NZ Opens Door to Psilocybin Therapy for Depression With New Prescribing Guidelines

In a landmark move for mental health treatment, the New Zealand Government is paving the way for broader access to psilocybin therapy, giving psychiatrists a new tool in the fight against treatment-resistant depression. Associate Health Minister David Seymour has welcomed Medsafe’s publication of new prescribing guidelines, a step expected to expand the number of authorised clinicians who can administer the psychedelic-based treatment under strict medical oversight.

A New Hope for Patients With Few Options

“This is huge for people with depression who’ve tried everything else and are still suffering,” said Minister Seymour. “If a doctor believes psilocybin can help, they should have the opportunity to do what’s best for their patient.”

Psilocybin, a compound found in certain species of psychedelic mushrooms, has shown significant promise in global clinical trials for its ability to ease the symptoms of major depressive disorders, particularly in patients who have not responded to conventional treatments.

Until recently, New Zealand regulations made it extremely difficult for medical practitioners to access psilocybin, despite mounting international evidence supporting its therapeutic potential. However, Medsafe’s newly released prescribing framework marks a major turning point in the country’s approach.

Aligning With Global Best Practice

New Zealand’s policy shift brings its regulatory stance in line with Australia, where psychiatrists have been using psilocybin in controlled clinical settings since 2023. The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) reclassified psilocybin as a controlled medicine for treatment-resistant depression, allowing authorised prescribers to access it under strict conditions.

“Recent changes have put New Zealand’s settings in line with Australia,” Seymour confirmed. “This opens the door for more patients here to receive evidence-based, life-changing support.”

Early Access Already Granted

One highly experienced psychiatrist in New Zealand has already been granted prescribing authority, becoming the country’s first authorised psilocybin prescriber. This development, while still limited in scope, is a sign of growing acceptance among medical professionals and regulators alike.

“This is excellent news for their patients,” Seymour said. “But there are other Kiwis in need in different parts of New Zealand who might have an appropriate practitioner nearby.”

Requirements for Medical Practitioners

Medsafe’s guidelines outline a clear and rigorous process for psychiatrists who wish to gain approval to prescribe psilocybin. Requirements include:

• Medical registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand and a current practising certificate.

• Proven clinical experience and a thorough understanding of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy.

• A peer-reviewed proposal detailing the treatment protocol, therapeutic framework, and patient safety procedures.

• Close collaboration with a multidisciplinary team, including psychotherapists and monitoring clinicians.

Approval remains highly selective, with Medsafe reviewing applications on a case-by-case basis. Psilocybin continues to be classified as an unapproved medicine in New Zealand, meaning it cannot yet be widely prescribed outside of these special authorisations.

A Responsible Path Forward

The Government’s cautious but progressive approach has been welcomed by mental health advocates, researchers, and clinicians seeking new tools for tackling depression, anxiety, and other treatment-resistant conditions.

“Soon more practitioners will have the ability to use this medicine,” said Seymour. “That means more patients will benefit.”

Supporters argue that psychedelic-assisted therapy, when properly supervised and integrated with conventional care, offers a profoundly different way of treating mental illness—not by masking symptoms, but by helping patients address root psychological trauma in a supportive therapeutic environment.

Ongoing Research and Oversight

Medsafe will continue to monitor global evidence, including long-term outcomes and safety data from clinical trials in Australia, the United States, and Europe. Ongoing research from institutions such as Johns Hopkins University and Imperial College London has consistently demonstrated psilocybin’s effectiveness in reducing depression symptoms, sometimes with a single high-dose session combined with professional psychotherapy.

New Zealand’s gradual approach reflects both enthusiasm for innovation and a deep commitment to patient safety, medical integrity, and scientific evidence.

Looking Ahead

With New Zealand’s mental health system under pressure and thousands of people facing long waits or limited options for treatment, the addition of psilocybin-assisted therapy represents a bold step forward.

As more practitioners become authorised and awareness of the treatment grows, many hope this will signal the beginning of a new chapter in mental health care—one where science, compassion, and innovation come together to transform lives.