Pathways Program Pilot
Antidepressant Deprescribing Program
A pathway forward from antidepressants
Many people take antidepressants longer than they might need, or aren’t sure if it’s safe to stop.
The Pathways Program is Australia’s first virtual program to provide safe, gradual, and personalised tapering, with oversight by a psychiatrist, a nurse practitioner-delivered plan, psychological support, and peer connection.
The Pathways Program is designed to support you through every stage of transition. Alongside personalised, science-backed tapering guidance delivered through a convenient virtual platform, you’ll have access to peer support, facilitated psychological support groups, and aftercare planning that connects you with clear next-step treatments. It’s not just about coming off medication, it’s about moving forward with confidence, connection, and ongoing support, all from the accessibility of virtual care.
Check your eligibility for our Pilot Cohort beginning in November.
Why choose Pathways Program?
Peer Support Community
You’re not alone. Connect with others on the same journey, share experiences, and find encouragement every step of the way.
Personalised Tapering Plan
A plan designed for you, created by a nurse practitioner and overseen by a psychiatrist, so you can make changes safely and gradually, with a much higher chance of success than going it alone.
Preparation for Psychedelic -assisted Therapy
Safe medication adjustments for those planning psychedelic-assisted therapy, so you’re ready for what comes next.
Psychological Support
Ongoing, holistic support to help you manage your mental health and emotions, cope with tapering experiences, and build strong personal and community supports.
Affordable & Convenient
Access the care you need online, making it easier, more affordable, and more continuous than coordinating separate appointments with a GP, psychiatrist, and psychologist.
Who is this program for?
Adults considering reducing or stopping antidepressants for any reason.
People preparing for psychedelic-assisted therapy.
Those seeking structured support, professional guidance, and peer connection.
What happens in the Pathways Program?
A plan designed for you, by a nurse practitioner with oversight from a psychiatrist, so you can make changes gradually and safely, with a much higher chance of success than going it alone.
2 x monthly reviews with your pathways clinician to manage tapering process
2 x monthly group psychology sessions to support your experience
Safe tapering and support in changing one’s relationship with medication
12-week comprehensive online psychological support program
The Pathways Co-founders
Monica Schweickle
Clinical Psychologist
Monica Schweickle is a clinical psychologist and certified MDMA- and psilocybin-assisted therapist with 20 years’ experience across diverse mental health settings. Monica oversees the clinical team that delivers the psycho-social component to the Pathways program.
Dr Joe Starke
Psychiatrist
Dr Joe Starke is a psychiatrist, psychotherapist, and mindfulness teacher who is committed to integrative mental healthcare. Joe oversees the medical team in the Pathways program.
Chris Raine
Client Success
Chris Raine is a mental healthcare entrepreneur and oversees the Pathways operational team to ensure you have the best possible experience through your Pathways journey.
Pathways Program FAQ
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The Pathways Program follows the Maudsley Deprescribing Guidelines, using a hyperbolic tapering approach, an evidence-based method for gradually reducing medication. Instead of large, abrupt cuts, doses are decreased in progressively smaller steps, allowing the brain and body to adjust at each stage. Research shows this approach is safer, more comfortable, and more effective, particularly when supported by clinical supervision.
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Tapering is gradual, tailored to your medication, dose, and goals. Plans are regularly reviewed every fortnight with you.
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Yes. Pathways Community provides accessible clinical and peer support for individuals tapering medications to engage in psychedelic assisted therapy, and will work closely with your external treating team to support you.
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The program costs $450 per month, which includes two medical appointments, two therapy sessions, and full access to our 12-week course. The complete tapering program typically runs for 3-4 months, but the timeline is individually tailored to your needs.
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Yes. Pathways is completely Telehealth, to make support accessible and flexible.
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Take the Suitability Quiz today. It’s the first step toward safe, supported antidepressant deprescribing.
Make sure to book your 15min call with one of our team at the end of the quiz.
Commonly asked questions about tapering antidepressants
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Pathways welcomes anyone who is considering changing their antidepressant medication use, at varying levels of curiosity and readiness for change.
It’s important to discuss this decision with a trusted healthcare professional, looking at your specific situation and needs, and come up with an individualised plan together.
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Yes. Many people join Pathways mid-taper, especially when the process becomes more challenging or when additional support would be helpful.
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We offer peer and psychosocial support groups, guidance from a nurse practitioner, family/carer support and information, and connection with a compounding pharmacy to help you complete your taper safely and with care.
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There’s no single timeline, it depends on factors like the medication, dose, how long you’ve been on it, and how your body responds.
Pathways encourages a “listen to your system” approach: slow, supported, and flexible.
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You’re still welcome. Many participants join Pathways to learn, build confidence, and strengthen their readiness — with no pressure or fixed expectation to begin tapering right away.
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You’re not alone, and it doesn’t mean you’ve failed. These experiences are your body’s feedback that you may need to slow down or stabilise. Our team and peer community can help you navigate these adjustments with compassion and safety in mind.
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Pathways collaborates with your existing healthcare team with your consent wherever possible. Our nurse practitioner can support communication with your GP, psychiatrist, or therapist, ensuring continuity and alignment across your care.
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Complete our quiz here and a discovery call with one of our team:
‘Be patient with yourself. Healing is not a linear process.’
— Rumi