Open Source Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy (OSPAT)

The Vision

To create a non-proprietary healthcare professional course to teach Best Practice in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy.

How can you help?

All open source projects begins with people like you. Open source is the belief that if we collaborate we can together gift our knowledge and technology to the world for the benefit of humanity.

I’m in! Now what?

Use your Github account to star this repository, then comment in the "issues" section accessed via the menubar above. You can also make your own copy of the repository edit and then make a pull request. For more info on contributing here.

---

Introduction

This repository consists of a series of recommended books, articles, interviews, and videos that together cover the majority of what is needed to become a Psychedelic-Assisted Therapist knowledge. While this curriculum cannot currently replace certifications it is meant to be the basis by which others create their own courses from.

For those of you interested in pursuing the path of providing psychedelic-assisted therapy, this may still be useful to help complement your education and enable you to start learning now. This may be especially useful if you are on a waiting list for an industry certification training course but do not want to wait to start your education, or if you are self-led and learn very well outside of a group or classroom environment.

The curriculum includes all required and recommended reading material posted by the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies and Research Certificate program, as well as many other videos, articles, and recommended literature sources that can be found in the public domain. We lean heavily on suggestions from leaders in the field, including but not limited to the Multidisciplinary Association of Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), CIIS, Integrative Psychiatry Institute (IPI), and others.

If you have arrived at this page as a casual observer of this emerging field, you are encouraged to read this article from the Harvard Medical School as a short primer, Back to the Future: Psychedelic drugs in psychiatry.

Contributing

As identified by a team of psychedelic researchers, "enhanced online learning and establishing pathways for clinical training are identified as critical points for quality assurance. This will require close public, academic and industry collaboration.” OSPAT is a great format for this to occur.

With OSPAT being an open-source repository, anyone can contribute to the OSPAT curriculum. We welcome all contributors! Especially clinicians, researchers, or other professionals with experience in the psychedelic therapy space. If you would like to help develop the curriculum, click here to learn how.

Find open issues to help with, or review open pull requests.

Recommended Prerequisite Skills and Experience

If you are interested in the psychedelic-assisted therapy space or seeking training, be sure to read the Psychedelic.Support article, How to Become a Psychedelic Therapist.

Below are the minimum prerequisites that will give you a solid foundation before pursuing psychedelic-assisted therapy training or the OSPAT curriculum:

1. Licensed professional with demonstrated competency in clinical psychotherapy (LPC, LMFT, LCSW, Clinical Psychologists, Counseling PhD and PsyD, Psychiatrists, Pharmacists, Psychiatric Nurses, MDiv., MD, and BCC-Board Certified Chaplains, etc.)
2. Training in IFS, EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, MBSR/MBCT, Yoga Nidra, or other specialized therapies.
3. Personal experience with psychedelic-assisted therapy.

Structure

The curriculum is split into 2 parts, the core requirements and several elective options. The core requirements aim to cover the basic knowledge every provider of psychedelic-assisted therapy should be familiar with. This foundation will allow students to more easily absorb the information contained in the elective options.

Each section of the elective options has a minimum completion requirement.

For each textbook or video, a link is provided if the content is available on the open domain. The only content we will include that must be purchased will be books, and we will aim to include multiple sourcing links when available.

We will also include ISBN and PubMedID when available.

You are encouraged to check your local library for any books listed in the curriculum!

• US Public Libraries
• UK Public Libraries
• Israeli Libraries
• South African Libraries
• Australian Public Libraries

Syllabus

1. Psychedelic History and Research

• Indigenous Traditions: Shamanism, Philosophy, and Greece
• Transpersonal Psychology
• The Psychedelic Renaissance

2. Psychedelic Therapies

• Legality of Psychedelic Therapy
• Medical Ethics

3. Navigating the Psychedelic Experience

• Framing
• Priming
• Set & Setting
• Spaceholding
• Music Theory

4. Psychedelics in Medicine

• Tryptamines, Phenethylamines
• MDMA, Ketamine, and Atypicals
• Clinical Assessment: inclusion and exclusion criteria

5. Psychedelic Integration

• Integration Treatment Planning
• Difficult Experiences

Core Requirements

These readings and videos will provide the fundamental knowledge necessary to become a successful Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy provider. To complete this curriculum, you must complete everything in this section.

Introductory Readings

1. Richard Evans Schultes. Hallucinogenic Plants. A Golden Guide (1976).: A Golden Guide. ISBN: 978-0307243621 Amazon|MAPS|Publisher

Core Book Readings

1. Fadiman, J. (2011). The Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide: Safe, Therapeutic and Sacred Journeys. Park Street Press. ISBN: 978-1594774027 Amazon|MAPS|Publisher

2. Grob, C. S. & Grigsby, J. (Eds.). (2021). Handbook of Medical Hallucinogens. Guilford Press. Metzner, R. (2015). Allies for Awakening: Guidelines for Productive and Safe Experiences with Entheogens. Regent Press. ISBN: 978-1462545445 Amazon|MAPS|Publisher

3. Mithoefer, M.C. (2017). A Manual for MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy in the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Multidisciplinary Association of Psychedelic Studies (MAPS). Available: https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/mapscontent/research-archive/mdma/TreatmentManual_MDMAAssistedPsychotherapyVersion+8.1_22+Aug2017.pdf

4. Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS). (2017). The Manual of Psychedelic Support: A Practical Guide for Establishing and Facilitating Care Services at Music Festivals and Other Events. Available: https://psychsitter.com/download-manual/

5. Presti, D. (2015). Foundational Concepts in Neuroscience: A Brain-Mind Odyssey. W.W. Norton & Co. ISBN: 978-0393709605 Amazon|MAPS|Publisher

6. Richards, W. A. (2016). Sacred Knowledge: Psychedelics and Religious Experience. Columbia University Press. ISBN: 978-0231174077 Amazon|MAPS|Publisher

7. Winkelman, M. & Sessa, B. (Eds.). (2019). Advances in Psychedelic Medicine: State-of-the-Art Therapeutic Applications. ISBN: 1440864101 Amazon|MAPS|Publisher

8. The Yale Manual for Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy of Depression (using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy as a Therapeutic Frame) PDF

Core Article Readings

1. de Vos CMH, Mason NL, Kuypers KPC. Psychedelics and Neuroplasticity: A Systematic Review Unraveling the Biological Underpinnings of Psychedelics. Front Psychiatry. 2021 Sep 10;12:724606. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.724606. PMID: 34566723; PMCID: PMC8461007. PubMed

2. Phelps, J. (2017). Developing Guidelines and Competencies for the Training of Psychedelic Therapists. Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 57(5), 450-487.

3. Feduccia, A. (2021). FDA and NIH Perspectives on Psychedelic Drug Development. Psychedelic.Support. https://psychedelic.support/resources/fda-nih-perspectives-psychedelic-drug-development/

4. MAPS. (2021). MAPS Code of Ethics for Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy. Maps Public Benefit Corporation. https://maps-training.s3.amazonaws.com/Code_of_Ethics/MAPS_Psychedelic_Assisted_Psychotherapy_Code_of_Ethics_V4_7_January_2021_Final.pdf

Core Videos and Interviews

1. Neuroscience (YouTube). Panel led by Besel Van der Kolk, with speakers including Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris, Christopher Timmerman, and Rachel Yehuda. https://youtu.be/4Vh9mDNj4Xk

2. Integrative Psychiatry Institute (podcast). A Dive with the Maestro behind MDMA Psychotherapy Research – Rick Doblin – HPP 62. https://psychiatryinstitute.com/podcast/maestro-mdma-psychotherapy-doblin/

3. Barnhart, R.J. (2019). A New Understanding: The Science of Psilocybin. Available: https://www.anewunderstanding.org/

4. MAPS. (2017). Future of Psychedelic Psychiatry: Plenary Panel discussion. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oZ_v3QFQDE

Elective Options

These readings and videos will help expand your depth and breadth of knowledge and enable you to become even more proficient in your knowledge, skills, and abilities as a provider. To complete the curriculum, you must complete at least 5 items from each section below.

General Psychedelic Literature

Must complete a minimum of 6 from this list.

