Psychedelic Therapy ̶ What Do I Need to Know

This course is available 24/7, allowing you to read or listen at your convenience. Complete the course and take a short quiz to receive your certificate immediately. Enjoy one full year of access to the materials.

  • 3 CE hours
  • NBCC Approved
  • NAADAC Approved
  • ASWB ACE Approved
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Mental Health CE Approved by ASWB, NBCC, NAADAC & More

Accepted by most state boards and reportable through CEBroker. Check Board Approvals for details.

NBCC approved CEUs
ASWB CEUs
NAADAC CEUs
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Course curriculum

    1. About the Course

    2. Copyright Notice for Therapy Trainings™

    1. Definition and Scope

    2. History and Evolution

    3. References

    1. Neurobiological Mechanisms

    2. Psychological Effects

    3. References

    1. Mental Health Conditions

    2. End-of-Life Care

    3. References

    1. Assessing Patient Suitability

    2. Managing Adverse Effect

    3. References

    1. Legal Status and Regulation

    2. Ethical Issues

    3. References

About this course

  • $45.00
  • 32 lessons
  • 0 hours of video content

Therapy Trainings™ Presents

3 CE Hours of Psychedelic Therapy ̶ What Do I Need to Know

This text-based course was developed in 2024 for mental health professionals. This course introduces mental health professionals to the foundational concepts, therapeutic potential, ethical considerations, and current research related to Psychedelic Therapy.


Target audience: Mental Health Professionals

Content Level: beginning to expert


Course Overview:

This course provides healthcare professionals with a comprehensive understanding of psychedelic therapy, including its history, mechanisms, therapeutic applications, ethical considerations, and current research. The goal is to equip learners with the knowledge needed to assess the potential benefits and risks of psychedelic therapy and to understand its role in modern medical practice.


Course Objectives: 

At the end of the course, you will learn to: 

  • explain the concept, historical context, and primary substances used in psychedelic therapy;
  • describe the neurobiological and psychological effects of psychedelics, including altered states of consciousness;
  • evaluate the therapeutic benefits for mental health and end-of-life care
  • manage associated risks and contraindications;
  • navigate legal/ethical considerations; 
  • obtain necessary training and integrate psychedelic therapy into clinical practice;
  • stay informed on emerging research;
  • establish community and peer support networks for patient care.


About the author

Matt Grammer, LPCC-S is the founder of Therapy Trainings™, Kentucky Counseling Center®, and Counseling Now®. He has over a decade of experience as a clinician, private practice operator, and consultant. He holds dual Masters degrees in Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling. KY LPCC-S #164069


Consulting Team

Social Work Consultant is Alicia Trager, LCSW

Marriage and Family Therapy Consultant is Matt White, MFT

Psychology consultant is Brett Donnelly, Psy D. 


Course completion & CE info

Course completion requirements: To earn CE credit, professionals must purchase the course, read/listen to the presentation, and complete the posttest (with a passing score of 80%) and course evaluation. Posttests may be retaken as many times as you need. Certificates of completion will be emailed immediately after course completion and can be accessed from your account anytime.



This course has been approved by Therapy Trainings™, as a NAADAC Approved Education Provider, for 3 CE hours. NAADAC provider #270493. Therapy Trainings™ is responsible for all aspects of its programming.


Therapy Trainings™ has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7439. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Therapy Trainings™ is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.


Therapy Trainings™, #1945, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 12/6/2024-12/6/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 3 continuing education credits.


State Specific Board Approvals:

Thanks to our national and state accreditations, all of our CE courses are approved by the boards listed below—provided the content is relevant to your profession or unless otherwise noted in the course description.

We regularly monitor state board requirements, but for the most up-to-date and accurate information, please refer to your licensing board’s official website.

The list below reflects the boards that currently recognize our CE credits based on existing state regulations.


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System Requirements

Computer or mobile device with an internet connection.


