Course: The Science of Psychedelic Healing 2026

May 12th – July 14th, 2026, 10:30am-12:00pm PT / 1:30pm-3:00pm ET

This course will teach students the science of psychedelic healing. Psychedelic-assisted therapy clinical trials have shown promise for treating a variety of behavioral health indications, and the topics covered in this course will describe some of the potential mechanisms of action for these psychedelic benefits. We will focus on specific psychoactive substances such as 5-MeO-DMT, cannabis, MDMA, psilocybin, and others. Within this realm of psychedelics, we will discuss topics such as critical periods, acute subjective effects, altered states of consciousness, characteristics of psychedelics, nervous system resilience, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, drug-drug interactions, post treatment integration, historical usage of these psychedelics and potential therapeutic applications. Evidence from psychedelic neuroscience, epidemiology and pharmacology will be presented to help students gain a greater appreciation for how psychedelics may impact health and wellness in clinical care. We will analyze different scientific research studies and data that have been presented within these realms in order to discuss therapeutic efficacy. We will ultimately strive to bridge the gap between the use of these psychedelics within western medical practice to recreational and Indigenous use.

We ask that students register for this course on Eventbrite using an email associated with their Youtube Account. We will need this email to share the video lectures during this course.

Price $700 USD

Price $320 for CE credits
CE Credits Offered: 16 total

Scholarship Application
For more information on the course click here

Student Learning Objectives

At the end of the program, participants will be better able to…

1. Identify the rationale and methods for incorporating acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and targeting psychological flexibility in psychedelic treatment models
2. Analyze study data on psilocybin-assisted therapy for major depression
3. List the two main cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant and discuss some of their differences
4. Discuss how using psychoactive plant medicines from different regions and cultures during the same ceremonial use or over a specific period of time can support the individual on their healing journey
5. Describe the historical and cultural use of 5-MeO-DMT containing plants and animals
6. Analyze 5-MeO-DMT’s therapeutic potential
7. Compare the differences in psychedelic psychopharmacology by mechanism of action
8. Describe the adverse effects related to each psychedelic by receptor pharmacology
9. Define what ayahuasca is and its effects
10. Describe neurobiological changes caused by ayahuasca on the brain
11. Discuss the role of the entourage effect in the therapeutic use of psychedelics
12. Analyze how one-dimensional research designs focusing solely on drug dose may miss most of the desired outcomes

Information on Continuing Education Credits for Health Professionals

• CE credits for psychologists are provided by the Spiritual Competency Academy (SCA) which is co-sponsoring this program. The Spiritual Competency Academy is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Spiritual Competency Academy maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
• The California Board of Behavioral Sciences accepts CE credits for LCSW, LPCC, LEP, and LMFT license renewal for programs offered by approved sponsors of CE by the American Psychological Association.
• LCSW, LPCC, LEP, and LMFTs, and other mental health professionals from states other than California need to check with their state licensing board as to whether or not they accept programs offered by approved sponsors of CE by the American Psychological Association.
• SCA is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN Provider CEP16887) for licensed nurses in California. RNs must retain their certificate of attendance for 4 years after the course concludes.
• For questions about receiving your Certificate of Attendance, contact alejandra@chacruna.net

For questions about CE, contact Spiritual Competency Academy at info@spiritualcompetencyacademy.com.

CE Credit Requirements

• Student must be in attendance with their camera on for the entirety of the class session
• Student must be actively participating in the class session (asking questions, contributing to discussion, etc.)
• Student must fill out an evaluation and assessment form at the end of the course, which will be provided by Chacruna
• Collective CE credits will be awarded at the end of the course given that all of the above requirements are met

*please note that you must purchase a ticket for CE credits on Eventbrite in order to receive CE credits

*please note that if you miss a class, you will not be awarded any CE credits for the entire course and cannot be refunded for the CE cost – you must attend all classes in order to receive CE credits

*please note that the first and last class do not count towards CE credits

To view our recording policy and answers to other frequently asked questions, please visit this page.
Refund Policy click here

If you have general questions about this course, please contact Alejandra, who is Chacruna's Program Coordinator, at alejandra@chacruna.net