Frequently Asked Questions

What psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) curriculum is available at CSSW?

Our primary focus is our comprehensive in-degree training program available to final-year MSSW students in the Advanced Clinical Practice specialization, consisting of four courses related to psychedelic-assisted therapy and a related practicum placement. Our first cohort launched in September 2024.   

We are preparing to launch a minor in PAT in September 2026, which will consist of three PAT courses, taught online. 

CSSW offered it's first course on psychedelic-assisted therapy (Psychedelic Practice) in the spring 2023 semester. This course, along with an elective course (Intro to MDMA-Assisted Therapy), were offered in spring 2024. As of 2025, we are offering one online elective course, Intro to Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy, open to all final-year MSW students.

Who is eligible to apply to the Psychedelic Therapy Training Program (PTTP)? 

Currently, the program is open to Columbia students in the residential MSW program who select the Advanced Clinical Practice (ACP) specialization, with participation in the program occurring in their final year of study. Applicants must already be students in the Columbia School of Social Work MSW program in order to apply to the Psychedelic Therapy Training Program. 

Acceptance to the Psychedelic Therapy Training Program is not guaranteed, the application and practicum placement process can be competitive. Please keep this in mind if you are basing your decision to come to Columbia School of Social Work specifically for the Psychedelic Therapy Training Program. 

If it did not work-out for the applicant to participate in the PTTP, they are still eligible for the forthcoming minor in PAT. Additionally, we also offer electives and guest lectures related to psychedelics, to be accessible to all enrolled MSSW students.

How do I apply to the Psychedelic Therapy Training Program (PTTP)?

Two-Year MSW Students

Students in the two-year MSW program will have the opportunity to attend an informational session in December during their first year of study. Details on the application process will be shared during this informational session.

The admissions process will take place in December and January, followed by the practicum site placement process taking place in February through May of their first year of study. Participation in the program will take place during their second year of study.  

Three-Year MSW Students

Part-time and part-time to full-time students should first check with the CSSW Office of Financial Aid to see if they would incur additional costs by participating in the PTTP.

Students in the three-year MSW program will have the opportunity to attend an informational session in December during their second year of study. Details on the application process will be shared during this informational session.

The admissions process will take place in December and January, followed by the practicum site placement process taking place in February through May of their second year of study. Participation in the program will take place during their third year of study. 

16-month Students

Students in the 16-month MSW program should notify the CSSW Office of Admissions of their interest in the PTTP upon being accepted to CSSW. 

The admissions process will take place immediately in December and January, preceding their first semester, followed by the fall-spring practicum site placement process taking place in February through May of their first semester of study. Participation in the program will take place during their final fall and spring semesters. 

Advanced Standing Students

Unfortunately, we are not currently able to offer the full training program to Advanced Standing students, as the admissions timelines are not in alignment. However, Advanced Standing Students are eligible participate in the PAT minor. 

Does it cost anything additional to participate in the PTTP?

• 2-year and 16-month students should incur no additional charges.
• Part time, OYR and Part-Time to full time students may incur additional charges. These students should check with the CSSW Office of Financial Aid to confirm any costs associated with taking the four PTTP elective courses.

Is there a full training program for online MSSW students?

We do not currently offer the comprehensive PTTP online, however, the minor in PAT courses are taught online. Online students who live in the NYC-area and are able to attend the four PTTP courses in-person are eligible to participate in the PTTP.

What does the PAT minor include?

The PAT minor includes three elective courses focused on PAT. It does not include the PAT clinical seminar course or a ketamine/PAT-related practicum placement.

Who is eligible to participate in the PAT minor?

• Online and residential/in-person MSSW students
• Students in their final year of study
• All four specializations (ACP, IPP, LME, Policy)
• There is no formal application process specific to the PAT minor

Does it cost anything additional to participate in the PAT minor?

• 2-year, 16-month, 5 term international, and advanced standing students incur no additional charges.
• Part time, OYR and Part-Time to full time students:
  • ACP and IPP students can do the minor without having to pay extra.
  • Policy students would need to pay for 3 extra credits, as they only have 2 electives
  • LME students would have to pay for 9 credits, as they don't have to take electives.

What is the difference between the Psychedelic Therapy Training Program (PTTP) and the minor in PAT?

The PTTP consists of four courses, the minor consists of three courses.

The PTTP includes a 600-hour practicum related to ketamine and/or PAT, the minor does not include the practicum.

The PTTP classes are taught in-person at CSSW, the minor classes are taught online.

The PTTP is only open to MSSW students in the Advanced Clinical Practice specialization, the minor is open to MSSW students from all four specializations.

The PTTP includes a certificate upon completion, the minor does not include that PTTP certificate.

Will completion of either program allow me to legally practice psychedelic-assisted therapy?

Currently, there is no official certification or license specific to providing psychedelic-assisted therapy, beyond each state’s clinical licensure requirements. This program will document the number of hours of focused psychedelic-assisted therapy curriculum, comparable to those issued by leading comprehensive post-graduate training programs. We are closely monitoring efforts to standardize related clinical competencies.

Please note that off-label use of ketamine is currently the only legal psychedelic-assisted therapy available outside of a research setting. This program was developed with the anticipated rescheduling of MDMA and psilocybin in the coming years. We can not anticipate what additional examination or supplementary learning may be required to provide these treatments in the future. 

Is there a training program for social work professionals already working as clinicians?

Currently, we offer an asynchronous online introductory course through Columbia +, Fundamentals of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy.