Regulating Healing: How Colorado is Shaping Psychedelic Therapist Certification and Ethics

Introduction

Overview of Colorado’s Legal Framework
- In 2022, Colorado voters approved Proposition 122, the Natural Medicine Health Act (NMHA), decriminalizing psilocybin and other natural psychedelics for personal use.
- The act also established a framework for regulated therapeutic use, including the licensing of “healing centers” and facilitators.
- The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) oversees the licensing and regulation of psilocybin facilitators.

1. Regulatory Framework for Psychedelic Therapy in Colorado

Licensing and Training Requirements
- DORA has established two tiers of licensure for psilocybin facilitators:
  - Facilitator: Requires completion of a 150-hour state-approved training program, a 40-hour practicum, and 50 hours of consultation.
  - Clinical Facilitator: Requires all the above, plus an active clinical license under DORA.
- Ethical Standards and Oversight
  - Facilitators must adhere to ethical guidelines, including maintaining client confidentiality, obtaining informed consent, and practicing within their scope of competence.
  - DORA conducts regular audits and investigations to ensure compliance with ethical standards.

2. Leading Training Programs in Colorado

Changa Institute
- Changa Institute offers a 6-month, live online psilocybin facilitator training program approved by DORA.
- Curriculum Highlights:
  - Facilitator best practices
  - Ethics and Colorado Natural Medicine rules and regulations
  - Trauma-informed care
  - Indigenous, social, and cultural considerations
  - Group facilitation and self-care
- Program Format:
  - 6 hours of instruction each week via Zoom
  - 4-5 hours of self-guided work weekly
  - Small group cohort for mentorship and peer support
- Accreditation: Approved by DORA, Oregon Health Authority (OHA), and Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC).
Naropa University
- Naropa University offers a Psilocybin Facilitator Training (PFT) certificate program approved by DORA and OHA.
- Curriculum Highlights:
  - Contemplative practices and community care
  - Liberatory harm reduction approaches
  - Trauma-informed ethics
  - Integration of Indigenous perspectives
- Program Format:
  - 150-hour online coursework
  - 40-hour experiential practicum
  - Optional in-person retreats and affinity group apprenticeships
- Accreditation: Approved by DORA and OHA.
SoundMind
- SoundMind offers a 14-month psychedelic therapy training program approved by DORA.
- Curriculum Highlights:
  - Psychodynamic techniques
  - Cultural and ceremonial traditions
  - Ethical grounding in psychedelic therapy
- Program Format:
  - Weekly live Zoom classes
  - Self-paced modules
  - Interactive assignments and accountability groups
- Accreditation: Approved by DORA.

3. Ethical Considerations in Training and Practice

Informed Consent and Client Autonomy
- Facilitators are trained to obtain informed consent, ensuring clients understand the therapeutic process and potential risks.
Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusivity
- Training programs emphasize the importance of cultural awareness and inclusivity, integrating Indigenous perspectives and practices.
Ongoing Supervision and Continuing Education
- Facilitators are required to engage in ongoing supervision and continuing education to maintain licensure and ethical standards.

4. Challenges and Opportunities

Challenges
- Navigating the evolving regulatory landscape as DORA finalizes rules.
- Ensuring equitable access to training programs, especially for marginalized communities.
- Addressing concerns about data privacy and surveillance in the therapeutic context.
Opportunities
- Establishing Colorado as a leader in psychedelic therapy training and practice.
- Contributing to the broader acceptance and integration of psychedelics in mental health treatment.
- Fostering a community of trained professionals committed to ethical and effective psychedelic therapy.

Conclusion

Colorado’s progressive approach to psychedelic therapy training is shaping the future of mental health care.
With a robust regulatory framework and diverse training programs, the state is poised to lead in the integration of psychedelics into therapeutic practices.
Ongoing collaboration among educators, regulators, and practitioners will be essential to ensure the success and ethical implementation of psychedelic therapy.