Practicum
Courses
The practicum is the capstone of our rigorous training program.
All students in the MA program complete a one-semester practicum (100 hours) before graduation. This outside experience is paired with a weekly group meeting with a program professor and all students taking the course to discuss their placements.
Those seeking to provide psychedelic-assisted psychotherapies or spiritual care will complete a practicum placement under the supervision of a qualified (licensed, registered, certified, and/or ordained) practitioner of which 48 hours must be direct client contact in collaboration with a senior practitioner.
Practicum opportunities may include working as a ketamine-assisted therapy provider, facilitating plant medicine retreats, working as a research assistant in a psychedelic lab, volunteering for a psychedelic crisis hotline, being an intern for a psychedelic advocacy organization, or many other opportunities, alone or in combination. The practicum experience should reflect the kind of work the student wants to do in the field of psychedelics once they complete their program of study. Ideally, this will involve working in some capacity with people who are making use of psychedelics.
Available Practicum Courses
The practicum is designed for students in the MA program and the (forthcoming) diploma program, and should be taken at or near the end of the course sequence.
- PSY 6002 Practicum in Applied Research (3 units)
-or- - PSY 6013 Practicum in Clinical Psychedelics (3 units)
MA program graduates who have satisfactorily completed all coursework along with PSY 6013, may be able to receive a graduate diploma (certificate) in Psychedelic Therapies along with their Master's Degree (pending final approval of certificate program).
Clinicians
The Mental Health track involves advanced study and training in psychedelics-assisted therapies for mental health professionals.
Spiritual Care Providers
The Spiritual Care track includes advanced study and training in psychedelic-assisted spiritual care for clergy, traditional, and spiritual care providers.
Researchers
The Research Track provides graduate level research training in the field of psychedelic studies, with the opportunity to pursue doctoral studies in a related discipline.
Approved Practicum
Opportunities
The Laboratory for Psychedelic Clinical Research (LPCR) is at 554 King Edward Ave., a 6-room suite where innovative psychedelic research takes place right on the uOttawa campus. The LPCR is a source of training opportunities for graduate students. It also houses the Behavioural Wellness Clinic, which is engaged in ketamine-assisted psychotherapy with partners at FieldTrip and TMS Life, making this an excellent practicum site for students.
Current Practicum Opportunities Include
- Being a co-therapist for a KAP research study of major depressive disorder.
- Interviewing study participants with marginalized identities about their personal use of psychedelics.
Students should reach out to Dr. Williams if they have interest in clinical or research-oriented practicum opportunities at this location.
Off-Campus Opportunities
Clinically-Oriented Students (PSY 6013)
Clinical students should see 3 client for PAT in clinical settings, or assist with 2 full psychedelic retreats for full credit.
- Behavioral Wellness Clinic, Ketamine-Assisted Therapy Program, Connecticut, USA
- Roots to Thrive, Preceptor Training Program, Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo, BC
- One Retreats, Psilocybin Mushroom Ceremonies, Negril, Jamaica
- Mystic Health, Los Angeles, California, USA
All Students (PSY 6002)
- Chacruna Institute for Psychedelic Plant Medicines Intership Program (online)
- Fireside Project Hotline Volunteer (online)
- Zendo Project Volunteer