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Important: This article is general information only and is not medical advice. PTSD is a serious mental health condition. Always consult an AHPRA-registered doctor or qualified mental health professional. If you are in crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or 000 in an emergency.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the most challenging conditions to live with — and one of the most individually variable to treat. For Australian patients who have already worked through first-line therapies and are still struggling, looking into alternative medicine options through an AHPRA-registered doctor is a reasonable next step to explore.
This guide outlines what PTSD is, what first-line treatments look like in Australia, what current research is exploring in the alternative medicine space, eligibility considerations, and how a telehealth consultation works. It is informational, hedged where the evidence is hedged, and not a substitute for individual clinical assessment.
What Is PTSD?
PTSD develops in some people after exposure to a traumatic event — combat, assault, accident, sudden loss, or repeated occupational exposure (for example, in emergency services). The Australian guidelines published by Phoenix Australia describe a core symptom cluster:
- Re-experiencing — intrusive memories, flashbacks, nightmares
- Avoidance — of places, people, or topics that recall the trauma
- Negative changes in mood and thinking — persistent low mood, difficulty experiencing positive emotions, distorted self-perception
- Hyper-arousal — sleep disruption, irritability, hypervigilance, difficulty concentrating
Lifetime prevalence in Australia is around 12%, with notably higher rates among defence personnel, veterans, first responders, and survivors of sexual or domestic violence. The Black Dog Institute and the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) both publish accessible patient information for Australians wanting to understand the condition before seeking care.
This article covers general information for adults already engaged with the healthcare system. Self-diagnosis is not recommended — PTSD requires assessment by a qualified clinician.
First-Line Treatments for PTSD in Australia
Australian and international guidelines (Phoenix Australia, NHMRC, the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists) recommend trauma-focused psychological therapies as first-line treatment for adult PTSD. The evidence is strongest for:
- Trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (TF-CBT)
- Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR)
- Prolonged exposure therapy
When psychological therapy alone is not enough, certain medications — typically SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) or SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) — are used as adjunctive treatment. These are well-studied and remain the front-line pharmacological option in most cases.
For patients where conventional treatments have not produced adequate response, the federal Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) provides pathways for AHPRA-registered doctors to prescribe alternative medicines through the Special Access Scheme (SAS-B) or the Authorised Prescriber pathway. Eligibility under those pathways is a clinical judgement made by the prescribing doctor — not a guarantee.
For background on how the federal pathway works, see our pillar guide: How to Get a Prescription in Australia.
What Is Current Research Exploring?
The body of clinical literature on alternative medicine and PTSD is emerging — not conclusive. Both Australian and international research groups are actively studying:
- Effects on sleep architecture in PTSD patients with chronic insomnia
- Whether certain alternative medicine treatments reduce nightmare frequency
- Effects on hyper-arousal symptoms during the day
- Long-term safety in patients with co-existing mental health conditions
A range of pilot studies, naturalistic observation studies, and randomised controlled trials have been published in peer-reviewed journals — but most authors note the evidence base is still maturing, sample sizes are often small, and outcomes are highly variable between patients. The NHMRC and TGA continue to update guidance as new evidence is published.
What this means in practical terms: an AHPRA-registered doctor will discuss what is currently understood, what is still being researched, and what is appropriate for your individual circumstances. No outcome is promised — the evidence does not support that yet, and any clinic claiming otherwise should be treated cautiously.
Am I Eligible to Discuss Alternative Medicine for PTSD?
Eligibility is a clinical decision that an AHPRA-registered doctor makes during your consultation, based on factors including:
- A documented PTSD diagnosis (typically from a GP, psychologist, or psychiatrist)
- Evidence that conventional first-line treatments have been tried, are unsuitable, or have not produced sufficient response
- Adult age (most clinics consult patients 18+)
- No clinical contraindications based on your medical and mental health history
Same-day appointments are commonly available at MyLeaf for an initial consultation. A consultation does not guarantee a particular outcome — it is an assessment, after which your doctor will recommend the best path forward for your situation.
Book an initial consultation to start the conversation.
How a Telehealth Consultation Works
A first MyLeaf consultation typically runs in five steps:
- Book online — pick a date and time. No GP referral is required.
- Complete a short intake form — about five minutes, covering your medical and mental health history, current medications, and what you would like to discuss.
- Speak to your doctor — by phone or video at the booked time. PTSD-focused initial consultations typically run 20–30 minutes.
- Treatment plan or alternative recommendations — if clinically appropriate, your AHPRA-registered doctor will discuss next steps. If not appropriate, alternatives may include referral, further testing, or different treatment options.
- Follow-up cadence — most patients are reviewed within 4–8 weeks of starting any new treatment.
For a full breakdown of consultation pricing and inclusions, see our pricing page and Telehealth Consultation Cost in Australia.
