Research into psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) has surged in recent years, building momentum for mainstream clinical application. This growing body of work has generated significant interest among students eager to learn more about PAT’s history, science, and clinical protocols. In response, several universities across the US have introduced PAT curricula as elective courses, with professors developing original course content and materials.
Training a new generation of qualified PAT practitioners is essential to meeting the growing demand and addressing the mental health crisis comprehensively.
Establishing curricula for training practitioners allows for the expansion of equitable access to these innovative treatments once approved. By equipping practitioners and students with the necessary knowledge and skills, we can ensure that PAT reaches those in need, providing safe, effective care. Developing PAT curricula in universities not only enhance the credibility and professionalism of the field but also foster widespread acceptance within the medical community, paving the way for broader insurance coverage and regulatory support.
Our Recent Training Convening
BrainFutures hosted a Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Training Convening in New York City over two days and brought together leaders from multiple academic institutions across psychiatry, nursing, and social work to share and discuss their efforts in building PAT curricula and to consider the future training landscape in this field.
The convening allowed for curriculum sharing, multidisciplinary educational requirements, and the potential challenges and solutions of implementing PAT curriculum into higher education.
We look forward to sharing a toolkit of these insights and more later this summer.
BrainFutures is grateful to the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation, the Darla Moore Foundation, the Cammack Family Charitable Gift Fund, and an anonymous donor for making this project possible.
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