Professional Training in Psychedelic Medicine
Psychedelic medicine is reshaping the future of mental health care. From the power of microdosing LSD to the promise of MDMA in PTSD, the world of medical psychedelics offers transformative possibilities. Our comprehensive, CE-accredited course provides you with the knowledge and understanding you need to tap into this groundbreaking field.
A BUNDLE OF PSYCHEDELIC EDUCATION
This Course Includes SEVEN Modules
By purchasing The Science of Psychedelics, you get all seven modules in one easy package. Want individual modules? Visit our shop.
*Individual modules are not available for accreditation. The bonus Experiential Activity module is not accredited.
Mechanisms of Action: What We Know About the Classic Psychedelics
Unravel the mysteries of the mind and discover how classic psychedelics affect brain chemistry, consciousness, and spiritual healing.
- 65 Minutes
MDMA: Promise in PTSD – and Beyond
Journey through the history and therapeutic potential of MDMA, and get ready to be moved by real video clips of healing in action.
- 90 Minutes
The Psychedelic Treatment of Addiction: LSD; Psilocybin; Ayahuasca; Iboga; Ketamine
Redefine addiction therapy with psychedelic medicines like LSD, Psilocybin, Ayahuasca, Iboga, and Ketamine. Empower your practice with new perspectives and transformative solutions.
- 90 Minutes
Microdosing Psychedelics: What We Know – And Don’t
Navigate the nuanced and fascinating universe of microdosing with real-life case studies, dosage protocols, and an examination of the science.
- 75 Minutes
Psychedelic Counseling: The Foundations of Therapeutic “Trip Sitting”
Cultivate the skills of guiding psychedelic sessions with love, empathy, and a profound understanding of the human psyche.
- 75 Minutes
Experiential Music Activity
Put on your headphones and let the music guide you in this reflective and immersive activity.
- 30 Minutes
Ketamine for Depression and Mood Disorders: Microdoses; Psychedelic Doses; and Everything In Between
From microdoses to psychedelic doses, unlock the wonders of ketamine in treating depression and mood disorders.
- 80 Minutes
Some Benefits of Our Course
The Science of Psychedelics is the definitive guide to the research on the clinical applications of entheogenic medicines. It comes packed with on-demand video content, transcripts and keyword bookmarks, quizzes to earn certification, and more.
8 Hours of Professional Credit
Our modules contain over 8 hours of informative content on getting started in psychedelic medicine.
Self-Paced Learning
Learn at your own pace, in the comfort of your own home. Our modules can be watched whenever you have the time.
Additional Resources for Extended Learning
Each module comes with extensive references, additional reading materials, recommended books or screenings, and more.
Hear from Previous Students
We've Taught Over 1500+ Learners
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an inquisitive individual, our course is your gateway to a revolutionary new world of healing.
This course is a fantastic way for practitioners of all experience levels to learn about psychedelic-assisted therapy: Dr. Zelfand reviews its history; provides an overview of various types of psychedelics; reviews the current research and evidence behind their application in the field; as well as discusses possible inclusion/exclusion criteria for treatment. I sincerely hope to have the opportunity to take more advanced courses from her in the future.
"Expert-level mastery of the subject matter"
Jeffrey M. Markovics, MAOT, OTR/L, BCP — Occupational Therapist
In this program, Dr. Zelfand held my attention to each detail of not only the overall message of what the current research is finding, but the nitty-gritty of the research as well through her charismatic, witty, and engaging presenting style. Almost a year after the program, I reflect that Erica’s presentation inspired and enlightened me so deeply that I decided to make an entire career shift towards understanding the future of these medicines.
"Charismatic, witty, and engaging presenting style"
Elyse Raupp-Gardner — Integration Coach
It was both intellectually exciting to learn the science of psychedelic medicine and emotionally inspiring to hear about its potential for healing. This class was worth attending even though I do not use psychedelic-assisted therapy in my practice. I have many patients asking me about it and I am pleased that I can now offer them science-based information.
"This is one of the best continuing education courses that I have ever taken."
Heidi Peterson, ND — Primary Care Physician
Embark on a journey of self-discovery, professional development, and profound healing.
Are you a mental health professional, physician, social worker, or just someone ready to dive into the profound world of psychedelic healing? Our interactive, hands-on course is meticulously crafted to provide you with the knowledge, wisdom, and expertise you seek.
What You'll Learn in This Course
Mechanisms of Action—What We Know About Classic Psychedelics
In this module we examine the pharmacology of the “classic psychedelics,” namely psilocybin (the active constituent in “magic mushrooms”) and LSD-25 (also known as “acid”). The effects of these medicines on brain function, chemistry, and neuronal firing will be reviewed, and the concepts of the default mode network (DMN), brain entropy, and child consciousness will be introduced. We will also take a closer look at the role of mystical experiences, and what spirituality has to do with psychological and physiological healing.
