A Multi-Site Evaluation of a Psychedelic Medicine Curriculum for Psychiatry Trainees.

Abstract

Interest in psychedelic medicine is increasing, yet psychiatry trainees report limited education in this area. The authors developed a standardized curriculum and evaluated its impact on trainee knowledge and attitudes toward psychedelic medicines. A 6-h psychedelic medicine course was delivered across four psychiatry residency programs in the Northeast United States in 2025-2026. The curriculum included six modules covering foundational concepts and evidence, as well as clinical considerations. Anonymous pre- and post-course surveys assessed knowledge, interest, and confidence in counseling. Statistical comparisons were used to evaluate pre-post changes. Forty trainees participated across institutions; 34 completed a pre-course survey and 22 completed a post-course survey. Most trainees reported minimal prior didactic exposure to psychedelic medicine. Self-assessed knowledge as well as scores on a knowledge quiz improved significantly following the course. Self-rated understanding of both the rationale for psychedelic treatments and limitations of evidence increased. Most substantially, confidence in counseling patients about clinical research, harm reduction, and treatment risks improved across domains. Baseline interest in psychedelic medicine was high at the start of the course and did not change significantly following its completion. A multi-site curriculum in psychedelic medicine was associated with increased knowledge and counseling confidence in trainees. The curriculum did not significantly impact interest or plans to pursue opportunities in psychedelic medicine, suggesting the course did not overinflate enthusiasm for the field. Standardized curricula in residency education may help address gaps in psychiatric training as clinicians increasingly encounter questions about these emerging treatments.