Our mental health epidemic is increasing daily and further exacerbated by the pandemic. In the quest for new treatment options for mental illness and psychiatric disorders, attention is being paid to the potential role of microdoses of psychedelic drugs as adjuncts to psychotherapy for a wide array of maladies of the mind, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and addictions.

With trials now also underway for dementia, OCD and eating disorders, this Health Conversation will examine the evidence for psychedelic-assisted therapy and investigate the potential applications of this novel therapy.

Tania de Jong AM Tania de Jong AM is one of Australia’s most successful female entrepreneurs and innovators with 5 businesses and 3 charities under her belt. Tania has recently been named in the 100 Women of Influence and the 100 Most Influential Entrepreneurs in Australia.  She works across the public, private, creative and community sectors and is passionate about mental health, innovation, diversity and inclusion.  She was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in June 2008 for service to the Arts.
Dr Josephine Anderson Dr Josephine Anderson is a Conjoint Associate Professor at the UNSW and Clinical Director at the Royal Far West Centre for Country Kids, Manly. She also works as a consultant psychiatrist for the NSW Mental Health Review Tribunal, the Black Dog Institute and the Early Psychosis Program in South East Sydney Local Health District. Although Dr Anderson’s work is primarily clinical she has a keen interest in teaching and service development, with a focus on early intervention, innovative models of care and service integration, including those embracing partnerships with GPs and NGO care providers.
Peter Hunt AM As an investment banker Peter Hunt AM advised local and multinational companies and governments in Australia for nearly 35 years.  He co-founded and was Executive Chairman of one of Australia’s leading investment banking advisory firms, Caliburn Partnership. Peter was a member of the Advisory Panel of ASIC and chaired the Vincent Fairfax Family Office. Peter is a Director of Project Rozana and an Advisory Board member of the Monash Sustainable Development Institute. Peter was made a member of the General Division of the Order of Australia in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in 2010 for services to the philanthropic sector.