safe delivery of assisted psychotherapies, and are committed to supporting each individual on their unique journey to improved functioning, quality of life, and wellbeing.

The Clarion Clinics treatment programs for post-traumatic stress disorder and treatment-resistant depression last approximately nine months. The process includes initial psychiatric and medical assessments, followed by a prolonged course of regular individual and then group psychotherapy, augmented by two full-day dosing sessions.

Access and affordability are important to us at Clarion Clinics, though never at the expense of safety and effectiveness. Our primary aim is to provide the best chance of sustained mental health improvements for all our clients. Our approach is to design a best-in-class service that is costed fairly, while working with clients to secure reimbursement where possible through insurance, membership organisations, or employers. Additionally, we are establishing a Health Economics Unit that will collect and analyse our real-world cost-effectiveness data towards potential Medicare reimbursement in future. We will also offer a limited number of subsidised packages within Clarion, based on financial need and suitability.

Clarion’s Melbourne clinic is now open for treatment. For new clients wishing to commence the screening process to assess eligibility for this treatment, please complete the request for further information form on this website.

The cost of treatment is as follows: 

• Eligibility screening: pre-screening, psychiatric assessment, medical assessment, and psychological assessment – $0 (bulk billed, with no out-of-pocket costs to clients). 
• Full treatment package: approximately 9-months of ongoing treatment, including psychiatry, psychotherapy, medicines, and aftercare – $24,000 (maximum, with possibly reductions through Medicare). 

There are potentially several Medicare refundable items within our treatment program. The exact amount which is refundable to our clients is dependent upon individual circumstances, but could be up to approximately $6,000. Our clinic practice manager will discuss your circumstances with you and calculate the amount which you can expect to be refunded by Medicare following eligibility screening. 

Some private health insurers may also fund a portion of the fee. This is dependent upon your insurer and the type of policy you hold. Please liaise directly with your insurer, and our practice can assist in this process. 

To be eligible for treatment at Clarion Clinics, you must be diagnosed by a psychiatrist with either:

• Treatment-resistant depression* or
• Post-traumatic stress disorder

This diagnosis can occur through your own psychiatrist or through a psychiatrist within the Clarion team. Following confirmation of this diagnosis, you will need to undergo a medical examination and a psychological assessment to determine your suitability for this type of treatment. *Treatment Resistant Depression entails a Major Depression Disorder diagnosis that has not responded adequately to at least two forms of treatment.

There are several pathways into treatment; you can come to us directly or be referred by your psychiatrist, psychologist, or GP.
Initially, the best step is to express interest by completing the request for further information form on this website and we will provide you with more information regarding our services.