Naropa University Announces New State-Approved Psilocybin Facilitator Training Certificate

BOULDER, COLORADO—July 30, 2024 –Naropa University (Naropa), the birthplace of the modern mindfulness movement and a higher education leader in professional training for psychedelic-assisted therapies, today announced that its new Psilocybin Facilitator Training (PFT) certificate has become one of the first fully state-approved training programs under Colorado’s Natural Medicine Health Act (NMHA) regulations.

Naropa’s PFT certificate, offered through the Naropa Center for Psychedelic Studies (NCPS) and approved by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and the Colorado Department of Regulatory Affairs (DORA), is designed to support psilocybin facilitation through in-depth, contemplative education and training.

“As a leader in integrating contemplative practices and training with counseling psychology, professional chaplaincy, eco-psychology and other healing disciplines, Naropa is uniquely positioned to provide an in-depth, rigorous education in essential aspects of psychedelic-assisted education and training,” said Charles G. Lief, president of Naropa University. 

The six-month, 150-hour non-degree professional development program is fully online, combining dynamic live class sessions and self-paced content. Upon completing the didactic program, trainees can advance to a 40-hour, experiential practicum under the supervision of seasoned mentors, a requirement for psilocybin facilitators seeking licensure in Colorado and Oregon. 

In addition to the state-regulated technical skills training, Naropa’s PFT program brings together contemplative practice for community care, a liberatory harm reduction approach to psilocybin facilitation and a foundation of trauma-informed ethics to prepare trainees to provide natural medicine facilitation safely, with competence and integrity. The program centers the experiences of those most impacted by structural oppression, including Indigenous lineage carriers, while encouraging ‘right relationship’ with the sacred mushroom and demonstrating the importance of reciprocity with traditional stewards of ceremonial and entheogenic technologies.

“What makes Naropa’s program unique is how it is grounded in a healing justice framework, which is an abolitionist approach that aims to demystify healing by empowering community members to engage in harm reduction and community care,” said Dr. Diana Quinn, ND, director of clinical education for NCPS. 

In accordance with Colorado’s NMHA regulations, Naropa’s PFT certificate is offered to clinicians holding a current license with DORA, as well as Indigenous lineage carriers, legacy practitioners and community members. Admissions criteria emphasize a commitment to ethical integrity in caring for vulnerable populations, a robust personal practice of self-care and self-reflection and a willingness to examine implicit bias, power and privilege in relational dynamics. 

“Ongoing research continues to support the therapeutic potential of psychedelics while state-based legislation is expanding access to them,” said Joseph Harrison, executive director of NCPS. “There is a pressing need to train practitioners to deliver these healing modalities. Our new Psilocybin Facilitator Training certificate satisfies the didactic education requirements for Colorado and Oregon and teaches the important skills that practitioners will need to be successful in this emerging field.”

NCPS programs and scholarship opportunities for 2025 will be announced this fall. Naropa’s 2024 PFT program is fully enrolled, with classes currently underway. 

For more information on the program or to inquire about enrolling, visit here.