Further education in psychedelic-assisted therapy - experiences from Switzerland.
Helena Aicher, F Müller, Peter Gasser
BMC Medical Education March 5, 2025 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-025-06871-y (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Duration | Three-year training program |
| Topics | Psychedelic-assisted therapy |
| Keywords | Mental health treatment Limited medical use Personal psychedelic experience Psychedelics Therapist training Psychedelic therapy training Swiss healthcare policy Psychedelic medicine education Therapeutic certification |
| Citations | 11 |
| Key findings | Demand for psychedelic therapy training in Switzerland far exceeds supply, and this gap is expected to widen as psychedelics potentially become regulated prescription medications. |
Abstract
The growing interest in psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) for treating psychiatric disorders such as treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, and anxiety has led to an increasing demand for specialized training. In Switzerland, MDMA, psilocybin, and LSD are applied in the framework of limited medical use as exceptional treatment options since 2014. The Swiss Medical Association for Psychedelic Therapy (SÄPT) has been a key player in addressing the need for education, offering a comprehensive, three-year training program for physicians and psychologists. This curriculum integrates theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience, emphasizing the therapeutic relationship, ethical considerations, and the management of altered states of consciousness induced by psychedelics. This article gives an overview of the structure and framework of the training and addresses topics covered by the program through theoretical teaching and retreats focusing on practical learning. However, the demand for these programs far exceeds supply. This gap is expected to widen as psychedelics potentially become regulated prescription medications. In response, several organizations have expanded their educational offerings, including further education trainings, workshops, conferences, and symposia. Overall, there is a need for more comprehensive and accessible training programs to meet the growing demand. The evolving landscape of psychedelic research, regulatory changes, and diverse patient populations require flexible and adaptive training models. As the field progresses, it is essential to establish certification standards and ensure the continued quality of training programs to ensure the safe and effective use of PAT in clinical trials and practice.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on psychedelic-assisted therapy, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 11
- Implementing psychedelic-assisted therapy: History and characteristics of the Swiss limited medical use program Neuroscience Applied 2025
- Key competencies for psychedelic treatment in real-world mental health care settings. General Hospital Psychiatry 2025
- Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy in adults with depression – A literature review Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry September 24, 2025
- Implementing psilocybin-assisted therapy in palliative care settings: A survey of stakeholders Palliative Medicine May 19, 2026
- AI-mediated relational competence and its limits: Psychedelic-assisted therapy as a stress case and policy signal Psychedelics August 14, 2026
and 6 more in the library
Cites 45
- Rapid and sustained symptom reduction following psilocybin treatment for anxiety and depression in patients with life-threatening cancer: a randomized controlled trial Journal of Psychopharmacology November 30, 2016
- Psilocybin can occasion mystical-type experiences having substantial and sustained personal meaning and spiritual significance Psychopharmacology July 7, 2006
- Trial of Psilocybin versus Escitalopram for Depression New England Journal of Medicine April 14, 2021
- Human hallucinogen research: guidelines for safety. Journal of Psychopharmacology July 1, 2008
- Single-Dose Psilocybin for a Treatment-Resistant Episode of Major Depression. New England Journal of Medicine November 3, 2022
and 40 more in the library