Access CE Credits

Earn CEs Through the Psychedelic Practitioner Core Training

The Psychedelic Practitioner Core Training offered by The Synthesis Institute is a comprehensive, post-licensure certification program designed to enhance clinical competencies in psychedelic-assisted therapy. The course provides licensed mental health professionals with an in-depth understanding of the methodologies, ethics, and research supporting psychedelic therapies, making it highly relevant to modern clinical practice. With growing research validating the efficacy of psychedelics for treating resistant mental health conditions, this training equips practitioners to meet the evolving therapeutic landscape safely and ethically.

The process of obtaining your CE credits is simple: you must complete the Psychedelic Practitioner Core Training and then successfully complete a quiz specific to the Continuing Education requirements. You will have multiple attempts to pass the quiz, so you can feel confident in meeting the requirements. The CE credit option will also remain available throughout your participation in the program, if you wish to add it later.

Through nine in-depth modules, this course explores:

• Clinical Theory and Methodology: Grounded in neuroscience, psychopharmacology, and trauma-informed care, the curriculum provides a rigorous framework for applying psychedelics in therapeutic contexts. Participants learn best practices for client screening, preparation, integration, and ethical decision-making, ensuring a comprehensive approach to psychedelic facilitation.
• Research and Evidence-Based Practice: Participants will engage with the latest research and FDA-designated breakthrough therapies in psychedelics, gaining insight into their potential for treating conditions such as depression, PTSD, and substance use disorders. This knowledge prepares clinicians to apply evidence-based techniques within regulated therapeutic environments.
• Ethical and Professional Standards: The course emphasizes ethical practices, including cultural sensitivity, trauma-informed approaches, and respect for diverse wisdom traditions, ensuring practitioners provide care that meets high standards of integrity and safety.
• Training Healthcare Professionals: This program is dedicated to advancing the field of healthcare by training practitioners in the ethical, effective, and compassionate use of psychedelics. By aligning theory with experiential learning, we prepare clinicians to provide high-quality, responsible care in psychedelic-assisted therapy.

Designed to fit within the schedules of healthcare professionals, the program features weekly live pod sessions, self-paced learning, and a focus on relational skill development through small-group engagement. This unique format fosters both professional growth and personal transformation, supporting practitioners as they prepare to contribute meaningfully to the future of mental health care.

The content of the program is accessible and appropriate for healthcare professionals as well as the general public. Healthcare professionals will be able to incorporate the tools and practices offered in this program in ways beneficial to clients or patients.

Faculty includes: Dr. Anja Loizaga-Velder, Atira Tan, Dr. Bayo Akomolafe, Dr. Benjamin Malcolm, Courtney Watson, Daan Keiman, Frederica Helmiere, Heather Smith, Julian Vayne, Kylea Taylor, Léla Mosemghvdlishvili, Dr. Malynn Utzinger, Dr. Manesh Girn, Meghan Kennedy, Norma Nakai Burton, Dr. Rosalind Watts, Saj Razvi, Dr. Sam Gandy, Simone Weit

Learning Objectives: 

• Analyze the critical ethical considerations inherent in the role of a psychedelic practitioner
• Discuss current evidence-based practices for psychedelic-assisted therapy, including contraindications and clinical screening
• Compare various frameworks designed to navigate the liminal space of altered states of consciousness
• Identify the effects of trauma on the Autonomic Nervous System and its potential manifestations during psychedelic experiences
• Compare the role of psychedelics within various wisdom traditions, highlighting both cultural differences and shared principles
• Assess the historical and contemporary medical applications of psilocybin-containing mushrooms and synthesized psilocybin
• Explain the fundamentals of individual and systemic trauma, its storage in the body, and its potential emergence during psychedelic sessions
• Predict challenges that may arise while holding space for clients during transformative psychedelic experiences
• Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and competency in facilitating psychedelic experiences by integrating ethical considerations and the impact of social and cultural contexts
• Prepare a clear and articulated professional mission statement, vision statement, and code of ethics
• Compare the efficacy of emerging best practices in the safe and ethical facilitation of psychedelic experiences
• Discuss the historical significance of psychedelics in spiritual and philosophical traditions, both ancient and modern
• Revise personal values and ethical commitments through continuous self-reflection and growth
• Select appropriate techniques for facilitating small group processes in psychedelic contexts
• Use an understanding of the Autonomic Nervous System to support trauma release and healing during psychedelic sessions
• Compile a comprehensive code of ethics informed by clinical wisdom, personal values, and professional experiences
• Demonstrate the ability to facilitate from an embodied, grounded, and supportive presence
• Describe the essential stages of a guided psychedelic ceremony, incorporating physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual considerations
• Apply ongoing somatic, spiritual, and reflective practices to deepen personal growth and self-awareness
• Create a personalized plan for continuous spiritual and existential growth and development
• Design a flexible self-care system that nurtures the physical, mental, social, spiritual, and emotional capacities required for this work
• List the critical elements necessary for preparing and leading a safe and effective psilocybin ceremony
• Utilize the potential of mystical experiences as pathways to healing within a therapeutic setting
• Plan a strategic approach to professional development, emphasizing leadership presence and ethical responsibility

36 CE Credits

Information on Continuing Education Credit for Health Professionals

• CE credits for psychologists are provided by the Spiritual Competency Academy (SCA) which is co-sponsoring this program. The Spiritual Competency Academy is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Spiritual Competency Academy maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
• The California Board of Behavioral Sciences accepts CE credits for LCSW, LPCC, LEP, and LMFT license renewal for programs offered by sponsors of CE who are approved by the American Psychological Association.
• LCSW, LPCC, LEP and LMFTs, and other professionals from outside of California need to check with their state licensing board as to whether or not they accept credits from programs offered by approved sponsors of CE by the American Psychological Association.
• SCA is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN Provider CEP16887) for licensed nurses in California. RNs must retain their certificate of attendance for 4 years after the course concludes. Nurses outside of California must confirm acceptance with their licensing boards.

For questions about your certificate or the content, logistics, or other support issues regarding this course, please contact The Synthesis Institute at support@synthesisinstitute.com. 

For questions about whether APA CE is valid for you, contact your licensing board directly. 

For general questions about APA CE, contact SCA at info@spiritualcompetencyacademy.com.