1. Doblin, R. and Burge, B. (Eds.). (2014). Manifesting Minds: A Review of Psychedelics in Science, Medicine, Sex, and Spirituality. Evolver Editions. ISBN: 978-1583947265 Amazon|MAPS|Publisher

2. Grob, C. (Ed.). (2002). Hallucinogens: A Reader. Jeremy Tarcher. ISBN: 978-1585421664 Amazon|MAPS|Publisher

3. Grof, S. (2019). The Way of the Psychonaut: Encyclopedia for Inner Journeys (Vols. 1 and 2). MAPS. ISBN: 978-0998276595 Amazon|MAPS|Publisher

4. Huxley, A. (1958/1999). Moksha: Classic Writings on Psychedelics and the Visionary Experience. Park Street Press. ISBN: 978-0892817580 Amazon|MAPS|Publisher

5. Leary, T., Metzner, R. and Alpert, R. (1964). The Psychedelic Experience: A Manual Based on the Tibetan Book of the Dead. University Books. ISBN: 978-0141189635 Amazon|MAPS|Publisher

6. Metzner, R. (2017). The Ecology of Consciousness: The Alchemy of Personal, Collective and Planetary Transformation. New Harbinger Publications. ISBN: 978-1626256194 Amazon|MAPS|Publisher

7. Naranjo, C. (1974). The Healing Journey: New Approaches to Consciousness. Pantheon. ISBN: 978-0979862281 Amazon|MAPS|Publisher

8. Pollan, M. (2018). How to Change Your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us about Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence. Penguin Publishing Group. ISBN: 978-0141985138 Amazon|MAPS|Publisher

9. Schultes, R., Hofmann, A. and Rätsch, C. (2001). Plants of the Gods: Their Sacred, Healing, and Hallucinogenic Powers. Healing Arts Press. ISBN: 978-0892819799 Amazon|MAPS|Publisher

Historic or Cultural Wisdom

Must complete a minimum of 6 from this list.

1. Frankl, V. E. (1946/2000). Man’s Search for Meaning (I. Lasch, Trans.). Beacon Press. ISBN: 978-1846041242 Amazon|MAPS|Publisher

2. Labate, B. C. and Cavnar, C. (Eds.). (2018). Plant Medicines, Healing and Psychedelic Science: Cultural Perspectives. Springer Books. ISBN: 978-3030095642 Amazon|MAPS|Publisher

3. Katz, R. (2017). Indigenous Healing Psychology: Honoring the Wisdom of the First Peoples. Healing Arts Press. ISBN: 978-1-62055-267-4 Amazon|MAPS|Publisher

4. Narby, Jeremy. (1998). The Cosmic Serpent: DNA and the Origins of Knowledge. Jeremy Tarcher/Putnam. ISBN: 978-1515952152 Amazon|MAPS|Publisher

5. Smith, H. (2000). Cleansing the Doors of Perception: The Religious Significance of Entheogenic Plants and Chemicals. Jeremy Tarcher Press. ISBN: 978-1591810087 Amazon|MAPS|Publisher

6. Stolaroff, M. J. (1997). The Secret Chief Revealed. MAPS. ISBN: 978-1946963352 Amazon|MAPS|Publisher

7. Sue,W.D. and Spanierman, L. (2020, 2nd ed.). Microaggressions in Everyday Life. John Wiley and Sons. ISBN: 1119513790 Amazon|MAPS|Publisher

8. Van Der Kolk, B. (2015). The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. Penguin Publishing Group. ISBN: 978-0141978611 Amazon|MAPS|Publisher

9. Walsh, R. and Grob, C. (Eds.). (2005). Higher Wisdom: Eminent Elders Explore the Continuing Impact of Psychedelics. SUNY Press. ISBN: 978-0791465189 Amazon|MAPS|Publisher

Integration Therapy

Must complete minimum of 7 from this list.

