Introduction to Psychedelic Assisted Therapy (PAT) for Mental Health Practitioners
This course seeks to provide mental health practitioners with an overview of Psychedelic Assisted Therapy (PAT) as it stands today, including the use of ketamine, MDMA and psilocybin. The field of psychedelic assisted psychotherapy is changing and evolving, with new laws being introduced across the country at a rapid pace. This course will include topics such as; brief history of psychedelics and the field of psychology in the US, as well as ethical considerations and an overview of current legal limitations and laws. Our presenters will discuss the anatomy of a PAT session, harm reduction in the field of psychedelic work, cultural concerns and considerations, as well as increasing accessibility for under-served populations. Special consideration will be paid to the importance of preparation and integration work for all clients, which providers qualify to provide PAT and the role of “sitters” or non licensed practitioners, clients who make good PAT referrals, and mental health challenges and issues which may be helped or improved by PAT. Finally this course will explore PAT clinics and retreats, both domestic and abroad. We will provide resources for further learning and how to get started building your PAT practice.
Learning Objectives
- Describe the history of psychedelic use for mental health treatment in the USA.
- Explain what PAT is, what a session consists of and the importance of preparation and integration work.
- Discuss legal issues regarding the use of ketamine, psilocybin and MDMA for mental health.
- Analyze ways to increase accessibility for populations in need.
- Demonstrate knowledge of ethics and harm reduction in PAT.
Instructors' Bios
Rena Beyer, MSW, LCSW is a psychotherapist working in her solo private practice, Fostering Greatness, located in Cherry Hill, NJ. Rena works with clients throughout the states of New Jersey and Delaware. In her private practice Rena offers traditional therapy sessions and Ketamine-Assisted therapy sessions (KAP). Rena provides KAP utilizing IV administration in collaboration with the doctors of Initia Nova, with offices in both Cherry Hill, NJ and Wilmington, DE. Rena specializes in treating depression, anxiety, trauma, life stressors, and fertility concerns. In addition to her clinical work, Rena was a member of the board of directors for the American Society of Ketamine Physicians, Psychotherapists, and Practitioners (ASKP3) for three years and founded the Therapist Advisory Panel within ASKP3 to further represent the needs and interests of psychotherapists within the psychedelic therapy space. Rena will also soon be co-facilitating consultation groups for KAP therapists in the NJ, PA, and DE regions in late 2023. To learn more about Rena and Fostering Greatness, visit her website at fosteringgreatness.com.
Stephanie Field (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor. Stephanie has worked in numerous settings, such as inpatient and outpatient hospitals with adolescents and adults, as well as in home therapy with adolescents and their families. Stephanie has five years of experience as a provider for Talkspace, an app based therapy site, where she is grateful to have been familiar with video calls way before COVID hit. In her private practice Stephanie works with families and individuals and has a special interest in providing a safe space for couples to enter the therapeutic setting. She is currently enrolled in the certificate program for Imago Relational Therapy training. Additionally, Stephanie has a passion for researching and learning about psychedelic medicines, and offers ketamine assisted therapy in conjunction with the medical providers Journey Clinical. Her mission is to provide a supportive and welcoming environment where people are free to explore the magic of psychedelic medicines. Stephanie enjoys volunteering at a local cat rescue, and is currently in love with her new kitten whose name is Bunny.
Liz Flores Farrell, LCSW is Trauma Therapist based in Bloomfield, NJ offering Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy. Liz earned a Masters of Social Work from New York University, and currently works predominantly with the first generation Latinx community. She completed the two year Certificate Program in Trauma Studies (CPTS) at the Manhattan Institute of Psychoanalysis. Liz received Certification in Psychedelic Therapies and Research (CPTR) with California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS), trained in Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy with Polaris Insight, and completed parts A-D of the MAPS MDMA Therapy Certification. Additionally, Liz has trained in Somatic Experiencing (SE) and is now training in IFS. Liz has a holistic and relational approach. Her ultimate goal is to co-create a safe space for individuals to develop self compassion, build insight for mind/body/spirit integration while tapping into the healing potential of non-ordinary states of consciousness. Liz serves on the Council of Therapists for Journey Clinical, and is as a facilitator for the Integrative Psychiatry Institute (IPI) Year Long Psychedelic Training Program.
Leland Newman, LCSW, is a licensed Clinical Social Worker, Adjunct Professor at Ramapo College, and a generally happy and friendly person, Leland Newman brings years of therapeutic training, clinical expertise, and a client focused approach to his practice. Leland graduated from Ramapo College of New Jersey in 2018 with his Masters in Social work, University of Rhode Island in 2015 with a bachelors in Psychology and a bachelors Philosophy. Leland is a student of the Integrative Psychiatry Institute, currently studying Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy.
Denise Rue is a licensed Clinical Social Worker and Clinical Hypnotherapist. After receiving her master’s degree in clinical social work from Rutgers University in 2012, Denise worked for seven years at a county mental health agency in New Jersey. Her therapeutic work focused on survivors of complex trauma, especially adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. In 2019, Denise moved to Jamaica to work as a retreat leader and lead therapist at a legal psilocybin retreat. In her three years at the retreat, Denise had the privilege of guiding over 1,500 psilocybin sessions and as many group integration sessions, working with individuals with a variety of mental health challenges. Denise was also instrumental in developing protocols and policies for psilocybin assisted therapy at the retreat. Currently, Denise has a private practice in New Jersey. This spring she will begin teaching at Fluence Training.
The instructors do not have any commercial support and/or conflict of interest for this program.
Contact Us
For questions, please contact: ce@gsapp.rutgers.edu
Continuing Education Information
Rutgers Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology (GSAPP) is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0123.
LMFT/MFT and LPC/LAC Licensed in New Jersey: Programs approved by the American Psychological Association are acceptable sources of continuing education credits. Please see https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/regulations/Chapter-34-Subchapters-10-31-Professional-Counselors.pdf, Section: 13:34-15.4 APPROVAL OF COURSES OR PROGRAMS on page 27. For all other professional licenses and certifications, please reference your issuing state board regulations regarding reciprocity of continuing education credits.
Rutgers Graduate School of Applied & Professional Psychology is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Rutgers Graduate School of Applied & Professional Psychology maintains responsibility for this program and its content.