Ketamine Therapy in Australia: Access & What to Expect
This guide is strictly informational — not medical advice, and not an endorsement of any specific provider.
Two different kinds of ketamine service in Australia
Ketamine treatment for depression in Australia generally falls into two categories, illustrated by the services we’ve reviewed for this directory:
Public hospital services, such as a Melbourne public hospital’s outpatient program offering low-dose intravenous ketamine infusions for eligible patients with treatment-resistant depression. Based on the specific service we reviewed, this kind of program is typically restricted to existing patients of that hospital or health service, requires psychiatrist referral, and may not accept direct enquiries from the general community at all.
Private mental health clinics, which may offer ketamine alongside other treatments (such as rTMS) as part of a broader mental-health service offering, again via referral.
Both are distinct from the TGA’s Authorised Prescriber scheme that governs psilocybin and MDMA — ketamine is a separately registered medicine being used off-label for depression, not part of that specific regulatory pathway. See our guide on psychedelic-assisted therapy in Australia for how that scheme works.
What a typical treatment course looks like
Based on the public hospital service we reviewed, one example protocol involves a three-week course of twice-weekly infusions (roughly 40 minutes each) at a sub-anaesthetic dose, delivered as an outpatient. Private providers may structure treatment differently — always confirm the specific protocol, session count, and duration directly with the provider.
Access and referral
Every service we’ve reviewed requires referral — there’s no walk-in or self-directed access route among the options in this directory. Public hospital services may have additional geographic or existing-patient restrictions on top of the referral requirement. If you’re interested in this treatment, the practical starting point is a conversation with your GP or treating psychiatrist about referral options in your area.
Where to find factual information on providers
We list Australian ketamine services in our clinics directory in “neutral mode” — factual listing only (name, location, contact link), with no pricing, promotional content, or treatment-outcome claims. We are not affiliated with any listed provider.
Frequently asked questions
Is ketamine treatment the same regulatory pathway as psilocybin/MDMA therapy?
No — ketamine is a separately registered medicine, used off-label for depression via ordinary psychiatrist referral. It's a different (and generally more accessible) pathway than the TGA's Authorised Prescriber scheme that governs psilocybin and MDMA.
Can I refer myself for ketamine treatment?
Generally no — the services we've reviewed require psychiatrist referral, and public hospital services specifically may only accept patients already within their catchment area or existing patient base. Contact a specific provider directly to understand their referral requirements.
Is ketamine treatment free in Australia?
It depends on the provider — public hospital pathways may be publicly funded for eligible patients, while private clinics set their own pricing. Confirm directly with the specific service.