As Colorado prepares to roll out its psychedelic therapy program in 2025, the state is charting a course that could revolutionize mental health care. This approach, distinct from Oregon’s pioneering model, offers a pragmatic and potentially more impactful path for integrating psychedelics into existing mental health frameworks.
Colorado’s regulations, finalized by the Department of Revenue and the Department of Regulatory Agencies, create a unique opportunity for mental health professionals. Unlike Oregon’s Measure 109, which allows anyone to become a psilocybin facilitator, Colorado focuses primarily on incorporating psychedelic therapy into the practices of licensed mental health providers. This approach nestles new practices within existing structures, potentially accelerating the adoption and normalization of psychedelic therapies.
The flexibility in Colorado’s model is particularly noteworthy. The system prioritizes mental health professionals while also offering pathways for non-traditional practitioners. It recognizes “legacy healers” who have at least 200 hours of demonstrable experience with 40 or more participants over a minimum of two years. Additionally, it acknowledges relevant military experience in fulfilling provider requirements. This inclusive approach accommodates providers with diverse perspectives, enabling them to serve a wide range of clients effectively.
A key innovation in Colorado’s framework is the introduction of a Clinical Facilitator License. This additional credential helps the public make informed choices about their care, distinguishing between providers with backgrounds in spiritual healing or coaching and those with clinical mental health treatment experience. It’s a crucial step toward access for clients with mental health concerns, addictions, and other complex conditions; Colorado will only allow those with Clinical Facilitator licensure to work with individuals with certain clinical conditions.
It’s important to note that while Colorado’s law covers natural medicines broadly, the initial focus of the training programs, including the one Fluence is developing, will be on psilocybin. This aligns with the growing body of research from institutions like Johns Hopkins and NYU, which has shown promising results for using psilocybin to treat conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
For Colorado licensed psychotherapists, now is the time to explore how psychedelic therapy might fit into your practice. The training requirements (150 hours of didactic training, 40 practicum hours, […]
Colorado’s Approach to Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy: An Evolution in Mental Health Care
