A New Chapter for Depression Treatment in Australia

Depression affects millions of Australians, yet for many people, finding the right treatment remains a long and challenging journey. While antidepressant medications and intensive interventions work well for some, they are not suitable or effective for everyone.

That’s where Flow comes in.

Flow Neuroscience released the Flow headset at-home-use device in the EU / UK in 2010 and now Australia marks an important step forward with TGA registration in Nov 2025.  

Using the Flow tDCS (transcranial direct current stimulation) treatment gives those experiencing depression the ability to access an alternative drug-free, safe, effective treatment at home.

Why Flow Matters?

Sam Lowden, Head of Growth at Flow Neuroscience, has spent over a decade working across healthcare, technology and large-scale operations. Lowden’s previous work experience offers a mix of health technology and large-scale growth experience, shaping how Flow approaches expansion. This includes its recent introduction to Australia.

For Lowden, growth and expansion isn’t just about numbers. It’s about ensuring that people who haven’t responded well to existing treatments finally have another option.

Filling the Treatment Gap

Flow tDCS has been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for use in adults with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) under the supervision of an appropriately qualified health practitioner. This approval is significant because Flow sits between first-line antidepressants and more intensive interventions, such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

As Erin Lee, Chief Executive at Flow Neuroscience, explained when interviewed by Triple j Hack:

“We’re not talking about the effectiveness of something like electro-convulsive therapy or ketamine. But it fills a nice gap in the middle ground for people who haven’t got well with medications or can’t tolerate medications, but who need some kind of biological treatment.”[1]

This “middle ground” is critical. Many people experience side effects from antidepressants, limited improvement, or simply don’t want to rely solely on medication. Until now, options in this space have been limited.

You can read more here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-09-25/brain-stimulator-device-approved-for-treatment-of-depression/105816064

What Is Flow tDCS Depression Treatment?

Flow combines two clinically supported components:

• A transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) headset
• An optional behavioural therapy app programme

Together, these components are designed to address both the biological and behavioural contributors to depression, rather than focusing on a single pathway. Flow is intended for adults aged 18 and over and must be used under the supervision of a qualified health practitioner.[2]

How Flow Works

The Flow headset delivers gentle, non-invasive electrical stimulation to the Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex (DLPFC), a brain region shown to be underactive in people with depression[3]. By supporting activity in this area, Flow aims to improve mood regulation and reduce depressive symptoms.

Unlike medication, tDCS does not involve systemic exposure, and studies suggest that side effects are generally milder and less frequent than those associated with many antidepressants[4]. Treatment is typically completed at home following a structured schedule, supported by the Flow app and overseen by a health practitioner.

Mental health care in Australia is evolving, and the approval of Flow Neuroscience reflects a broader shift towards personalised, remote, at-home evidence-based treatment pathways. Not every person with depression needs the same solution, and having more validated options allows clinicians to better match treatments to individual needs. Flow’s at-home-use design also reduces barriers related to geography, mobility and clinic availability, an important consideration for Australians living outside major cities.

If you’re exploring new options for managing depression, Flow tDCS offers a clinically validated alternative that sits firmly between medication and more intensive interventions.

At Aurora Direct, we’re proud to support innovative technologies that expand choice and empower better mental health outcomes across Australia.

Regulatory Information

ARTG No. 509725 and 510555
Aurora BioScience Pty Ltd is the Australian TGA sponsor for Flow Neuroscience.
Flow – Transcranial Direct Current Stimulator (tDCS) is only to be used under the supervision of an appropriately qualified health practitioner.