fbpx

Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Schools: Access or Confusion?

The field of psychedelic therapy training programs is rapidly proliferating, and yet, there is no standard-setting body for psychedelic training. Schools and one-off courses are beginning to emerge—charging anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars—to teach novices and practitioners alike how to navigate psychedelic trips. As long as people are benefiting, there likely won’t be a major crackdown. However, the world is starting to recognize the need for accreditation and governing-bodies. Many people are looking for information about psychedelic therapy, but without clear regulations, even the process of finding a therapist who is right for you could feel even more complicated. It’s still coming together and there are still so many questions as to how to safely move the psychedelic movement forward.


Michelle Lhooq writes for Bloomberg: Some clinicians worry that the lack of governance can make it difficult for prospective students to choose reliable programs; some self-identified experts’ main qualifications are simply having done a lot of psychedelics.

But, how far does experience go towards a qualification? And to that point, she asks, is it even necessary for trainees to use psychedelics themselves?

What is needed?

Pre-COVID, retreats such as Synthesis or Rise Wellness were beginning to pick up momentum. Double Blind journalist Erin Hiatt writes: Despite the public’s growing curiosity around substances like shrooms or MDMA, there’s a gaping hole in the medical model, whereby mental health professionals may not be adequately equipped to help clients—who may be experimenting with psychedelics on their own time—integrate their often profound, ineffable experiences into mundane life.

Some companies are developing their own proprietary programs, offering virtual courses and coaching. Psychedelics integration resources, such as Mt. Tam Integration, offer “sitting for psychonauts,” and sharing circle for people who are deeply committed to deep transformation and healing. The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) offers a database of psychedelic integration therapists, as well as its own 100-hour program that includes virtual retreats and online coursework.

What courses are available?

Schools like the California Institute of Integral Studies has now trained over 300 professionals to work in the field of psychedelic therapy.

Fluence—a newly launched program to train mental health professionals in psychedelic integration—offers a 120-hour certificate restricted to licensed therapists. Fluence was founded by several veterans of MDMA-assisted therapy studies and by a co-principal investigator of the landmark Psilocybin Cancer Anxiety study at NYU.


Psychedelic Therapy Training offers a hybrid residential-online three-year curriculum, with an hour intensity of 1,200 hours. The focus is on personal experience, supervised hands-on practice, and self-knowledge through personal transformation.

Nautilus Sanctuary is dedicated to becoming one of the first clinical, research, and training sites to promote psychedelic-assisted therapy in a non-profit practice setting. 

Psychedelic.Support offers an online course, workshops, and training to “deepen your knowledge with evidence-based learning.”

What can you do today?

Begin by reading books and articles about psychedelic therapy, attend a few one-off courses to gauge how deep your interest goes, and follow professionals on Twitter or psychedelic clubs on the new audio drop-in app, Clubhouse. Once pandemic regulations lift, opt for hands-on experience by volunteering through Dance Safe and Zendo Project.  For a comprehensive list of psychedelic therapy training programs, visit OPENurses.

Psychedelic-assisted therapy schools: access or confusion?


Psychedelic Therapy Training offers a hybrid residential-online three-year curriculum, with an hour intensity of 1,200 hours. The focus is on personal experience, supervised hands-on practice, and self-knowledge through personal transformation.

Nautilus Sanctuary is dedicated to becoming one of the first clinical, research, and training sites to promote psychedelic-assisted therapy in a non-profit practice setting. 

Psychedelic.Support offers an online course, workshops, and training to “deepen your knowledge with evidence-based learning.”


You might also like

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More