Microdosing Psychedelics
What happens when we take extremely diluted doses of LSD and/or psilocybin? Everything – or nothing, depending on who you ask. Peppered with real cases of people who have tried microdosing, this module outlines the dosage protocols, critiques the studies currently available on this new way of taking psychedelics, and summarizes their findings. The proposed mechanisms of action of microdosing will be explained, along with safety considerations and drug-drug interactions.
MDMA
MDMA was used in the 1980’s as a psychotherapeutic lubricant, but was outlawed in the United States in 1985. Why? After reviewing the history of this unique molecule, we will dissect its pharmacology to understand just why it pairs so well with counseling. The results of recent studies of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) will be presented, along with a video clip from an actual session recorded during one of the studies. (Get your tissues ready, it’s a tear jerker.) We will then take a look at MDMA-assisted psychotherapy’s potential in the context of couples therapy, in helping those on the Autism spectrum overcome social anxiety, and in supporting those with anxiety or depression associated with a life-threatening illness. MDMA’s side effect profile will be reviewed, along with its drug-drug interactions and other notes on safety.
The Psychedelic Treatment of Addiction
While conventional medicine seeks to treat addiction by interrupting the chemistry of drug tolerance and dependency, psychedelics work largely by addressing the traumas and wounds at the core of an individual’s substance use. After reviewing a new framework for understanding addiction as a type of maladaptive physiology, we will examine the studies covering the use of psychedelic medicines in the treatment of alcohol use disorder (alcoholism), smoking, and other substance use disorders (including crack, methamphetamine, cocaine, and opiates). More detail will be offered on ayahuasca and ibogaine. The safety, risks, and contraindications for these medicines will also be reviewed, and basic psychedelic “troubleshooting” tips will be offered.
Ketamine for Depression and Mood Disorders
How on earth did ketamine, an anesthesia drug, come to be used for psychiatric purposes? We will review the history of this unique molecule, examine its known mechanisms of action, and explore the theories of how and why it treats depression. After juxtaposing SSRIs with ketamine, we will learn about the several different paradigms for administering the drug, from small microdoses to large psychedelic doses and everything in between. Whether taken as an IV infusion, intramuscular or subcutaneous injection, lozenge, capsule, nasal spray, or rectal suppository, ketamine is the old-but-new drug that may help with several mood disorders. This module will also include some cases from real patients, along with pointers on ketamine safety and suggestions on why the drug may not work in certain types of cases.
Psychedelic Counseling
Supporting somebody on psychedelics is quite different than facilitating a regular therapy session. In this module, we will learn about “trip sitting” basics, from flight instructions to set-and-setting. Tips for handling common situations during psychedelic sessions will be offered, along with suggestions on how to maximize the potential for healing and minimize the risk of a “bad trip”. Guidelines for designing a healing space, using directive and non-directive interventions, and supporting clients in difficult moments will be explained. The Internal Family Systems (IFS) model of psychotherapy will also be introduced. We will then look closely at the importance of integration work and consider recommendations for how often clients should take psychedelics to achieve their health goals.
BONUS: Experiential Activity
A psychedelic substance is but one part of the healing experience, and you will get to experience some of the other important elements of a session in this optional module. After setting an intention, we will listen to a curated music playlist and feel just how beautiful music can be the wind in our sails. Prompts for reflecting upon and integrating the experience will also be offered. You will need a journal, pen, quiet setting, eye mask, and headphones for this 30-minute module.
*The bonus Experiential Activity module is not accredited.
Who is This Course For?
Whether you’re a physician, psychologist, social worker, mental health counselor, pharmacist, or an intrigued beginner eager to explore the world of psychedelics, this course welcomes you. From empowered professionals looking to expand their expertise to curious minds taking their first step into psychedelic medicine, there’s a place for everyone in this transformative journey. Join us and discover the healing potential of psychedelics, no matter where you are in your learning journey.
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Register Today
Start learning now with immediate access to all course content. You’ll get videos, downloadable slide decks, extended bibliographies, and recommended readings.
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Learn at Your Own Pace
Watch lessons during the evening, finish over a weekend, or stay educated on your next extended travel session. Whatever works best for you.
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Receive a Certificate
Once you’ve completed all quizzes (with at least passing grades of 80%) and assessments, you’ll be sent a certificate to display your achievement.
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Integrate Your Skills
Begin to integrate your newfound skills into daily practices for personal transformation.
About the Instructor
Dr. Erica Zelfand
Dr. Erica Zelfand is a licensed family doctor (general practitioner) specializing in integrative mental health and functional medicine. In addition to treating patients of all ages in her private practice, she is a ketamine prescriber, facilitator of therapeutic psychedelic experiences, acclaimed international speaker, and medical writer. Dr. Zelfand often presents at medical conferences on the clinical applications of psychedelic healing and advocates for the recent legalization of psilocybin-assisted therapy in Oregon, USA. She also trained in MDMA-assisted psychotherapy through the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) (MTC1) and is a volunteer “trip sitter,” medical lead, and psychedelic harm reduction workshop co-facilitator with the Zendo Project and other organizations.