Transforming the promise of psychedelic care through science, safety, and the sacred.
Psychedelic-assisted therapy and research are poised to revolutionize mental health and well-being – and CIIS is leading the way.
For over 50 years, CIIS has been a leader in innovative approaches to health and wellness, and consciousness studies and research, including the study of psychedelics. Today, CIIS has earned the reputation as “one of the best known organizations [training] future therapists working with psychedelics,” according to The New York Times. With the mainstreaming of psychedelics, CIIS continues to lead the field through cutting-edge academic offerings such as our new (and first-ever) Bachelor’s of Science in Psychedelics, and community impact initiatives like the launch of our new community ketamine clinic.
The future of psychedelics
CIIS hosted a live public event featuring The New York Times Correspondent Ernesto Londoño and includes CIIS panelists Dr. Janis Phelps, Dr. Jason Butler, and Dr. Nick Walker. Londoño will read from his new book, Trippy, and there will be a roundtable conversation about the future of psychedelics—nationally, globally, and at CIIS.
Dr. Laura Pustarfi, Director of the Center for Psychedelic Therapies and Research (CPTR), will discuss psychedelics, the vegetal turn in the humanities, and intersections between these two emerging fields, challenging the usual medical approach by emphasizing that plants and fungi are not just ingredients for medicines—they are living beings with their own intelligence and importance. She will also join a panel to talk about mystical experiences.
Leading CIIS professor and clinical psychologist Jason Butler joins Gisele Fernandes-Osterhold, psychotherapist and CPTR mentor, and Genesee Herzberg clinical psychologist, for a robust conversation that will examine the practice of psychedelic therapy and offer practical guidance for cultivating a highly effective, ethically grounded, and integral approach to psychedelic therapy.
How do you teach a form of therapy that remains largely illegal? "As psychedelics move from the underground to mainstream medicine, clinicians aspiring to work in the field are inducing altered states with deep breathing." The New York Times joins CPTR's esteemed Director, Dr. Janis Phelps, and other CIIS facilitators and student health care professionals completing the final step of the Certificate Program for a transformative holotropic breathwork workshop.
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About Psychedelics@CIIS
Psychedelics@CIIS is a hub for the University’s psychedelic offerings, including the renowned Center for Psychedelic Therapies and Research (CPTR), new academic offerings, community impact initiatives, and public education.
Center for Psychedelic Therapies and Research (CPTR)
CPTR is a renowned academic center focused on psychedelic training, research, and public education. Explore our offerings.
New Bachelor of Science in Psychedelic Studies
Beginning in Fall 2025, CIIS will offer the first-ever undergraduate B.S. program in Psychedelic Studies. It will provide a strong general foundation in past and current uses and cultural contexts of the use of psychedelics, entheogens, cannabinoids, and other psychoactive substances.
Launching CIIS’ new Community Ketamine Clinic
In 2025, CIIS will expand its award-winning community counseling clinics with the launch of its new Psychedelic-Assisted Clinic that will provide ketamine-assisted treatments. The clinic will be the first of its kind associated with a university in the U.S.
Scholars & Practitioners
The Psychedelics@CIIS community includes scholars, educators, facilitators, researchers, clinicians, and other professionals who are committed to the safe, legal, ethical, and culturally-informed psychedelic training, education, and research to promote health and healing, centered on trustworthiness and transparency, and committed to the transformative outcomes of the conditions being treated.
Resources
Resources for learning, understanding, and navigating the emergent field of psychedelics.
Sponsors and Supporters
With appreciation for their generosity in supporting CIIS’ Center for Psychedelic Therapies and Research (CPTR) and other psychedelic offerings at CIIS.
Give in support of CPTR and Psychedelics@CIIS
Partnerships
Many renowned researchers and scholars have advised and supported the development of CPTR’s Psychedelic Training Certificate Program and other CIIS psychedelic offerings.
Acknowledgments
CIIS is deeply grateful for the many contributors whose knowledge, wisdom, and dedication continues to shape the ongoing work, integrity, and safety of our psychedelic offerings. This includes members of faculty, staff, administrators, and senior leadership, as well as distinguished researchers, scholars, and other professionals in the field of psychedelics who have advised and supported the development of our work. Their tireless, consistently inspired, and wise counsel have helped to refine and scale the excellent programs we are delivering.