Psychedelic therapy has been a growing field of practice and study in the West since the early 1960s, when first lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), then other psychedelics became widely available to a new generation of researchers, clinicians, and laypeople. The number of professionals and organizations that offer training programs in psychedelic psychotherapy is also growing. The demand for specialists who can safely administer psychedelics to patients with treatment-resistant conditions such as anxiety or depression is on the rise. Unfortunately, traditional universities and training programs don’t yet offer graduate or postgraduate degrees in psychedelic therapy—but it’s easier than ever to become one! Whether you have your sights set on becoming an independent psychedelic therapist, or are interested in working at one of the many established clinics and research institutions that provide this care, read on for tips on how to start your own career in psychedelic psychotherapy.
What does a psychedelic therapist do?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely because the practice of psychedelic psychotherapy is so varied. Psychedelics can be used to help with a wide range of conditions, and their effects can vary depending on the person and the circumstances. At their core, therapists with specialized training in psychedelic psychotherapy help patients with their “problems,” which may be to do with their mental or physical health, relationships, or the circumstances of their lives. Premiums can be placed on a number of different factors, including the condition a patient is treating and the method of treatment. This can vary from an all-natural, plant-based method to a more “conventional” approach using prescribed anti-depressants. In addition, therapists use a range of different substances to facilitate their work. This can include prescription medications like SSRIs and other antidepressant-like substances, marijuana, other psychedelics, or a combination of these.
Psychedelic therapy training
Before you can start helping patients with their problems, you first need to get the training you need to be a psychedelic therapist. There are two main ways to do this: - Go to school and get a degree. Many therapists choose to get a degree in the sciences, such as psychology or psychiatry. These offer excellent training in research methodology, but some therapists feel that it limits their scope to incorporate more holistic and interpersonal approaches. Others feel that the rigor of a formal education is a good thing, as it helps rigorously explore the wonders of altered states of consciousness. - Become a therapist with a clinic or treatment center and complete supervised clinical training under a supervising therapist. This route requires patience as it can take two years or more to complete this pathway.
Find a clinical program for training in psychedelic psychotherapy
You can find a clinical program for training in psychedelic psych therapy by asking around at your local chapter of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) and the Institute for Transdisciplinary Consciousness Studies (ITCS). These are non-profit organizations that support the psychedelic research and therapy field. MAPS and ITCS can also recommend clinical programs and training pathways that aren’t listed on their websites. MAPS also has a database of training programs that is updated regularly. You can search for programs by state, city, and training type. If you can’t find any programs in your area, you can also look online for distance learning programs.
Find an apprenticeship or residency program
Apprenticeships are a great way for aspiring therapists to get their start. They are available at many clinics and treatment centers and are usually offered through a network of therapists. In a clinic setting, you’ll likely be working under the supervision of a supervising therapist who is an experienced psychedelic therapist and who can help you navigate the field. In an apprenticeship, you may be working under the supervision of a more experienced therapist, who can show you the ropes as you learn on the job. Apprenticeships and residencies are also flexible ways to gain training in psychedelic psychotherapy, depending on your interests and where you live.
Get your license and registration as a therapist
In all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, you need a license to practice medicine. If you want to offer psychedelic therapy, you’ll need to get your license in one of these states. Some states have a more streamlined licensing process for therapists, but most require a degree, experience, and hands-on training. Check your state’s requirements for a license to become a therapist. Most states require passing a state-specific exam based on knowledge of clinical practice, laws and regulations specific to the profession, and applicable ethics. For example, most state boards require that applicants pass an examination in the field of psychiatry, including a knowledge of the DSM-5 (the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistic Manual of Mental Disorders), so therapists can be qualified to treat a range of conditions. This exam is usually administered by the state board itself, though you may also be able to find an accredited testing center. You’ll also need to get your state’s license number and keep it up to date. The license number is how state boards will identify you and is generally required for state licensing. You can also refer to the National Council for Qualifying Therapists’s (NCQT) list of requirements to see if your state’s requirements match. You’ll need to get your license number and keep it up to date at all times.
Keep up to date with the field and advance your career
While many therapists choose to stay in their community and work in a clinic or treatment center, there are many people who start their own practice. This can be a great way to interact with a diverse range of people and avenues, and it can also be a great source of income for some. If you’re interested in expanding your practice and working as an independent psychedelic therapist, you’ll need to keep up with developments in the field and update your knowledge base. This can be done through conferences and workshops, reading journals, and networking with other therapists. Keep an eye out for free or low-cost events that you can attend. Also, consider establishing a professional network through social media or a professional association. This will help you stay up to date with the latest research, practices, and trends in the field.
Bottom line
As the field of psychedelic therapy continues to grow and evolve, there is a critical need for therapists who are trained and skilled in this field. If this is something that interests you, don’t wait—start your career today!
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