San Francisco, CA — September 2025 — The Chacruna Institute for Psychedelic Plant Medicines, a global leader in ethical psychedelic education, is excited to open enrollment for its highly regarded course: Foundations of Plant Medicine Facilitation, Integration, and Ethics. This 10-week live, online course runs from October 20 to December 22, 2025.
This in-depth, justice-informed training is designed for anyone interested in psychedelic facilitation, guiding or sitting, from chaplains and ceremonial guides to therapists and clinicians. The course equips students with essential tools for ethical practice, intercultural awareness, trauma-informed care, and deep respect for Indigenous plant medicine traditions. Through thoughtful inquiry and a multi-disciplinary lens, it addresses the complexities of merging sacred ceremonial practices with contemporary therapeutic approaches.
“Foundations of Plant Medicine is not only a course but a journey that will explore the intersections between therapy, facilitation, spirituality, and care through contemporary lenses.”
Bia Labate
“Foundations of Plant Medicine is not only a course but a journey that will explore the intersections between therapy, facilitation, spirituality, and care through contemporary lenses,” says Chacruna’s Executive Director, Bia Labate.
Course Overview
- Dates: October 20 – December 22, 2025
- Format: Live Online, Mondays 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM PDT / 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM EST
- CE Credits: 14 CE credits available (via Spiritual Competency Academy)
- Faculty: Taught by a diverse team of anthropologists, psychologists, harm reduction experts, Indigenous allies, and integration specialists
Key Learning Topics
- Core ethics in plant medicine facilitation
- Trauma-informed, body-based approaches to healing
- Intercultural competency and Indigenous perspectives
- Ritual, music, and spirituality in ceremony and integration
- Harm reduction principles and crisis support
- Psychology basics for non-clinical guides and sitters
- Preparation and integration across ceremonial and therapeutic settings
A Dynamic Faculty
Students will learn from a respected, multidisciplinary team, including:
- Adam Aronovich, PhD Candidate, medical anthropologist and intercultural facilitator
- Licia Sky, BFA, CMOH, somatic educator and co-founder, Trauma Research Foundation
- Henrique Antunes, PhD, Chacruna’s Research Director and expert on ayahuasca regulation
- Clancy Cavnar, Psy.D, clinical psychologist and Chacruna Co-Founder
- Jordan Sloshower, MD, psychiatrist and Yale-affiliated psychedelic researcher
- Jamie Beachy, PhD, eco-chaplain and MAPS Phase III researcher
- Bruno Ramos Gomes, PhD, psychologist focused on ayahuasca and public health
- Timothy Crespi & Simone Weit, harm reduction specialists and Zendo educators
Why This Course Stands Out
- Ethics-First Approach: Grounded in responsibility, reciprocity, and care
- Cross-Cultural Competency: Honors diverse traditions and ways of knowing
- Real-World Tools: From preparation to integration, theory to practice
- Accessible and Interactive: Weekly live sessions + community dialogue
Enrollment Information
- Now Accepting Registrations
- Tuition: $700 general / $320 for CE credits
- Scholarships Available
- CE Credits: 14 CE hours available for mental health professionals
- Course Page: https://chacruna.xyz/plant-medicine-integration-2025/
- CE Details: Offered in partnership with the Spiritual Competency Academy (APA-approved provider)
About the Chacruna Institute
The Chacruna Institute for Psychedelic Plant Medicines is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Northern California. Co-founded by Brazilian anthropologist Dr. Bia Labate and American psychologist Dr. Clancy Cavnar, Chacruna promotes psychedelic justice through research, education, and community engagement. The institute uplifts the voices of Indigenous peoples, women, queer people, people of color, and the Global South, while advocating for the protection of sacred plants and biocultures.
Media Contact
Lorien Chavez
Chacruna Institute
lorien@chacruna.net
415-390-6157
