Clinical Foundations in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy

Catalog description

Though psychedelic plants and compounds have been used in a wide-spectrum of healing practices of most cultures throughout human history, they have quickly been gaining recognition and acceptance in conventional western healthcare in recent years, along with a growing popularity of underground and international ceremonial plant medicine work. Both psilocybin and MDMA have received a “Breakthrough Therapy” designation from the FDA, with the potential for MDMA to be rescheduled in the next twelve months. Additionally, the prevalence of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy practices and increased access to these medicines overall make it important for the next generation of clinicians to be familiar with psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) practices. Even if clinical social workers are not planning to center PAT in their practice, it is highly likely that they will be working with people who may come to them needing to integrate expansive experiences or may want to discuss the use of PAT as a supplement to their therapeutic work. This course offers an in-depth overview of psychedelic-assisted therapy protocols and ethical considerations in clinical practice. We will begin the course with a brief overview of the history of psychedelics and include discussions of salient topics in the psychedelic justice movement regarding accessibility and cultural appropriation throughout the course. Additionally, on the last day of class, students will be offered the opportunity to participate in a music journey experience without the use of psychedelics (those students who would prefer not to participate, can observe).