Nine Years of Education and Therapeutic Wisdom from CIIS: The First University Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Training Program 

Abstract

Observations will be presented from the creation and implementation of first academically accredited training program in psychedelic-assisted therapy and research, conducted for nine years at the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS). This training program, based in California and Oregon, is focused on the growing need for more trained psychotherapists, medical professionals, facilitators, and clergy in preparation for the rescheduling steps being taken by the FDA, EMA, Health Canada, and health agencies globally. Since the 2016 inaugural year, 1,500 medical and mental health professionals, and clergy have been graduated. Innovations such as the delineation of competencies and 12 areas of study in the ideal training curriculum, supervision and mentoring, diversity initiatives, capstone projects, and volunteer work will be discussed in this presentation. Prospects for training and lessons learned will be addressed while considering the dynamic between the field's robust empirical findings, decriminalization initiatives, corporation influence, and the current political climates in the U.S. and Europe.

Biography

Janis Phelps, PhD, is a leader in the field of psychedelic therapy training as the Director of the Psychedelic Therapies and Research at the California Institute of Integral Studies Center. As the Center’s founder, Dr. Phelps developed and launched the first university accredited, post-graduate training program for psychedelic therapy and research. Her landmark 2017 publication, “Developing Guidelines and Competencies for the Training of Psychedelic Therapists”, has garnered 6K reads, which is a testament to the interest in training worldwide. These ideas are further developed in two book chapters and other journal publications. A licensed clinical psychologist, Dr. Phelps consults internationally and is a board member of the Heffter Research Institute. Dr. Phelps maintains a private clinical practice in California.