Thank you for your interest in Vital 2024. Applications are now open for our upcoming cohort, starting January 23rd, 2024! We invite you to download our course curriculum below for a comprehensive overview of what you'll learn.
We packaged everything you need to know into five core modules, each spanning 6-10 weeks of live lectures by expert researchers and practitioners, weekly tutor-led study groups, and specialized electives.
Deepen your understanding of psychedelics and reignite your transformation by attending one of the four experiential retreats conveniently offered throughout the year in the United States and abroad.
Plant the seeds of personal transformation, complete a final project to integrate the experience of the course into your future path, and learn the tools to set up your psychedelic practice from the ground up.
Learn the art of skillfully preparing and guiding a psychedelic journey by mastering the elements of set and setting, music, trauma-informed approaches, breathwork and bodywork, mystical experiences, and spiritual emergence.
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Root your practice in a multidisciplinary approach covering medical, academic, transpersonal, indigenous, somatic, and trauma-informed models.
Amplify your learning by experiencing the transformational power of psychedelics and non-ordinary states of consciousness at one of our residential retreats.
Explore the intersectionality between western medicine, psychedelic therapy and holistic therapeutic modalities.
Build your community of fellow psychedelic practitioners on a shared mission to support the world’s healing and evolution.
Master the skills related to screening, preparing, navigating, holding space, and integrating a psychedelic journey in a safe and ethical container that honors each client’s needs.
Personalize your learning journey by choosing the elective modules and masterclasses that suit your individual learning goals.
Meet and learn from some of the world’s leading experts, researchers, and practitioners in the field.
Weekly live lectures
Weekly study group
Electives
Experiential retreats
Peer study group (optional)
Monthly webinars
Online community platform
Final project
Personalize your journey through the course by studying the elective modules that inspire you, attending one of the in-person retreats offered by our team, and deepening your journey at an experiential retreat of your choice.
To graduate, you will be required to create and present a personal project that showcases how your learning resonates through your personal, professional and/or spiritual future.
There are very few people who have been actively involved in the psychedelic space for as long as Kyle Buller and Joe Moore.
As co-founders of Psychedelics Today, Kyle and Joe have been at the forefront of psychedelic education. Alongside their personal and professional experience with psychedelics, Dreamshadow Transpersonal Breathwork, transpersonal psychology, trauma, and mental health, they have trained over 9,000 students and 400 clinicians into the art and science of psychedelic practice as co-founders of Psychedelics Today.
This certificate program is born out of their vast experience guiding, teaching, and leading the conversation on psychedelic therapy, as well as their mission to empower the future leaders of the psychedelic movement.
"Vital has gone above and beyond my expectations. Each week had a live lecture by leading psychedelic experts such as Michael & Annie Mithoefer, Rick Strassman, Bill Richards, Ben Sessa, and more. After the lecture, students can dig deeper by asking questions directly to the speaker in a 1-hour Q&A. An essential component to Vital is that you join an experiential retreat (or two) ranging from Psilocybin to Cannabis to Holotropic Breathwork all around the world. I loved their Ketamine elective which had 13 lectures covering how to treat trauma using ketamine in widely unique ways. And if you're not interested in ketamine, there are a plethora of other electives to choose from including Microdosing, How to Build a Psychedelic Career, Carl Jung & Shadow, and many more gems. What I liked most about Vital was that my classmates were from all disciplines, ranging from therapists, underground guides, physicians, coaches, and psychonauts wanting to make an impact. This was extremely refreshing to have this cross pollination and learn from everyone. This by far has been my favorite course in my journey to become a Psychedelic Psychiatrist!" - Taz