For questions, concerns, or to request special accommodations, please email [email protected]

Frequently Asked Questions
You'll access all courses from your student dashboard in the menu after purchasing the unlimited subscription.
We have state and national approvals from NBCC, ASWB ACE, NAADAC, KY LPC, MFT, and SW Boards.
All on-demand CE courses are text-based and you can progress at your own pace. Once you've read the material, you'll complete a quiz and will receive a certificate of completion immediately.
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All on-demand courses. Live CE is excluded.
All trainings published by Therapy Trainings™ are on-demand and available 24/7. You have access to all courses as soon as you enroll.
We're here for you by email and look forward to helping you. Please contact us at [email protected]. Therapy Trainings™ takes pride in making students happy.

Psychedelic Therapy: A Transformative Approach to Mental Health Treatment in 2024

Table of Contents

  • Introduction

  • The Evolution of Psychedelic Medicine

  • How Psychedelic Therapy Works

  • Types of Psychedelic Medicines

  • The Therapeutic Process

  • Clinical Applications

  • Research and Evidence

  • Safety and Considerations

  • Legal Landscape

  • Integration with Modern Therapy

  • Future of Psychedelic Therapy

  • Training and Certification

Introduction

Psychedelic therapy represents a groundbreaking advancement in mental health treatment, combining ancient wisdom with modern scientific understanding. This revolutionary approach has shown remarkable promise in treating conditions that have long challenged traditional therapeutic methods, including depression, PTSD, addiction, and end-of-life anxiety. As we enter 2024, the field continues to evolve rapidly, with new research, protocols, and applications emerging.

The Evolution of Psychedelic Medicine

Historical Context

Psychedelic medicines have been integral to human healing traditions for thousands of years. Indigenous cultures worldwide have long recognized their therapeutic potential:

  • Ancient Practices: From Mesoamerican mushroom ceremonies to Amazonian ayahuasca rituals

  • Traditional Healing: Integration of psychedelics with spiritual and medical practices

  • Western Discovery: Albert Hofmann's discovery of LSD in 1938

  • Early Research: Promising studies in the 1950s and 1960s

  • Prohibition Era: Research halt and underground continuation

  • Contemporary Revival: Renaissance in research and therapeutic applications

Modern Renaissance

The past decade has witnessed an unprecedented resurgence in psychedelic research:

  • Institutional Support: Major universities establishing psychedelic research centers

  • Investment Growth: Billions in funding for research and development

  • Clinical Trials: Numerous FDA-approved studies across multiple compounds

  • Public Acceptance: Shifting attitudes and growing mainstream recognition

  • Healthcare Integration: Development of treatment protocols and standards

How Psychedelic Therapy Works

Neurobiological Mechanisms

Default Mode Network Modulation

  • Disrupts repetitive thought patterns

  • Increases neural flexibility and connectivity

  • Enables new perspectives and insights

  • Reduces rumination and negative self-referential thinking

  • Promotes psychological flexibility

Enhanced Neuroplasticity

  • Increases BDNF expression

  • Promotes synaptogenesis

  • Strengthens neural connections

  • Facilitates learning and memory consolidation

  • Supports long-term behavioral change

Neurotransmitter Effects

  • Serotonin system modulation

  • Glutamate release enhancement

  • GABA system interaction

  • Dopamine pathway influence

  • Norepinephrine system effects

Psychological Mechanisms

Mystical Experiences

  • Unity consciousness

  • Transcendence of space and time

  • Ineffability and paradoxicality

  • Noetic quality

  • Positive mood changes

Emotional Processing

  • Access to suppressed emotions

  • Enhanced emotional awareness

  • Reduced emotional avoidance

  • Improved emotional regulation

  • Increased emotional intelligence

Types of Psychedelic Medicines

MDMA

  • Mechanism: Enhanced serotonin and oxytocin release

  • Clinical Applications: PTSD, social anxiety, relationship therapy

  • Treatment Protocol: 2-3 sessions with extensive preparation and integration

  • Success Rates: 67-76% PTSD remission in clinical trials

  • Safety Profile: Well-tolerated with proper screening and monitoring

Psilocybin

  • Mechanism: 5-HT2A receptor agonism

  • Applications: Depression, anxiety, addiction, existential distress

  • Protocol: 1-3 high-dose sessions with support

  • Effectiveness: 71% depression reduction in studies

  • Duration: 4-6 hours with lasting benefits

Ketamine

  • Mechanism: NMDA receptor antagonism

  • Availability: FDA-approved for depression

  • Administration: IV, intranasal, or sublingual

  • Effects: Rapid antidepressant action

  • Integration: Combined with psychotherapy

The Therapeutic Process

Preparation Phase

Medical Screening

1. Physical health assessment

  • Cardiovascular health
  • Medication interactions
  • Family history
  • Current health status

