The field of psychedelic therapy is expanding, and psilocybin is the most widely researched psychedelic treatment for various mental health conditions. Colorado’s groundbreaking Natural Medicine Program is paving the way for broader access to psilocybin-assisted therapy, with Psilocybin Clinical Facilitators playing a critical role in its success.
In this blog, we look at the Program, the role of Psilocybin Clinical Facilitators, and how you can get involved.
Colorado’s Natural Medicine Program
In November 2022, Colorado voters passed Proposition 122, the Natural Medicine Health Act (NMHA). In doing so, it became the second US state (after Oregon) to create access to psilocybin.
This historic measure decriminalized adult possession of certain natural psychedelics, including psilocybin, and will allow state-licensed treatment centers to administer psilocybin according to state regulations.
Key points of Colorado’s program include:
Personal and communal use of psilocybin mushrooms is now decriminalized for adults 21 and older.
State-licensed healing centers for psilocybin-assisted therapy are expected to open in late 2024.
The program will establish rigorous standards for training psilocybin clinical facilitators.
What Is a Psilocybin Clinical Facilitator?
Psilocybin Clinical Facilitators are licensed clinical professionals who are then trained to guide patients through psilocybin-assisted therapy sessions. They differ from Psilocybin Facilitators, who don’t have a clinical background
Psilocybin Clinical Facilitators play a crucial role in providing psilocybin-assisted therapy to individuals with mental health symptoms and needs. Because of their dual licensure, they will be able to work with people seeking psilocybin for depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other areas of concern. Their responsibilities typically include:
- Preparation: Helping patients prepare mentally and emotionally for the psilocybin experience.
- Guidance: Providing a safe, supportive environment during the psilocybin session, typically 6 to 8 hours.
- Integration: Assisting patients in processing and integrating their insights into daily life after the experience.
The Importance of Psilocybin Clinical Facilitators
Psilocybin Clinical Facilitators are essential to the therapeutic process for several reasons.
Facilitators provide a controlled, supportive setting for psilocybin sessions, which is critical for patient safety and comfort. They also offer emotional and psychological support before, during, and after psilocybin sessions, helping patients navigate challenging experiences.
Psilocybin Clinical Facilitators help patients process and integrate their psychedelic experiences into daily life, which is crucial for long-term benefits. The strength of the therapeutic alliance between facilitators and patients has been positively correlated with improved outcomes in depression treatment.
Psilocybin Clinical Facilitator Training and Licensing
CTo become a licensed psilocybin facilitator in Colorado, individuals must complete a state-approved training program including a practicum and consultation hours.
Fluence is poised to play a significant role in preparing professionals for Colorado’s emerging psilocybin therapy program.
As a premier continuing education organization in the field of psychedelic therapy, Fluence is developing training programs tailored to meet Colorado’s requirements for psilocybin facilitators.
Fluence psychedelic therapy training includes:
- Clinician-founded and clinician-led programs, ensuring practical, real-world relevance
- Instruction from pioneering researchers in the field, providing cutting-edge knowledge
- Certification paths specifically for therapists and mental health practitioners
- A combination of scientific rigor with psychotherapeutic depth
Psychedelic Therapy Essentials
Fluence offers a 6-week Psychedelic Therapy and Integration (PTI) program that covers the first step on the journey to becoming a Psilocybin Clinical Facilitator. This course is available today, and you can enroll here.
Following that, those wishing to become Psilocybin Clinical Facilitators will need to complete two additional courses–covering psilocybin research and psilocybin facilitation practices–and a practicum.
As Colorado’s psilocybin program develops, Fluence will help ensure facilitators are well-prepared to provide safe and effective psilocybin therapy sessions.
Are You Interested in Becoming a Psilocybin Clinical Facilitator?
Fluence is a global leader in psychedelic therapy training and education. We have educated over 8000 therapists and are developing our Psilocybin Clinical Facilitator Professional Certificate specifically to meet the needs of therapists who want to work within the Natural Medicine Health Act.
Join our waitlist to keep up to date and be among the first to register for this exciting opportunity.
Read An Introduction to Psilocybin Therapy in the United States, Part 1 of this blog series.