Psychedelics in Recovery: Ethics, Integration, and Practice
Delivery Mode
Live Online
Date
May 8, 2026
Details
- Time: 9am-12:30pm PT | 12pm-3:30pm ET
- Length: 3 hours with breaks
- Continuing Education Credits (CE): 3
- Discounts: Available for AU Students & Alumni- Use code AU30
Description
As clinical interest in psychedelic-assisted therapy continues to expand, mental health professionals are increasingly encountering questions related to safety, ethics, and clinical fit—particularly for clients engaged in abstinence-based recovery models such as the 12 Steps. This continuing education workshop provides an educational overview of psychedelic-assisted approaches as they relate to trauma, depression, and existential distress, with specific attention to recovery-oriented contexts.
The workshop emphasizes ethical considerations, contraindications, and culturally responsive clinical decision-making when working with individuals in recovery. Participants will examine how emerging therapeutic conversations intersect with established recovery values, and how clinicians can engage these topics with care, curiosity, and professional integrity.
Through didactic presentation, case-based discussion, and guided dialogue, participants will gain conceptual frameworks for assessment, ethical engagement, and integration support. This program is designed for licensed mental health professionals seeking to expand their understanding of this evolving field while maintaining clear professional boundaries and respect for recovery culture. The content is educational in nature and does not provide instruction in the administration of psychedelic substances.
Who Should Attend?
This workshop is designed for licensed mental health professionals, including counselors, marriage and family therapists, social workers, psychologists, and other behavioral health providers seeking continuing education related to ethics, emerging clinical issues, and culturally responsive practice.
Instructional Methods
– Didactic presentation
– Case-based examples
– Guided discussion and reflective dialogue
Learning Goals
Upon completion of this 3 CE hour program, participants will be able to:
1. Identify at least three ethical considerations and three contraindications relevant to working with clients in recovery who report psychedelic-related experiences.
2. Describe at least two evidence-informed mechanisms by which psychedelic experiences may support healing from trauma and existential distress.
3. Differentiate between at least two integration approaches compatible with 12-step and abstinence-based recovery frameworks.
Instructor
Ritch Colbert
Ritch brings a multidisciplinary background spanning spiritual care, recovery-oriented practice, and public-facing professional education. Prior to work in Spiritual Care and Psychedelic Medicine, Ritch held a decades-long career in the television industry, regularly presenting to large audiences of broadcasters and industry leaders. In addition, he has served for over thirty years in public-facing leadership roles as a board member of diverse organizations.
With over four decades of continuous recovery, Ritch brings extensive lived experience within recovery communities and is frequently invited to speak at large meetings and conventions nationwide. This experience informs an ethical, values-based approach to conversations at the intersection of recovery and emerging therapeutic practices.
Ritch’s clinical foundation includes chaplaincy and spiritual direction, with extensive clinical pastoral experience in hospital, palliative, and hospice settings, offering a compassionate understanding of trauma, grief, and existential suffering. Graduate training in Spiritual Psychology, along with certification from the Center of Psychedelic Therapy & Research, supports an evidence-informed and integrative approach grounded in ethical care and cultural humility.
Trained as a Level I and II Reiki practitioner, Ritch brings a gentle, body-centered awareness to his holistic care practice. Music is his contemplative art form; as a composer and musician, he creates ambient and neo-classical soundscapes designed to support reflection, healing, and altered states.
An alumnus of Antioch University at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, Ritch maintains strong professional connections with Antioch-trained clinicians serving recovery-oriented populations. This workshop reflects a commitment to bridging clinical practice, lived experience, and ethical inquiry in service of responsible professional learning.
Continuing Education
Individuals must attend the entire event to receive continuing education credit. Partial credit is not available. Additional requirements regarding enrollment, documentation and eligibility may apply.
Continuing Education Certificates
Course Completion certificates will be awarded at the end of the course in exchange for a completed evaluation form. Individuals who successfully complete the program will receive a certificate for 3 continuing education credit hours. This certificate may be submitted to your state’s licensure or certification board for their consideration in meeting renewal requirements. CE credit varies from state to state. Participants are encouraged to check with their licensing board to determine if this offering qualifies for acceptance as Continuing Education credit.
California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT)
Course meets the qualifications for 3 hours of continuing education credit for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and/or LEPs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. Antioch University is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists to sponsor continuing education for mental health professionals. Antioch University maintains responsibility for this program/course and its content.
National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)
Antioch University New England - Clinical Mental Health Counseling Department has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 4338. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Antioch University New England - Clinical Mental Health Counseling Department is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
Accommodations
To request accommodations for special needs, please email the Program Administrator at [email protected].
Terms & Conditions
Cancellations received in writing 7 days before the date of the event are entitled to a full refund. Cancellations received between 6 and 3 days before an event are entitled to a 50% refund. Cancellations 2 or less days before an event will not be eligible for a refund.