Colorado stands at the forefront of the psychedelic therapy movement in the United States. With the passage of the Natural Medicine Health Act in 2022, the state legalized the regulated medical use of psilocybin, MDMA, and other natural psychedelics. This historic legislation has paved the way for a burgeoning field of psychedelic-assisted therapy, creating a demand for well-trained facilitators and therapists. As the first healing centers prepare to open in mid-2025 , training programs across the state are equipping professionals with the skills needed to navigate this transformative landscape.
The Need for Specialized Training
Psychedelic therapy is distinct from traditional therapeutic modalities. It requires a deep understanding of the substances involved, the therapeutic process, and the ethical considerations unique to this field. The Colorado Psychedelic Practitioners Cohort, a peer-led group of over 500 current and aspiring psychotherapists and facilitators, emphasizes the importance of skillful and safe facilitation. They advocate for accessible, peer-led training and practicum opportunities to empower practitioners to engage with these medicines responsibly and effectively.
Leading Training Programs in Colorado
1. Naropa University – Certificate in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies
Naropa University in Boulder offers a comprehensive certificate program that combines academic rigor with experiential learning. The program includes a practicum component where trainees can choose between ketamine or psilocybin sessions. While participation in the sessions is optional, it provides valuable firsthand experience in a controlled setting.
2. SoundMind Training – DORA-Approved Psilocybin Facilitator Program
SoundMind offers a three-level training program approved by the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA). The program spans 14 months and includes live online classes, mentorship, and supervised practice. Graduates are eligible for a training license to facilitate psilocybin therapy in Colorado
3. Elemental Psychedelics – Ketamine-Assisted Therapy Training
Elemental Psychedelics provides a 32-hour training program focused on ketamine-assisted therapy. The course includes in-person and virtual education, guided experiential sessions, and optional ongoing consultation groups. It’s designed for clinical professionals seeking to expand their practice to include ketamine therapy.
4. Beyond the Mind – Integrated Somatic Interventions
Beyond the Mind offers an experiential and didactic training in the use of somatic and nervous system reprocessing techniques with ketamine and cannabis. The program emphasizes trauma-informed care and includes personal experience with ketamine and/or cannabis from both the client and therapist perspectives.
5. Changa Institute – Psilocybin Facilitator Training
The Changa Institute provides a 6-month, 150-hour psilocybin facilitation program. The curriculum covers facilitator best practices, ethics, trauma-informed care, and Colorado’s Natural Medicine regulations. The program includes live Zoom sessions, independent work, and an immersive practicum.
6. Reflective Healing – Ketamine-Assisted Therapy Training
Reflective Healing offers a psychedelic experiential training in ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. The program includes two experientials with ketamine, focusing on the mental, physical, and spiritual aspects of therapy. It’s open to clinical professionals from various mental health backgrounds.
Regulatory Landscape and Licensing
Colorado’s Natural Medicine Health Act established a regulatory framework for the medicinal use of natural psychedelics. The Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) oversees the licensing of facilitators and healing centers. Draft rules for the industry have been issued, focusing on training, education programs, and licensing requirements.
Programs like SoundMind and Changa Institute are DORA-approved, ensuring that graduates meet the state’s regulatory standards for psychedelic facilitation. As the industry evolves, staying informed about regulatory changes is crucial for practitioners.
Ethical Considerations and Cultural Sensitivity
Ethical practice is paramount in psychedelic therapy. Training programs emphasize trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and cultural sensitivity. For instance, Naropa’s program includes modules on Indigenous, social, and cultural considerations . Programs like Beyond the Mind focus on somatic interventions, addressing trauma and attachment wounds through body-centered techniques.
The Colorado Psychedelic Practitioners Cohort also highlights the importance of respecting cultural practices associated with psychedelics, ensuring that facilitators approach their work with humility and awareness.
Community and Professional Development
Beyond formal training programs, Colorado offers a vibrant community for psychedelic professionals. The Colorado Psychedelic Practitioners Cohort provides a platform for networking, peer-led events, and collaborative retreats. These gatherings foster a spirit of co-creation and collective wisdom, supporting ongoing professional development .
Programs like Elemental Psychedelics and Beyond the Mind also emphasize community connection, offering consultation groups and access to advanced trainings and retreats. These opportunities allow practitioners to deepen their practice and stay connected with like-minded professionals.
Conclusion
Colorado’s commitment to psychedelic therapy is evident in its progressive legislation, diverse training programs, and supportive community. For mental health professionals interested in this field, Colorado offers a wealth of opportunities to gain the knowledge, experience, and certification needed to practice safely and