1. Passie, T. (2009/2012). Healing with Entactogens: Therapist and Patient Perspectives on MDMA- Assisted Group Psychotherapy. MAPS. ISBN: Amazon|MAPS|Publisher

https://link.springer.com/epdf/10.1186/s12954-021-00489-1?sharing_token=my_TIeheT0IlcdQK00czym_BpE1tBhCbnbw3BuzI2RO8e4ynUeoKnLghywSp8KgdQ1Hwkjtk15WtwLH8UI1Wonj-KvviJBST7nFVf05JH_Fs3iVU1OrCfX6l_SpKmGfFFQ1UqefrfVPzYz_kgtHv_SuzzOUauqBx8RK3hh8FW98%3D

https://psychedelic.support/resources/integrating-mystical-experiences-non-ordinary-states-consciousness/

https://psychedelic.support/resources/psychedelic-journey-integration/

https://psychedelic.support/resources/guide-community-psychedelic-integration-circle/

https://psychedelic.support/resources/building-community-around-integration-a-guide-for-community-led-peer-integration/

https://psychedelic.support/resources/interbeing-psychedelic-experiences/

https://psychedelic.support/resources/grounding-a-psychedelic-experience/

https://psychedelic.support/resources/psychedelic-integration-therapy-a-primer/

https://psychedelic.support/resources/psychedelic-experience-rite-of-passage/

Molecule Specific Topics

Must complete minimum of 3 from this list.

1. Bache, C. (2000). LSD and the Mind of the Universe: Diamonds from Heaven. Park Street Press. Badiner, A. and Grey, A. (Eds.). (2015). Zig Zag Zen: Buddhism and Psychedelics. Synergetic Press. ISBN: Amazon|MAPS|Publisher

2. Campos, J. (2011). The Shaman and Ayahuasca: Journeys to Sacred Realms (A. Roman, Trans.). Divine Arts Press. ISBN: Amazon|MAPS|Publisher

3. Holland, J. (2001). Ecstasy: The Complete Guide. Park Street Press. ISBN: Amazon|MAPS|Publisher

MDMA. https://psychedelic.support/resources/mdma-assisted-therapy-guide/

Ketamine. https://psychedelic.support/resources/ketamine-treatment-guide-for-mental-health/

Psilocybin. https://psychedelic.support/resources/psilocybin-assisted-therapy-guide/

Craig Pearson, Joshua Siegel, Jessica A. Gold, Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for depression: Emerging research on a psychedelic compound with a rich history, Journal of the Neurological Sciences, Volume 434, 2022, 120096, ISSN 0022-510X, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jns.2021.120096. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022510X21027982)

Research

Must complete minimum of 5 from this list. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/02698811211064720

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.586682/full

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34566723/

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-021-01336-3

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7643046/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34672931/

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/02698811211064720

Ko K, Knight G, Rucker JJ, Cleare AJ. Psychedelics, Mystical Experience, and Therapeutic Efficacy: A Systematic Review. Front Psychiatry. 2022 Jul 12;13:917199. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.917199. PMID: 35923458; PMCID: PMC9340494. Article

Michiel van Elk, David Bryce Yaden. Pharmacological, neural, and psychological mechanisms underlying psychedelics: A critical review. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews. Volume 140, 2022, 104793, ISSN 0149-7634, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104793. Article

Kiraga MK, Kuypers KPC, Uthaug MV, Ramaekers JG, Mason NL. Decreases in State and Trait Anxiety Post-psilocybin: A Naturalistic, Observational Study Among Retreat Attendees. Front Psychiatry. 2022 Jul 7;13:883869. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.883869. PMID: 35873251; PMCID: PMC9300865. Article

Vorobyeva N, Kozlova AA. Three Naturally-Occurring Psychedelics and Their Significance in the Treatment of Mental Health Disorders. Front Pharmacol. 2022 Jun 28;13:927984. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2022.927984. PMID: 35837277; PMCID: PMC9274002. Article

Useful Measurement Tools

1. Watts Connectedness Scale Tool | Explanation | Research

Additional Resources

Fully optional, but encouraged.

1. Coleman, R. (2017). Psychedelic Psychotherapy: A User Friendly Guide to Psychedelic Drug-Assisted Psychotherapy. Transform Press.

2. OPENurses. (2021). Resources. Organization of Psychedelic and Entheogenic Nurses.

3. Psychedelic.Support free courses https://psychedelic.support/education/free-courses/

https://psych.global/report/

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.586682/full