How To Become a Psychedelic Therapist in Canada

Psychedelic-assisted therapy is on the cutting edge of mental health treatment. Clinical research has shown that substances like psilocybin, MDMA, and ketamine can have profound effects on depression, PTSD, and anxiety—often in cases where traditional treatments have failed. Studies from organizations like MAPS (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies) and Johns Hopkins University have demonstrated remarkable success rates, with many patients experiencing long-lasting relief after just a few sessions.

But while psychedelics are powerful and hold massive potential, they are not a panacea, and pose a number of risks. The psychedelic therapist plays a crucial role in ensuring safe, ethical, and effective treatment. Skilled psychedelic therapists help clients navigate these non-ordinary states and integrate their experiences to their everyday life—ideally, to achieve lasting transformation.

With psychedelic therapy becoming increasingly accepted in Canada,  there has never been a better time to start training in this emerging field. Whether through ketamine-assisted therapy (currently legal), Health Canada's Special Access Program (SAP) for psilocybin or MDMA, and the surging demand from curious clients, the demand for legitimately trained psychedelic therapists is only going to increase.

If you're interested in becoming a psychedelic therapist, here’s a step-by-step guide to entering the field.

Step 1: Become a Licensed Therapist in Your Province

The first step is obtaining the right education and degree to become a therapist. The most common pathways include:

• Becoming a Psychotherapist or Clinical Counsellor: Master’s in Counselling Psychology (MCP), Clinical Psychology, or Social Work (MSW) – These degrees qualify you for licensure as a therapist in most provinces, including the license of Register Social Worker.
• Becoming a Psychologist – Requires a Master’s or PhD in Clinical Psychology and registration with your province’s regulatory body.

Provincial Licensing Bodies

Depending on your location, you will need to register with the relevant regulatory body. At the time of writing this article, there is not professional associations for psychedelic assisted therapists, but the colleges and associations which already exist are neither penalizing members offering psychedelic therapy, or directly endorsing it.

• Ontario – College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO)
• British Columbia – BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) or College of Psychologists of BC
• Alberta – College of Alberta Psychologists
• Quebec – Ordre des psychologues du Québec
• Other provinces have similar bodies regulating psychotherapy and social work.

For a full list of relevant regulatory bodies across Canada, see this page.

Step 2: Gain Clinical Experience in Psychotherapy

Most psychedelic therapy training programs require at least 1-2 years of clinical experience before admission. During this time, you should:

• Work under a clinical supervisor (ideally someone with experience in trauma, non-ordinary states, or even psychedelic assisted therapy).
• Develop skills in evidence-based therapies like CBT, IFS, EMDR or somatic therapy.
• Gain experience with trauma and PTSD treatment, as these are major areas where psychedelic therapy is being applied.

Some training programs may waive certain requirements depending on your background, but hands-on therapy experience is crucial for success in this field.

Step 3: Train in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy

Once you are a licensed therapist with some clinical experience, you can enroll in specialized psychedelic therapy training programs. Some of the top training options include:

Reputable Canadian Psychedelic Therapy Training Programs

• Vancouver Island University (VIU): Psychedelic-assisted Therapy Graduate Certificate Program
• TheraPsil: Offers MDMA and Psilocybin-assisted therapy training
• ATMA CENA: Offers certification in psychedelic therapy with ketamine, psilocybin, MDMA, iboga, and LSD
• Michener Institute (University Health Network): Foundations of Psychedelic Psychotherapy

Many of these programs require participants to have firsthand experience with non-ordinary states of consciousness—whether through meditation, breathwork, or supervised psychedelic sessions. At the time of writing, TheraPsil is the only training organization in Canada that requires trainees to go through a facilitated psychedelic experience in order to get certified.

Step 4: Gain Hands-On Experience

Psychedelic therapy is highly experiential, and many training programs require therapists to experience psychedelics themselves before working with clients. Some ways to gain experience include:

• Working at a Ketamine-Assisted Therapy Clinic – The only fully legal psychedelic therapy in Canada today.
• Attending a legal psychedelic retreat (outside Canada) – Countries like Jamaica, Mexico, the Netherlands, or Costa Rica offer legal psychedelic experiences.
• Volunteering for psychedelic research studies – Some studies allow therapists to participate in supervised psychedelic experiences.

Step 5: Understand Legal Considerations

Since full legalization is still unfolding, psychedelic therapy in Canada operates under specific legal frameworks:

✅ Ketamine-Assisted Therapy (KAT) – Fully legal when administered by licensed professionals.
✅ Psilocybin Therapy (via Special Access Program - SAP) – Requires Health Canada approval for severe cases (e.g., end-of-life anxiety, depression)
✅ MDMA Therapy (via Special Access Program - SAP) – Some are hopeful to be legal for PTSD treatment by 2026.
❌ LSD, DMT, Ayahuasca, Ibogaine – Currently illegal for therapy in Canada.

Step 6: Grow Your Psychedelic Therapy Practice in Canada

Therapists looking to practice psychedelic therapy today can:

• Offer psychedelic integration therapy on platforms like First Session (helping clients process experiences before/after trips).
• Join a ketamine therapy clinic (e.g., Field Trip, SABI Mind, Qi Integrated health).
• Apply for Psilocybin or MDMA therapy through SAP if working with eligible patients.

Conclusion: Is Psychedelic Therapy the Right Path for You?

Psychedelic therapy is one of the most exciting frontiers in mental health. It offers the potential for deep healing, reconnection with oneself and nature, and the processing of unresolved trauma.  But it also requires rigorous training, ethical responsibility and accountability, and a solid foundation in traditional therapy and healing methods. 

If you're passionate about exploring consciousness, indigenous ways of healing, supporting deep personal transformation, and working in a cutting-edge field, now is the perfect time to start training as a psychedelic therapist in Canada.

Want to Find a Psychedelic Therapist?

At First Session, we help connect Canadians with throughly vetted, licensed therapists. Whether you’re seeking support or considering becoming a therapist yourself, check out our platform to learn more.

Visit First Session to find a therapist today.

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