Offered in partnership with Raechel Pefanis, founder and practitioner of Alethia.
The Psychedelic Renaissance
Psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) is experiencing a global resurgence, driven by groundbreaking research, evolving legislation and a growing demand for innovative approaches to mental health care. As individuals seek treatments that are not only effective but also transformative and enduring, psychedelic therapies are re-emerging as powerful tools for healing, self-discovery and personal growth.
Over the past decade, research into psychedelic-assisted therapy has expanded rapidly. Clinical studies around the world have demonstrated promising outcomes for conditions such as treatment-resistant depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and end-of-life distress. Leading institutions, including Johns Hopkins University, Queen’s University and the University of Alberta, continue to advance evidence-informed approaches that are reshaping the future of mental health care.
The Canadian Context
In Canada, access to psychedelic-assisted therapies has been gradually expanding through Health Canada’s Special Access Program (SAP), reflecting growing recognition of their therapeutic potential. Canadian researchers and healthcare institutions are playing an important role in advancing the field, including innovative programs such as Princess Margaret Hospital’s PEARL Therapy initiative for patients experiencing end-of-life distress.
A Unique Approach: The Social Cure Model
What sets this certificate apart is its focus on the Social Cure Model, a growing body of research demonstrating that social identity, belonging and meaningful connection are powerful contributors to mental health and well-being.
At a time when loneliness and social isolation are increasingly recognized as public health concerns, this program explores how psychedelic-assisted therapy can be integrated with group processes, ritual and relational practices to foster deeper connection and lasting change. Participants will learn how psychedelics can be used to support clients in strengthening their connections with themselves, their relationships and the broader, often chaotic, systems around them.
Why This Training?
As psychedelic-assisted therapy continues to evolve, demand for qualified, ethically grounded practitioners is expected to increase significantly. Mental health professionals who understand the clinical, relational and ethical dimensions of this emerging field will be well-positioned to contribute to future models of care.
Designed for licensed mental health professionals, this certificate combines current research, clinical best practice and experiential learning to prepare participants for responsible engagement in psychedelic-assisted therapy.
Whether you are exploring PAT for the first time or seeking to deepen your existing knowledge, this program provides a comprehensive foundation in the theory, practice and evolving landscape of psychedelic-assisted therapy in Canada.
Admission Requirements
This certificate is intended for licensed mental health professionals and physicians whose scope of practice supports participation in this training.
Eligible applicants include:
- Social workers
- Psychotherapists
- Counsellors
- Psychologists
- Psychiatrists
- Physicians
- Nurses
- Other regulated mental health professionals
Participants are responsible for consulting their regulatory college, licensing board or professional association regarding scope of practice in their province, state or jurisdiction.
Role of Mental Health Professionals in PAT
Psychedelic-assisted therapy typically includes three phases:
- Preparation
- Medicine day
- Integration
While physicians are responsible for prescribing and overseeing the administration of psychedelic medicines, mental health professionals play a critical role in preparation, integration and ongoing therapeutic support. These stages are often central to helping clients make meaning of their experiences and translate insights into lasting change.
Program Overview
This 80-hour certificate consists of two integrated parts delivered over approximately six months. Participants cannot register for each part separately.
PART 1 — The Fundamentals of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy (40 hours/8 weeks)
PART 2 — Advanced Practice: The Social Cure Model in PAT (40 hours/8 weeks)
Each week includes:
- 3 hours of live virtual instruction via Zoom
- 2 hours of self-directed learning, including readings, videos, reflective exercises and assignments
Program Highlights
Experiential Learning
Psychedelic-assisted therapy engages expanded states of consciousness and alternative ways of knowing. To support embodied learning, participants will engage in non-medicinal experiential exercises such as breath work, mindfulness practices and reflective and contemplative exercises. Please note: This program does not involve the administration, use or ingestion of psychedelic substances.
Practical Clinical Application
The program is designed with a strong focus on clinical implementation. Participants will gain practical tools and skills that can be adapted to their professional practice. By the end of the program, participants will be able to:
- Develop draft intake and screening forms
- Understand the Special Access Program (SAP) process
- Use social ecosystem mapping to assess social supports and strengthen community connections
- Design an individualized psychedelic-assisted therapy protocol for their clients
- Apply foundational facilitation skills in individual and group settings
Learn from Experienced Practitioners
Instruction is provided by professionals actively working in the field of psychedelic-assisted therapy, ensuring participants learn from current practice and real-world experience. Primary instructors include:
- Raechel Pefanis, MSW, RSW, MDiv, PCC (ICF) -- Founding Member, Alethia Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy
- Dr. Ceara McNeil, MD, CCFP(EM), FCFP, MSc -- Family Physician specializing in trauma, MAiD and psychedelic-assisted medicine
- Peg Peters, MA -- Co-founder, Gathering Groups Psilocybin-Assisted Group Therapy
Comprehensive Learning Resources
Participants will receive:
- Three professionally printed workbooks
- Clinical tools and templates
- Ongoing access to a community of practice for peer support and continuing learning
Participants will be required to purchase:
- Access to the documentary Dosed (approximately $20)
- Pollan, M. (2018). How to change your mind: What the new science of psychedelics teaches us about consciousness, dying, addiction, depression, and transcendence. Penguin Press.
Workload
Each part of the certificate requires a commitment of approximately five to seven hours per week, including:
- Three hours of live virtual instruction
- Two to four hours of self-directed learning, including readings, reflective exercises, assignments and work on the capstone project
Before registering, please ensure you can commit to the required workload and participation expectations. Transfers, extensions and deferred completion options are not available.
Course Policies
To foster a safe, respectful and engaging learning environment, participants are expected to:
- Attend live sessions from a private and quiet location where conversations cannot be overheard or interrupted. Discussions may involve confidential and personal experiences, making privacy essential for all participants.
- Keep their camera on during all live sessions to support engagement, experiential learning and community building.
- Live classes cannot be recorded.
- Actively participate in breakout rooms, group discussions and experiential exercises.
- Attend all scheduled classes. Participants may miss a maximum of three hours of instructional time per course part. Missing more than three hours will result in an incomplete in the course. Make-up classes are not available.
- Generative AI is not permitted in this course. Using it to complete any part of your coursework will be considered academic misconduct and may result in failure of the course.
Completion Requirements
The PAT certificate is a non-credit professional development program. To successfully complete the certificate, participants must:
- Attend and actively participate in all live sessions
- Keep their camera on during virtual classes
- Submit a reflective paper at the conclusion of Part 1
- Achieve a minimum score of 75% on the Part 1 and Part 2 quizzes
- Submit a capstone project at the end of Part 2 that includes the design of a psychedelic-assisted therapy protocol relevant to their professional practice
Assessment is conducted on a pass/fail basis.
Cancellations and Refunds
Please carefully read all of our cancellation and transfer information prior to registering.
Contact Information
For more information about this certificate, contact the Faculty of Social Work Professional Development office:
E: fswprofessionaldevelopment@wlu.ca
P: 548-889-4967
See Frequently Asked Questions for more information.