The promise of psychedelic medicines to improve treatment options for people suffering from various mental health-related issues has flourished in recent years. A surge of research trials, clinical testing, and publications indicate that there is reason for cautious optimism in using psychedelics, such as psilocybin, MDMA, and ketamine to treat depression, trauma-related disorders, substance use disorders, PTSD, and other conditions.
As research continues into the efficacy of psychedelics to help people, questions about who receives treatment and how clients are guided and supported through that treatment arise. That’s where social workers come in. Social workers have always played an important role in mental health care, from providing talk therapy to working toward equitable access and helping clients navigate complex health care systems.
Now, the Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work will offer its first course focused on psychedelic healing in the summer of 2025. Clinical Associate Professor Angela Willits will teach the eight-week online course, Principles of Psychedelic Healing.
“There is a growing need for trained mental health providers, including clinical social workers, to support clients in psychedelic-assisted therapy, whether they are working directly with the medicines or supporting clients who are seeking or have had experiences with them,” said Willits. “Social workers are the largest, most diverse providers of mental health services in the country, making it critical for social workers to be involved in the provision of psychedelic services.”
The course will help social workers gain a foundational understanding of the psychedelic compounds most commonly used in psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT), their history of indigenous and clinical use, and implications for ethical practice. Social workers will also develop harm reduction and integration skills to support clients who are engaging in psychedelic-assisted therapy.
The course is aimed at both current students as well as practicing clinical social workers. The school will offer scholarships for community social workers to take the course at a significantly reduced price thanks to a generous donation from alumna and board member Meghan Morrissey. The mix of current students and practicing social workers in the course will enhance a collaborative learning environment in the emerging field of PAT and it will apply the learning that takes place in our classrooms to clinics across the state.
“Students will have the opportunity to interact with and learn from experienced clinicians currently practicing in the field. Practicing social workers will gain access to up-to-date information that will support them in offering more comprehensive treatment options to their clients,” said Willits.
Several research projects in Wisconsin are underway looking into the potential benefits and uses of psychedelic drugs for various conditions, including clinical depression. At UW-Madison, the Transdisciplinary Center for Research in Psychoactive Substances, supports “research and educational activities regarding psychedelic drugs and related compounds.”
As clinical trials into psychedelics continue, the need for trained therapists and social workers to help patients through the process and to advocate for equitable access also increases.
“Our training and emphasis on social justice and cultural humility position us to value the cultural and historical context of psychedelics, including their use in indigenous healing practices, and to advocate for reciprocity, equity and inclusion,” Willits said.
The Columbia School of Social Work launched the first PAT certificate program for MSW students earlier this year, but the training of social workers to assist with PAT is still on the cutting-edge.
While providing this first-ever course to current students is innovative, providing affordable access to already practicing social workers helps Wisconsin providers prepare for an increase in needs associated with psychedelic care in communities throughout the state.
“We hope to bring in a diverse group of mental health social workers from across the state. Social workers trained in psychedelic-assisted therapy can play a crucial role in expanding access to these innovative treatments,” Willits said.