Allie Ackland-Prpic

Allie Ackland-Prpic is a registered psychologist and clinical hypnotherapist in Mullumbimby, New South Wales, who offers psychedelic preparation and integration, including support after a bad trip. Through her practice, Healing Psychology, she sees children, teenagers and adults in her rooms in the Byron Shire and online.

Approach

Her psychedelic work centres on education and harm reduction. She explains the possible benefits, risks and contraindications of psychedelics, helps people prepare by looking at the setting, cultural factors, intentions and what they might encounter, and afterwards helps them unpack insights and carry them into daily life. She trained in bad trip integration with Sean O’Carroll and wrote a Psychedelic Integration Journal for clients. Her interest grew from her own experiences while travelling in Peru and Brazil. She has been in private practice since 2010.

Who it is for

She supports people travelling overseas for psychedelic experiences and those using psychedelics legally in Australia, as well as people dealing with anxiety, depression, stress, pregnancy, and family or relationship difficulties. She also works with self-managed NDIS clients.

Practical details

A 60-minute session costs $220, in person or online, or $150 at the concession rate. With a GP mental health care plan, Medicare rebates of about $100 per session apply for up to 10 sessions a year, leaving a gap of about $120, and private health extras may also apply. In-person clients come to her rooms from around the Byron Shire. A free confidential phone consultation is available.

Care and safety

Psychologists cannot prescribe medication. Asked about psychedelic facilitators, she explains that legal access in Australia runs through authorised psychiatrists: MDMA and psilocybin were down-scheduled by the Therapeutic Goods Administration from 1 July 2023, for PTSD and treatment-resistant depression respectively, and she suggests asking a GP about prescribers. Her site does not encourage use where it is illegal.