"The Vital Training has not only given me a good base of theoretical knowledge but also the possibility to connect with an incredible group of folks doing amazing work in the psychedelic ecosystem. The well-thought curriculum opened me to new ways of thinking; to the chance to experience a deeply transformational retreat, and to feel better prepared to continue to support my clients in understanding and navigating their inner landscapes." - Jessika Lagarde
"My experience with Vital has been incredible. The quality of the theoretical learning modules has been very high. I have attended classes with scholars, scientists, and therapists who focused exclusively on giving us an interdisciplinary approach to psychedelic science and therapy. Amongst the most memorable seminars stand out: The philosophy of psychedelics and their relation to consciousness by Peter Sjöstedt-Hughes, The Ethics of Caring by Kylea Taylor, the learning module 'Ketamine for trauma treatment' imparted by several doctors and therapists, and the specialized seminars on indigenous perspectives by Luis Eduardo Luna and Joe Tafur. Moreover, I was grateful to attend seminars by David Luke, Ben Sessa, Rick Strassman, William Richards, Erica Dyck and other excellent scholars. Additionally, through a complementary experiential module, Vital allowed us to partake in a retreat where we got the chance to experience a non-ordinary state of consciousness and learn how to hold space for a psychedelic experience. This stage of the training gave me valuable insights into how to create a safe container for a journey by allowing me to learn from experienced guides. We are entering a new era in the psychedelic sphere, and I believe Vital is playing a pioneering role by helping a new generation of facilitators, psychedelic guides, integration therapists, and researchers acquire valuable information and develop their careers in a promising field. " - Paloma David
Kyle Buller, M.S.
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Dominique Morisano, Ph.D., C. Psych
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Jasmine Virdi
Michael Sapiro, Psy.D
David Drapkin, LCSW
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Johanna Hilla-Maria Sopanen, Ph.D. Candidate
Melanie Pincus, Ph.D.
Lindsey Owens, Ph.D. Candidate
Angie Leek, LMFT, LPC-S, RY
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Steve Rosonke, M.D.
Matt Brown, D.O.
Kwasi Adusei, DNP, PMHNP
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Diego Pinzon, M.A
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Eirini Argyri Ph.D. Candidate
Manesh Girn, Ph.D. Candidate
Devon Christie, M.D.
Ben Sessa, M.D.
Kylea Taylor, M.S.
Adele Lafrance, Ph.D., C. Psych.
William A. Richards, Ph.D.
Omar Thomas
Annie Mithoefer, B.S.N.
Michael Mithoefer, M.D.
Sam Gandy, Ph.D.
Byron Metcalf, Ph.D.
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Lenny Gibson, Ph.D.
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Lynn Marie Morski, M.D., Esq.
Andrew Tatarsky, Ph.D.
Ido Cohen Psy.D
Ayize Jama Everett, M.A. M.F.A.
Juliana Mulligan, LMSW
David Luke, Ph.D.
Peter Sjöstedt-H, Ph.D.
Richard Schwartz, Ph.D.
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Joe Tafur, M.D.
Bennet A. Zelner, Ph.D.
Luis Eduardo Luna, Ph.D.
Courtney Barnes, J.D.
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Veronika Gold, M.A., LMFT
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C.J. Spotswood, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
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Laura Mae Northrup, MFT
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Michael Sapiro, Psy.D
Rick Strassman, M.D.
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Erika Dyck, Ph.D.
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Ashleigh Murphy-Beiner, Ph.D.
Charles Nichols, Ph.D.
*The teaching team is subject to change.
Tuition fee: $12,000
Includes 180 hours of live lectures, study groups, one four-week elective module, and one residential retreat* for firsthand experience with psilocybin, cannabis, or breathwork.
*Course tuition does not include travel or lodging and each retreat will have varying prices between $2,000-$3,500. To make these as affordable as possible, we are doing our best to work with retreat centers and partners and offer you the best rates.
*All base rates listed may be subject to national or regional sales tax, depending on applicable sales taxes (HST, VAT, etc.) in your area. Any applicable taxes will be calculated automatically on checkout. All prices listed are in USD.
Payment plans
Please note that tuition payment deadline is Tuesday, January 7th, 2024.
