Find answers to common questions about our training programs, accreditation, and services.
We don't call our program a Certificate since this could be misleading. In Australia, a Certificate is a recognised qualification provided by a Registered Training Organization (RTO). Since psychedelic-assisted therapy is not yet a regulated field with established training standards, there are currently no RTO-recognised certificates available in the practical application and know-how of this specialty.
Current Regulatory Status:
Important Distinction:
CPD (Continuing Professional Development) accreditation is not the same as an official qualification or accreditation to deliver psychedelic-assisted therapy in Australia. Some programs advertise CPD accreditation, but this relates to professional development points rather than qualification to practice in this field.
What IS Accepted:
What We Provide:
Our Position:
When the field is unregulated and no official qualification exists, in-person instructor experience and training quality matter far more than terminology. We encourage you to evaluate any program based on these factors rather than the language used to describe credentials.
CPD (Continuing Professional Development) Hours: Recognition points toward maintaining your professional registration (e.g., with APS or AHPRA). Our 35 CPD hours satisfy these requirements.
Professional Qualification: A formal credential certifying you to practice a specific role. Since psychedelic-assisted therapy is not yet officially regulated, no program can offer an "official" qualification. This applies to every training in Australia.
Why This Matters:
Only psychiatrists who have been approved as Authorised Prescribers by the TGA can prescribe psilocybin and MDMA.
Key Points:
The Role of Therapists:
Mental health professionals (psychologists, counsellors, social workers, mental health nurses) work alongside the Authorised Prescriber as part of the treating team. Your role and responsibilities are determined by your professional qualifications and the clinical governance framework.
No. Treating teams typically include mental health professionals such as:
Your Base Qualification Determines Your Scope:
Your existing professional qualification (psychology, counselling, nursing, social work, etc.) defines what you can do within a treating team. PIA training prepares you to add psychedelic-assisted therapy skills to your existing professional practice.
What You Need:
For the full pathway — eligibility, what training involves, and what happens after you qualify — see our guide on how to become a psychedelic therapist in Australia.
Training program length varies significantly depending on program depth, in-person components, and provider. Longer programs are not automatically better — content quality, practical hours, and instructor experience matter more than duration.
PIA's Approach:
Important Note:
Completion of a 5-day intensive does NOT make you highly competent. Competence requires ongoing clinical experience, supervision, and reflective practice beyond the training. The training goal is to equip you with foundational clinical skills and protocol knowledge.
Included:
Not Included:
Note: Some training sessions may be conducted online. Hybrid format allows flexibility while maintaining hands-on practical components.
Yes. PIA's Foundational Knowledge online course is self-paced and accessible from anywhere in Australia, including Perth and Western Australia. The Essential Skills Program's hands-on clinical training is delivered in-person in Melbourne, so it requires travel — the next confirmed intake is 8–12 February 2027. There is currently no in-person intensive delivered in Perth, but PIA has Perth-based faculty.
For the full breakdown of training options for WA-based practitioners, see our guide on psychedelic therapy training in Perth.
If you didn't find the answer you're looking for, we're here to help. Reach out to our team for detailed information about our programs and services.
Contact Us →