What to Prepare Before Your Consultation
A short checklist that makes the consultation more useful:
- A list of current medications and dosages, including supplements and over-the-counter products
- A brief mental health history — therapists you have seen, treatments tried, and how you responded
- Any specialist letters or diagnostic reports you have on hand (helpful but not always required)
- Trauma history details — only as much as you are comfortable sharing; your doctor will respect your pace
- Goals and concerns — what you are hoping to address, what you are uncertain about
- A quiet, private space for the call
You do not need to retell every detail of your trauma in the first consultation. Your doctor will guide the conversation in a way that is clinically useful without being retraumatising.
Is It Safe to Combine With Existing PTSD Medication?
This is a question only your prescribing doctor can answer for your specific situation, because the answer depends on which medications you are currently taking, the doses, and your full clinical picture. Common interaction concerns that doctors will assess include:
- SSRIs and SNRIs — most common first-line PTSD medications
- Benzodiazepines — sometimes prescribed short-term for acute symptoms
- Sleep medications — if used for PTSD-related insomnia
- Other psychiatric medications — antipsychotics, mood stabilisers
The single most useful thing you can do at consultation is disclose every medication, supplement, and over-the-counter product you are taking. Interactions are usually manageable when the doctor has the full picture, but they cannot be assessed if information is missing.
Never change or stop a prescribed medication without medical supervision. Withdrawal effects from some PTSD medications can be significant, and any change should be planned with the doctor who originally prescribed them.
Cost and Access
MyLeaf operates flat national pricing — the same fee applies regardless of where in Australia you live:
- Initial consultation: $49 AUD
- Renewal or follow-up consultation: $39 AUD
- Quick consultation: $50 AUD
Alternative medicine consultations for PTSD are not currently bulk-billed under Medicare or covered by the PBS. DVA cardholders (veterans and dependants) should discuss their specific situation with the registered doctor at consultation — there is no guarantee of coverage, and arrangements vary.
For the full pricing breakdown and how MyLeaf compares to other Australian alternative medicine clinics, see our pricing page.
Mental Health Support Resources (Australia)
If you are struggling, these services are available 24/7 (or as listed):
- Lifeline — 13 11 14 (24/7, suicide and crisis support)
- Beyond Blue — 1300 22 4636 (24/7, depression, anxiety, related conditions)
- Open Arms — 1800 011 046 (veterans and families)
- Phoenix Australia — phoenixaustralia.org (PTSD information and resources)
- 13YARN — 13 92 76 (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander crisis support)
If you are in immediate danger or considering harming yourself, call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department. This article is not a substitute for crisis support, and a telehealth consultation is not appropriate for an acute crisis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an alternative medicine consultation for PTSD without a psychiatrist’s referral?
A psychiatrist’s referral is not typically required to book a MyLeaf consultation. However, having documentation of your PTSD diagnosis from a GP, psychologist, or psychiatrist supports a more informed clinical assessment, and your doctor may ask about it during the consultation.
I’m a veteran — can DVA help cover costs?
DVA arrangements vary by individual circumstances and the specific treatment recommended. Discuss your DVA card with your AHPRA-registered doctor at consultation — they can talk you through what is reasonable to explore. There is no guarantee of cover.
Will it interfere with my current trauma therapy?
Most patients continue trauma-focused psychological therapy alongside any new treatment. The two approaches address different aspects of recovery and are often complementary. Your doctor will discuss this specifically with you.
Can I drive on this kind of treatment?
Drug-driving laws apply across Australia regardless of whether a substance was taken on medical advice. The specific impact on driving depends on the treatment. Always raise driving with your AHPRA-registered doctor at consultation. For state-specific information, see our state guides for Sydney and NSW, Melbourne and Victoria, and Brisbane and Queensland.
Is my consultation confidential?
Yes. Consultations are conducted on secure telehealth infrastructure, and your medical and mental health information is handled in line with the Privacy Act 1988 and Australian health-records standards.
For more general questions, see the full FAQ.
Next Steps
PTSD is complex, individual, and requires thoughtful clinical care. If you have already worked through first-line treatments and are still struggling, exploring alternative medicine options with an AHPRA-registered doctor is a reasonable conversation to have. A telehealth consultation makes that access easier — same-day appointments are commonly available, the entire process runs from your own space, and the cost is the same nationwide.
Book an initial $49 consultation when you are ready, or learn more about us and our pricing first.
Mental health support, again — because it matters: Lifeline 13 11 14, Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636, Open Arms (veterans) 1800 011 046. In an emergency, call 000.
This article is general information only and is not medical advice. PTSD is a serious mental health condition. Always consult an AHPRA-registered doctor or qualified mental health professional. Eligibility and treatment depend on individual clinical assessment. If you are in crisis, contact the support services above.
Reviewed by Dr Matthew Gartrell, Medical Director, MyLeaf. ABN 80 655 715 834.