Payment plans and options are available via Affirm and Afterpay.
Example of payment options via Affirm:
6 Month Payment Plan: $1,667.00/month
12 Month Payment Plan: $902.55/month
36 Month Payment Plan: $346.61/month
*The rates listed above are just examples. The terms to the length and amount of repayment are subject to the third-party lender. Students will need to apply for financing through Affirm or Afterpay.
Discounts
Early Bird Discount
Pay in Full by March 3 - $700 off total price
Payment Plans by March 3 - $300 off total price
Scholarships
Fair access to psychedelic medicine begins with fair access to the essential education that shapes future practitioners. In 2022, we awarded $211,000 in tuition scholarships to students (between 10-100% of tuition) to support their mission.
These scholarships are awarded on a case-by-case basis and are reserved for:
* Those in demonstrated financial need
* Those identified as BIPOC
* Those identified as LGBTQ+
* Those who are military service members/veterans
* Those who are serving marginalized communities.
To apply for a scholarship, make sure you include a statement with your application detailing your identification with any of the groups above and, if needed, your financial situation. Please feel free to let us know about any relevant organizations or groups you’re involved with.
APPLY NOWAll classes are 100% digital! We’ve designed the course to be completely remote so that students can learn from anywhere in the world. All you need is a reliable internet connection and a device capable of streaming videos and videoconferencing – most laptops, tablets and even smartphones will work. While there is never any travel requirement to attend classes, students are required to travel to attend one of our in-person experiential retreats (at an additional cost).
All lectures are recorded on the platform for review any time. There are minimum attendance requirements that students need to adhere to in order to remain in the program and successfully graduate. Weekly live study groups are especially important to attend in real time rather than simply watching the recordings due to their small-group format and interactive nature. Please refer to the curriculum for full detail about making up missed classes.
Each week, Vital core faculty will hold 90-minute study groups to help deepen your understanding of course material and integrate learning. We believe openness and sharing is valuable to learning, especially in the realm of psychedelics. Vital offers students a safe space to be heard and to listen.
Vital is designed to equip participants with the knowledge they need to move their existing practice forward. Every student is different, and Vital will appropriately challenge you to reflect on your unique intentions, goals, and vision. Students will learn the art and skills of psychedelic-informed practice, harm reduction, and integration as well as gaining a new insight into how to translate this into meaningful personal and professional growth.
The majority of mandatory course materials are digital, and are included with tuition. Should additional reading mandatory materials be required, students will be notified by the teaching team. Each of our five online modules will have optional book lists to purchase additional study materials. We welcome you to invest in these special books but your learning will not be directly held back if you choose not to purchase them.
We want you to have permanent access to answers and inspiration you need to inform your future practice. We provide students with access to all course materials and do not have an expiry date on this offering! As long as the internet still works, they’ll be there!
Each week, students will participate in a two-hour live webinar-style lecture with one of Vital’s expert teaching team. An interactive Q&A discussion follows each lecture. Students will also attend weekly study groups with their particular home group. These peer interactions will also be supplemented by 24 months of free membership to the new Psychedelics Today online community platform. This virtual community enables students to find each other and find their own unique voice and idiosyncratic interests. Students are also encouraged to join together in peer-support groups, this has been very helpful in the past. Regular ongoing office hours are available with instructors for students to ask questions not covered in class time.
Vital is a 12-month certificate program, made up of five core modules between 6-10 weeks duration. The program commitment is 180 hours, though additional electives and intensive lectures are available as add-ons (ask us for more details).
During the five Core modules there will be weekly classes and study groups. Every student will attend the live, 2-hour webinar taught by a special guest and followed up by Q&A. There will also be a weekly 90-minute study group where each student can choose the day/time that best suits their schedule. These are closed small groups of students led by two of the course’s core faculty. We also expect students to spend at least 2 hours a week reading articles/books, watching Masterclass videos, listening to podcast episodes and engaging in conscious reflection and integration of personal insights.
