As recent trials of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy enter the last phase of testing, the coming need for psychedelic training seems inevitable. The demand for many trained therapists and guides will be high. Until recently, the lone opportunity to train and work legally as a psychedelic therapist was by way of clinical trial. That will likely change over time as expanded access becomes the next step for current trials (evaluating MDMA and psilocybin) and if psychedelic-assisted therapies become FDA approved.
Michael Pollan’s new book has caused interest to explode. How to Change Your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us about Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence [1] pushed psychedelics mainstream. Reading it inspired many people to look for information about psychedelic therapy and opportunities to become guides or therapists. Providers are seeking training to become more informed about psychedelic experiences. They also want to know how to become certified to administer psychedelics in clinical trials and potentially post approval.