Research into psychedelics has surged in recent years, building momentum for mainstream clinical application. This growing body of work has generated significant interest among students eager to learn more about the history, science, and clinical protocols of psychedelic medicine. In response, several universities across the US have introduced curricula as elective courses, with professors developing original course content and materials.
Training a new generation of qualified practitioners is essential to meeting the growing demand and addressing the mental health crisis comprehensively.
Establishing curricula for training practitioners allows for the expansion of equitable access to these innovative treatments once approved. By equipping practitioners and students with the necessary knowledge and skills, we can ensure that psychedelic therapy reaches those in need, providing safe, effective care. Developing curricula in universities not only enhance the credibility and professionalism of the field but also foster widespread acceptance within the medical community, paving the way for broader insurance coverage and regulatory support.
Our Training Convening
BrainFutures hosted a Psychedelic Therapy Training Convening in New York City over two days and brought together leaders from multiple academic institutions across psychiatry, nursing, and social work to share and discuss their efforts in building curricula and to consider the future training landscape in this field.
The convening allowed for curriculum sharing, multidisciplinary educational requirements, and the potential challenges and solutions of implementing psychedelic therapy curriculum into higher education.
Our Toolkit & Course List
Download the toolkit and course list here
As a result of our training convening, BrainFutures created Integrating Psychedelic Coursework into Higher Education: A Toolkit for Academic Leaders to help educators and academic leaders introduce didactic psychedelic therapy coursework into their programs. Alongside this, we also created a contact list of psychedelic curricula developers who can provide support to educators navigating the field.
BrainFutures is grateful to the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation, the Joe & Sandy Samberg Foundation, the Darla Moore Foundation, the Cammack Family Charitable Gift Fund, and an anonymous donor for making this project possible.