Is There A Need For Psilocybin Facilitators?

For decades now, researchers have been studying psilocybin for mental health, and results of the research are showing great promise.   In fact, the research results have been so overwhelmingly positive, that in 2018 the FDA awarded breakthrough therapy designation for psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression (TRD), and then again in 2019 for major depressive disorder (MDD).  And more good news, current research by Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research is showing that Psilocybin can ease existential anxiety in people with life threatening cancer; it is shown to be helping longtime smokers to kick the habit; also as an effective treatment for alcoholism or substance abuse.  And that is just the tip of the iceberg. 

And even better, I’m not just telling you this to get you excited about research.  There is an opportunity here, to experience, and learn to facilitate.  The State of Oregon launched a program in 2023 that made Psilocybin Assisted Therapy (PAT) Facilitation a regulated profession, making psilocybin assisted therapy legal and accessible to the public, with the use of a Licensed Facilitator, in a licensed Service Center!   So far, with over 1,000 participants in the program, the results are even more astounding than the research! 

So, you may have guessed, with legal licensed psilocybin for mental health, successfully up, running and available here in Oregon, and on the precipice of this type of program in many different areas such as Colorado, Washington, California, Massachusetts, and Maine, there is a need for mental health and allied health professionals who are:

1.  Knowledgeable about psilocybin so they can best serve their clients
2. Trained in Psychedelic Assisted Therapy

This is where Entheogen Institute comes into the picture.  Entheogen Institute is approved by the Oregon Psilocybin Services (OPS) and licensed by the Higher Education Coordinating Commission ( HECC ) to offer our Psilocybin Facilitator Training Program.  Entheogen Institute offers:

1. Continuing Education Credits (CEC’s) for allied health professionals
2. Psychedelic Assisted Therapy (PAT) Facilitator Training
3. Advanced Facilitator Skills (also CEC’s but for Licensed Facilitators)

Continuing Education Program

Our continuing education program exists to educate people who work with people who are utilizing psilocybin therapy.  We will catch you up on the research, the history, benefits, risks and how you can support your clients who choose this pathway of healing.  We tailor our Continuing Education to meet the requirements for: Mental Health Professionals, Coaches, Nurses, Doctors, Psychologists, Social Workers, and more.  If you are in a profession that is not on this list, please contact us and we will work with your certifying body to create a CEC that meets the required criteria.

Psilocybin Facilitator Training Program

Entheogen Institute Facilitator Training Program is here to educate and empower an individual to effectively Facilitate Psilocybin Assisted Therapy.  There is no need for a clinical background, this work is for anyone who feels called to help people in this profound way.

This transformative facilitator training program is a balanced combination of scientific research, neuroscience, ancient wisdom, and modern practices, and gives you everything you need to begin your facilitation practice. The objective is to prepare PAT facilitators to foster, support and integrate holistic health, well-being, personal growth, self-awareness, and change in consciousness in a competent and compassionate way.

The psilocybin facilitator training program is composed of the following 10 Modules:  Historical, Contemporary & Traditional Practices, Cultural Equity, Ethics, Pharmacology, Core Facilitation Skills, Prep and Orientation,  Administration, Integration, Group Facilitation, and Practicum.

Psilocybin Facilitator Certification

After you complete the training program, you will earn your  psilocybin facilitator certification, which allows you to license in the State of Oregon.  We are working with the other states who are on the precipice of licensure to ensure reciprocity for our program graduates. 

The certificate issued after the program completion serves as a formal recognition of your skills

and knowledge, and that you have done the work and met a high standard for safely facilitating this work.

Why Do I Need a Certification

People question, why do I need this certification if I don’t want to get a license or I want to facilitate “underground”? It is for the people you serve.  They deserve to have a level of comfort in knowing that you took the steps to ensure they come first. Without this training and support, you lack the peer support network that is necessary to have an ethical and safe practice. Benefits of having an Entheogen Institute psilocybin facilitator certification are many, but the bottom line includes:

• Credibility: The certificate provides a benchmark for quality and competence.  This assures your clients and medical professionals that you are well-trained. 

• Safety:  With certification, you will likely adhere to ethical guidelines and safety protocols. This reduces the risk of adverse experiences. 

What to look for in a Psilocybin Facilitator Training Program?

To become a certified psilocybin facilitator, you should find a training program suitable for your needs.  Considering you are here and reading this, you are on your way to finding the best training program for you. Here are some key factors to help you find the right program.  At Entheogen Institute, we have a high bar. 

• The program should be accredited by a reputable organization. The curriculum designed by the organization should meet high standards. 
• The program should be comprehensive, covering all the important aspects of psilocybin facilitation. 
• The program should take a trauma informed approach
• The program should consider the needs of adult learners (androgogy)
• The program should have opportunities to connect with and learn from fellow students
• The program should be led by industry experts. Experts that have experience in this licensed Psilocybin Field- not just the ‘underground’ The instructors should not just be familiar with, but also embody the non-directive approach that is shown to be the best approach to PAT Facilitation. 
• Along with theoretical knowledge, the program should offer practical/hands-on experience. 
• The program should offer ongoing Facilitator Peer Support, because the learning and growing never stops. There should be access to the community of networking and growth professionals. 

Bottom Line 

Psilocybin for mental health is effective. That is why this aspect is rapidly expanding. If you are thinking of becoming a certified psilocybin facilitator, it’s a life-changing decision. 

If you would like to enroll in our psilocybin facilitator training program, or would like more information, please click the link below to get started on your psilocybin facilitator certification journey with us!