Changa Institute
Colorado stands at the forefront of psychedelic-assisted therapy, offering a range of training programs for professionals seeking to enter this transformative field. With the state’s progressive stance on psychedelics, particularly following the legalization of psilocybin and other natural medicines, numerous institutions are providing comprehensive education and certification. These programs are designed to equip therapists, counselors, and other mental health professionals with the necessary skills to facilitate safe and effective psychedelic experiences.
1. Changa Institute – Psilocybin Facilitator Certification
Changa Institute is a leading provider of psychedelic therapy training, offering a comprehensive program for aspiring psilocybin facilitators. Approved by the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), the Office of Natural Medicine (ONM), and the Board of Higher Education (HECC), Changa’s curriculum combines didactic learning with hands-on experience. The program includes interactive discussions, case-based learning, practicum placements, and professional consultation, ensuring that students are well-prepared to facilitate psilocybin sessions in compliance with state regulations.
2. Naropa University – Certificate in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies
Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado, is a pioneer in integrating contemplative education with psychedelic therapy. Their Certificate in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies program is tailored for licensed mental health professionals, including therapists, counselors, and social workers. The curriculum combines didactic learning with experiential practicums, offering trainees the opportunity to engage with substances like ketamine or psilocybin in a controlled, supportive environment.
3. SoundMind – Psychedelic Therapist Training
SoundMind offers a structured certification pathway for individuals interested in psychedelic therapy. Their program spans multiple levels:
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Level 1: Foundations of the SoundMind Technique, including live online classes, pre-recorded lessons, and mentorship.
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Level 2: Hands-on practicum with supervised practice, offering real-world experience with substances like psilocybin and ketamine.
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Level 3: Advanced supervision, including group supervision and optional immersive retreats.
This comprehensive approach ensures that participants are well-prepared to practice independently in Colorado or Oregon.
4. Beyond the Mind – Ketamine and Somatic Therapy Training
Beyond the Mind provides an experiential and didactic training in the use of somatic/nervous system reprocessing techniques with ketamine and cannabis for healing trauma and attachment wounds. This small, cohort-style training accepts 8-10 participants to ensure personal attention and observation throughout the training and consultation. The program includes 73 hours of content, addressing safety concerns in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, and offers 9 hours of ongoing remote consultation over 6 months post-training.
5. Synthesis Institute – Psychedelic Practitioner Core Training
The Synthesis Institute offers a Psychedelic Practitioner Core Training program designed to provide foundational knowledge and real-world skills for aspiring psychedelic therapists. The program includes a Colorado Module, which covers the state’s required coursework for licensure. This optional add-on includes 25+ hours of self-paced lectures, assignments, and materials, ensuring that participants are well-versed in Colorado’s regulatory landscape.
6. Colorado Psychedelic Practitioners Cohort (CPPC)
The Colorado Psychedelic Practitioners Cohort is a peer-led group of over 500 current and aspiring psychotherapists and psychedelic facilitators committed to realizing the mental health potential of psychedelics. The cohort fosters affordable, accessible, peer-led training and practicum opportunities, empowering practitioners to engage with these medicines responsibly and effectively.
7. Therapy Wisdom – Theradelic Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Training
Therapy Wisdom offers the Theradelic Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Training program, focusing on integrating psychedelic-assisted therapy into clinical practice. The program provides comprehensive training, including theoretical foundations, practical applications, and ethical considerations, preparing therapists to incorporate psychedelics into their therapeutic modalities.
8. CU Denver – Psychedelic Research Center
The University of Colorado Denver is establishing a Psychedelic Research Center, aiming to advance the understanding and application of psychedelics in therapeutic settings. While primarily focused on research, the center’s initiatives may offer training opportunities and resources for professionals interested in psychedelic therapy.
Conclusion
Colorado’s progressive stance on psychedelic-assisted therapy has led to the development of numerous training programs designed to equip professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge to safely and effectively facilitate psychedelic experiences. Institutions like Changa Institute, Naropa University, SoundMind, and others are at the forefront of this movement, offering comprehensive education and certification pathways. As the field continues to evolve, these programs play a crucial role in ensuring that psychedelic therapy is practiced ethically and responsibly.
Call to Action
If you’re a licensed mental health professional in Colorado interested in expanding your practice to include psychedelic-assisted therapy, consider exploring these training programs. Each offers unique approaches and specializations, allowing you to find the program that best aligns with your professional goals and values. Embark on this transformative journey and contribute to the growing field of psychedelic therapy.
