Black Dog Institute Launches PTSD Treatment Trials
The medical research facility introduces new clinical trials for emergency workers with treatment-resistant PTSD.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Mental Health
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The Black Dog Institute has announced upcoming clinical trials for emergency service workers struggling with PTSD and depression. The initiative includes a programme combining ketamine with exposure therapy and a separate study testing an AI chatbot treatment.
Why it matters
Many emergency service workers continue to suffer from PTSD symptoms despite undergoing gold-standard treatments. These trials aim to determine if novel interventions can provide relief for those who have not responded to traditional therapies.
The clinical trials target emergency service workers who have failed to respond to previous treatments. The studies will measure if ketamine enhances recovery compared to exposure therapy alone in this specific demographic.
The players
Black Dog Institute
This medical research institute focuses on mental health through the study of suicide prevention and the treatment of depression and anxiety.
UNSW Traumatic Stress Clinic
This facility specializes in the assessment and treatment of psychological conditions related to traumatic experiences and stress.
The details
The Black Dog Institute is partnering with the UNSW Traumatic Stress Clinic to deliver these studies. Participants will undergo rigorous assessment against clinical eligibility criteria to determine their suitability for the treatments.
Timeline
27 October 2026: The Black Dog Institute announced the new clinical trials in Canberra.
2027: Recruitment for the ketamine and AI chatbot trials is expected to commence.
The Big Picture
These trials are delivered in partnership with the National Emergency Worker Support Service. This initiative extends the service’s mandate by integrating novel psychiatric interventions to address gaps in current PTSD care.
Emergency service workers who have not responded to standard treatments should discuss their eligibility for these trials with their doctor or psychiatrist. Participants will be subject to clinical assessments regarding their treatment history and support needs.
The takeaway
These trials represent a targeted effort to improve mental health outcomes for high-stress workers. Individuals interested in participating should monitor updates from the institute to ensure they meet future recruitment criteria.
What happens next
Recruitment for the ketamine and AI chatbot trials is scheduled to commence in 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about support resources for psychological wellbeing on the Mental Health page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by News-Medical.
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