Graduate Certificate in Psychedelic-assisted Therapy

The Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Graduate Certificate program is designed for a diverse range of practitioners, including traditional healers, therapists, spiritual care providers, physicians, nurses, somatic energy practitioners, and other clinician allies seeking training in the delivery of psychedelic-assisted therapies.

The program empowers graduates with the vital knowledge and skills necessary to navigate and lead in the rapidly evolving field of psychedelic-assisted therapy (PaT). The experience positions them to be invaluable contributors and leaders as the broader field of psychedelic medicine continues to advance.

The program delivery model integrates theory with practice, providing deliberate practice activities to gain the skills required to apply theoretical concepts practically and relationally - improving outcomes, and mitigating risks inherent in this advanced practice area. It promotes the development of a lifelong peer feedback process, actualized in the course as PaT students hone their skills through direct practice opportunities provided through the year. Skill supervision is provided in the final practicum course, ensuring PaT students demonstrate basic competencies, and are fostering safe and inclusive practices.

In the first three courses, participants engage in an interdisciplinary community of practice environment aiming to apply theoretical concepts practically and relationally. Through carefully designed practice activities, participants acquire the necessary skills to enhance therapeutic outcomes and effectively manage the inherent risks associated with this advanced field of practice. An essential element of our program is the cultivation of a lifelong peer feedback process, which students engage in as they progress through various direct practice activities over the course of the year. In the practicum course, participants benefit from skill supervision to ensure they demonstrate fundamental competencies while actively fostering safe and inclusive therapeutic practices.:

The full program can be completed from a distance if an approved practicum site is available near the student’s place of residence, or if a prior learning assessment conducted by VIU confirms that the learning objectives of the PAT 504 practicum have already been obtained (contact the Program Chair for more details).