Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy Education at GSPP: Assessing PsyD Student and Alumni Interest, Attitudes, and Perceived Training Needs
July 16, 2026 DOI: 10.56902/etdcrp.2026.20 (opens in new tab) via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractInterest in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy (PAP) is growing rapidly, yet formal training in PAP within accredited doctoral psychology programs remains nearly absent. A survey of current students and alumni of a PsyD program at the University of Denver found substantial interest in greater exposure to PAP-related education, alongside thoughtful concerns. Results highlighted a perceived gap between the expansion of psychedelic medicine and the current level of formal training available. The project provides program-specific data to inform internal discussions on potential future training directions and may contribute to broader conversations about graduate-level competency development in PAP.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Exploratory survey |
|---|---|
| Population | Current students and alumni of the Graduate School of Professional Psychology’s PsyD program at the University of Denver |
| Keywords | Coursework Accreditation Training meteorology Professional development Higher education |
| Key finding | Substantial interest in greater exposure to PAP-related education exists among students and alumni, alongside a perceived gap between the expansion of psychedelic medicine and current formal training. |
Abstract
Interest in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy (PAP) is expanding rapidly within research, policy reform, and clinical application. Despite this rapid growth, formal training in PAP within accredited doctoral psychology programs is limited to nonexistent. This doctoral project aimed to assess interest in and attitudes toward PAP-related education among current students and alumni of the Graduate School of Professional Psychology’s PsyD program at the University of Denver. An exploratory survey was created to assess interest, likelihood of engagement, perceived benefits and concerns regarding coursework or training opportunities. Findings revealed substantial interest in greater exposure to PAP-related education, in addition to thoughtful concerns. Results highlighted a perceived gap between the expansion of psychedelic medicine and the current level of formal training available within GSPP. Although this project does not advocate specific or immediate curricular changes, it provides program-specific data to inform internal discussions on potential future training directions. These findings may contribute to broader conversations about graduate-level competency development in PAP.