On January 22nd, 2024 we will host an introduction class to run through logistics and housekeeping, and to explain the rationale behind the creation of Vital. The first class starts on January 23rd. Vital classes wrap up in December 2024, following submission and grading of Final Projects. During the final week, we will have breakout sessions for students to present their projects in their study groups. After students’ grades are assessed and hours are counted, they are awarded a Certificate in Psychedelic-Informed Practice, Harm Reduction, and Integration.
Participation in one retreat is mandatory for program completion. We’ve structured our retreat options to accommodate students with varying needs and interests, and will be happy to help you find the best one for you!
Vital has various retreat options planned for our students to choose from. Retreats will take place throughout the year, but mainly during the summer of 2024. Other retreat options are being planned and will be released soon. Retreat dates are subject to change. Updates will be provided throughout the course.
Restrictions on domestic/global travel are very difficult to predict. If a student is unable to attend a Vital retreat due to travel restrictions, the Vital team will review their situation and potentially authorize an independent retreat instead.
All retreats require a health screening. The inclusion criteria and contraindications will vary based on the type of retreat and the retreat provider. Vital works with third-party retreats for some retreats and they have their own health screening policies. Full details will be provided closer to the date of each retreat.
Scholarships are awarded on a case-by-case basis, and are reserved for people who:
• Demonstrate financial need
• Identify as BIPOC
• Identify as LGBTQ+
• Are military service members or veterans
• Serve marginalized communities
To be considered for a scholarship, complete a Scholarship Application Statement and include it with your application.*Please note: scholarship recipients are not eligible for Early Bird discounts.
*Scholarships will be reviewed in October and the application deadline for scholarships is November 1st.
After being formally accepted for admission to the Vital course, students will have two weeks to submit a $1,000 non-refundable deposit, that will be deducted from the total amount of tuition. This secures their place in the program. After the deposit is paid, students will then need to either pay the full tuition amount or begin their payment plan. Please note that if you do so early, you are eligible for an Early Bird discount.
*Tuition payment deadline is Tuesday, January 7th, 2024.
• Payment in full — $10,000 if paid in full before the payment deadline. Students will receive $1,000 for full payments.
• Payment plans:
Options are available via Affirm and Afterpay.
Example of payment options via Affirm:
6 Month Payment Plan: $1,667.00/month
12 Month Payment Plan: $902.55/month
36 Month Payment Plan: $346.61/month
*The rates listed above are just examples. The terms to the length and amount of repayment are subject to the third-party lender. Students will need to apply for financing through Affirm or Afterpay.
Yes! We offer two tiers of discounts, Early Early Bird, and Early Bird:
Early Early Bird (Payment by October 8, 2023)
• Payment in Full or Plans by October 8 -$1,000 off total price (applied to first payment)
• Enrollment in the Vital Book Club (Begins October 16th)
• Get access to our Pre-recorded Navigating Psychedelics Library ($799 value)
• Access to our Monday Vital Community Webinars
Early Bird (Payment by November 19, 2023)
• Payment Plans by November 19 - $700 off total price (applied to first payment)
• Access to our Monday Vital Community Webinars
*Please note: Your $1,000 deposit and your tuition payment (either in-full or the first payment in your payment plan) must be received in advance of these dates in order to qualify for any discounts. Scholarship recipients are not eligible for Early Bird discounts. All early admissions will automatically receive an email confirmation with coupon codes that give them access to the discounts.
After paying the $1,000 deposit, students must submit their first tuition payment latest by January 16, 2024. Students who submit their first tuition payment by October 8, 2023 will be accepted into the Vital Winter Book Club, and may be eligible for the Early bird discounts (described above). Students must be in good standing regarding academic and tuition requirements in order to successfully graduate and receive their certificate.