2. Psychological evaluation

  • Mental health history
  • Risk assessment
  • Contraindications
  • Treatment readiness

Psychological Preparation

  1. Intention setting

  2. Understanding the process

  3. Building therapeutic alliance

  4. Addressing concerns and fears

  5. Developing coping strategies

Medicine Sessions

Set and Setting

  • Physical Environment: Comfortable, safe, quiet

  • Psychological Space: Trust, openness, support

  • Professional Support: Trained facilitators present

  • Emergency Protocols: Safety measures in place

  • Integration Tools: Music, eyeshades, comfort items

Session Structure

  1. Opening: Intention setting and grounding

  2. Medicine Administration: Careful dosing protocols

  3. Peak Experience: 2-4 hours of internal focus

  4. Integration: Initial processing and grounding

  5. Closing: Safety assessment and next steps

Clinical Applications

Depression Treatment

  • Rapid symptom relief

  • Long-lasting effects

  • Reduced suicidal ideation

  • Improved quality of life

  • Enhanced emotional processing

PTSD Recovery

  • Trauma processing

  • Reduced hypervigilance

  • Improved relationships

  • Better sleep quality

  • Increased resilience

Addiction Treatment

  • Increased insight

  • Reduced cravings

  • Behavioral change support

  • Enhanced motivation

  • Improved self-efficacy

Safety and Considerations

Risk Management

  1. Medical Screening: Thorough health assessment

  2. Psychological Preparation: Adequate support

  3. Setting Standards: Professional environment

  4. Integration Support: Ongoing care

  5. Emergency Protocols: Safety measures

Contraindications

  • Certain psychiatric conditions

  • Cardiovascular issues

  • Pregnancy and nursing

  • Specific medications

  • Active substance use

Legal Landscape

Current Status

  • FDA breakthrough therapy designations

  • State-level decriminalization efforts

  • Research permissions

  • Clinical trial regulations

  • Treatment center requirements

Future Developments

  • Pending legislation

  • Regulatory frameworks

  • Insurance coverage

  • Professional standards

  • Training requirements

Integration with Modern Therapy

Complementary Approaches

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Enhanced insight processing

  • Belief system restructuring

  • Behavioral modification support

  • Improved therapeutic outcomes

  • Integration techniques

Mindfulness Practices

  • Present-moment awareness

  • Emotional regulation

  • Body-mind connection

  • Integration support

  • Ongoing practice

Training and Certification

Professional Development at TherapyTrainings

Join our comprehensive certification program designed for mental health professionals:

Program Structure

  • 12-week curriculum with expert instruction

  • Hands-on experiential training

  • Ongoing professional support

  • Community engagement

Key Benefits

  • Professional certification

  • Clinical competency development

  • Network access and collaboration

  • Career advancement opportunities

  • Cutting-edge knowledge

Next Steps

Visit TherapyTrainings to:

  • Schedule your consultation

  • Review program details

  • Begin your training journey

  • Join our professional community

Conclusion

Psychedelic therapy represents a paradigm shift in mental health treatment, offering new hope for conditions that have long resisted traditional approaches. As research continues to demonstrate its effectiveness and safety, the need for qualified practitioners grows. Through proper training and certification, mental health professionals can safely and effectively incorporate these powerful tools into their practice, participating in the evolution of mental health care.

Take the next step in your professional development by enrolling in our comprehensive training programs. Visit Therapy Trainings today to explore our cognitive behavioral therapy courses and other mental health courses so you can start your journey toward becoming a more effective, neuroscience-informed practitioner.