Psychedelics Facilitator Training and Research

Psychedelics  Facilitator Training

UC Berkeley Center for the Study of Psychedelics (BCSP) is one of many academic institutions that offer training in the science, history, and use of psychedelics. They network with scholars around the world.

The research and facilitator-training community involved in Psychedelics includes many institutions held in high regard:

• Duke University Center for Integrated Psychedelic Science
• Imperial College London PhD in Brain Sciences
• Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research
• Mass General Center for the Neuroscience of Psychedelics
• Sinai Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research
• Naropa University Center For Psychedelic Studies
• Neuroscape at UCSF
• NYU Psychedelic Medicine Research Training Program
• UCLA Psychedelics Studies Initiative
• UCSD Psychedelics and Health Initiative
• UCSF Translational Psychedelic Research Program
• University of Ottawa Master’s Psychedelics and Consciousness
• University of Washington Center for Novel Therapeutics in Addiction Psychiatry
• University of Wisconsin Madison Transdisciplinary Center for Research in Psychoactive Substances Master’s and Certificate Programs
• Washington University in St. Louis’s Program in Psychedelic Research

Psychedelics Remain Mostly Illegal

As more people become interested in the potential benefits of psychedelics, many are asking questions about how to minimize risks while using these substances. Most well-known psychedelics remain illegal in the majority of jurisdictions around the world, including the United States. It is a criminal offense in the United States, punishable by imprisonment and/or fines, to manufacture, possess, dispense, or supply most psychedelics, with few exceptions (one of which is academic research if regulatory approval has been obtained in advance in writing from relevant government agencies).

Most organizations doing research and supplying training have strong disclaimers, limiting their liability.  Following is an example:

BCSP Disclaimer

BCSP does not recommend or encourage use of psychedelics, or offer instructions in the use of psychedelics. As part of a commitment to risk reduction, BCSP has assembled resources including a group of experts to answer frequently asked questions about psychedelics, including physical and psychological safety considerations. However, these answers are being provided for informational purposes only.

BCSP does not provide medical or psychological advice, diagnosis or treatment. The information on their website does not constitute medical or psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment. They recommend: Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or psychological condition. Never disregard professional medical or psychological advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on their site.

BCSP does not provide legal advice. The information on their website does not constitute legal advice.  Seek the advice of an attorney with any questions you may have regarding the legality of psychedelics.

Neither BCSP, the Regents of the University of California, nor their officers, agents, or employees assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process described on their website. BCSP and the Regents of the University of California disclaim any liability, loss, or risk, personal or otherwise, that is incurred as a direct or indirect consequence of information contained on their site.

Integrative Mental Health University offers several courses on the wise and legal use of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy:

• Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy with Benjamin Asher, MD.
• Ayahuasca Use: Risks and Benefits with Susana Bustos, PhD.
• Ibogaine: A Non-Pharmaceutical Road Out of Addiction
• Psychedelic Medicine: Is it Good?
• The New Psychiatry: Moving Beyond Psychiatric Medications