While no license or other prerequisites are required to apply, Vital was designed for practicing professionals who are looking to incorporate psychedelic knowledge and integration modalities into their therapeutic practice. We welcome a wide variety of medical and mental health specialists, therapists, and wellness practitioners. And while the material will be geared towards clinical professionals who serve clients, the program is not limited to licensed mental health professionals. For the full list of eligibility criteria, please see our brochure. If you are unsure of your eligibility, please contact us via email.
Yes. The application fee is $75 USD (non-refundable), and is due at the time of application. Please submit your payment after you have submitted your application form. Applications without payment will not be accepted for review.
Students who are accepted to Vital, submit their deposit and make their first tuition payment by October 8, 2023 will be invited to the Vital Book Club, which runs during October and December before class commences. During these meetings, the students will discuss a wide range of carefully selected material that will act as a preparatory reading for the actual course.
Our team will review your application once submitted. You may be asked to formally interview with a Vital team member over Zoom. If you are accepted into the program, we will contact you to let you know that you have been accepted. You will then have two weeks to pay your $1,000 deposit to confirm your offer. After paying the deposit, you will need to secure your spot latest before January 7, 2024, either by paying your tuition in full or by paying your first installment of a payment plan. As spaces are limited, we expect that some applicants will not be offered a place in Vital during this cohort - these applicants are encouraged to apply for future cohorts. All applicants will be informed about their admission by email.
Applications will be given preference based on experience, credentials, date of application being received and JEDI status. Students that are not automatically accepted into Vital will be added to a waitlist. Students on this waitlist will still be considered for a space once more applications have been reviewed.
No. However, we do encourage our students to have completed some previous psychedelic education and have a basic understanding of psychedelics.
The application window for Vital close midnight EST December 21, 2023. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis which means that preference is given to students applying early. If you consider delaying your application, please note that it is possible that all the available spaces may have been filled by December 21st. As soon as all places have been filled we will close the application process and no longer accept applications for the 2023/24 cohort.
While we may have already processed your application, please send us any outstanding documents as soon as you can. You can reach our team at vital@psychedelicstoday.com.
Successful Vital students will be awarded a Certificate in Psychedelic-Informed Practice, Harm Reduction, and Integration following completion of all required assignments, electives, final project, one retreat and required in-class time.
This certification does not give you additional legal ability to do anything with psychedelics that you are not currently allowed to do. Currently, there are no government sanctioned training programs that qualify practitioners to work with psychedelics.
Students who complete the program can apply their certification to their work in various ways. Students will develop competencies to offer psychedelic harm reduction and integration services. Students will gain the skills, knowledge, confidence and community to create their own niche within the psychedelic landscape of their choosing. Whether this is in private practice, R&D, training, retreat centers, ketamine clinics, or MAPS - you will be supremely positioned to take the right steps forward in this rapidly growing field!
Upon completion, students may be eligible to receive up to 68 Continuing Education credits (check with your licensing authority). CE credits and number of hours are pending approval. CE credits will be available at an additional cost.
Information on Continuing Education Credit for Health Professionals
*CE credits for psychologists are provided by the Spiritual Competency Academy (SCA) which is co-sponsoring this program. The Spiritual Competency Academy is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Spiritual Competency Academy maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
*The California Board of Behavioral Sciences accepts CE credits for LCSW, LPCC, LEP, and LMFT license renewal for programs offered by approved sponsors of CE by the American Psychological Association.
*LCSW, LPCC, LEP, and LMFTs, and other mental health professionals from states other than California need to check with their state licensing board as to whether or not they accept programs offered by approved sponsors of CE by the American Psychological Association.
*SCA is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN Provider CEP16887) for licensed nurses in California. RNs must retain their certificate of attendance for 4 years after the course concludes.
For questions about enrolling in CE or receiving your Certificate of Attendance, visit Psychedelics Today or email Johanna Hilla: johanna@psychedelicstoday.com.
For questions about CE, contact Spiritual Competency Academy at info@spiritualcompetencyacademy.com.
