The ADEPT program is delivered in a hybrid format. While the 10 modules and weekly practice tutorials are conducted online and can be followed remotely, participants are required to travel for the in-person training days and experiential workshops. These sessions will take place at a central location in the Netherlands. Please note that participants are responsible for covering their own travel expenses.
Professional training for excellence in psychedelic therapy
A two year, comprehensive training with in person learning for the next generation of skilled, ethical, and responsible psychedelic therapists.
FAQ
Practicalities
Am I eligible to apply?
Eligibility criteria
- Licensed mental health professionals (e.g., psychotherapists, clinical psychologists, psychiatrists)
- BIG registration or equivalent to licence professionals
- ≥3 years experience providing psychotherapy or mental health care
- Comprehension of academic English
- Minimum age: 25 years
- Minimum BA/BSc
- Professionals with other backgrounds may be considered (e.g. spiritual caregiver, clinical chaplain, sociotherapist, sociaal maatschappelijk werker)
The ADEPT program is open to licensed mental health professionals, including medical doctors, psychotherapists, and clinical psychologists, with priority given to BIG-registered professionals. Ideally, applicants should have a background in psychotherapy or experience providing therapeutic care to clients, as this will support the integration of psychedelic-assisted therapy into their existing practice.
We also welcome applications from family therapists, psychiatric nurses, addiction therapists, and complementary therapists with relevant academic qualifications (minimum BA/BSc).
How is the course delivered?
ADEPT will be delivered in a hybrid format, combining full in-person training days, experiential learning and both pre-recorded and live online education.
- 10 online modules: Pre-recorded lectures of up to 2-hours weekly.
- Weekly tutorials: up to two-hour live workgroups under the guidance of qualified tutors.
- Monthly Q&A: 2-hour live Q&A with core and guest faculty.
- In-person meetings: Five in-person meetings focusing on applied learning and preparation will be held at a central location in the Netherlands. *Remote participation is not available for these sessions. Attendance is mandatory and participants residing outside the Netherlands are responsible for arranging their own transportation and accommodation if needed.
- Three multi-day experiential workshops:
- Year 1: 3-day experiential workshop
- Year 2: 2x 5-day experiential workshop *Remote participation is not available for these sessions. Attendance is mandatory for both in-person training and experiential workshops. Accommodation and food are included.
What is the expected time commitment?
Participants should expect to dedicate up to 6 – 10 hours per week to the program. This time is divided over watching recorded lectures, participation in discussions and study groups, live sessions, and self study of additional supplementary materials like scientific publications, book chapters, and watching relevant videos.
What is the language of the course material, lectures, and training?
All course materials, lectures, and training content for the ADEPT program will be conducted in English. Proficiency in English is essential to fully engage with the content, participate in discussions, and interact with peers and instructors.
What is the tuition fee?
The total cost of the ADEPT program is €18,500. See payment terms below for other options.
This fee includes access to all online modules, lunch during in-person training days, as well as accommodation and meals during the multi-day experiential workshops. Participants residing outside the Netherlands are responsible for arranging their own accommodations for the in-person training days and transportation.
ADEPT is registered with CRKBO, exempting the programme from VAT.
What are the payment terms?
The total cost of the 12-month ADEPT Foundation is €18,500.
Participants who choose to pay in full, upfront, receive a €500 discount, bringing the total to €18,000.
Upon acceptance of registration, a €1,500 deposit will be requested to hold your place. This amount will be deducted from the overall program fee.
There are two instalment options:
- Two instalments:
€1,500 deposit + 2 instalments of €8,500.
Payments are due in April 2026 and March 2027. - Ten instalments:
€1,500 deposit + 9 monthly payments of €1,991.97, starting on the 26th of each month, beginning April 2026.
Participants who do not pay in full upfront will receive a secure payment link to authorise scheduled deductions from their account on the dates above. It is the participant’s responsibility to ensure sufficient funds are available on these dates to avoid delays or penalties.
Failure to complete payments by the agreed deadlines may incur additional charges, including administrative fees or late payment penalties.
Are scholarships or discounts available for the ADEPT program?
We are currently working hard to secure funding for the ADEPT scholarship program to support participants in the future. However, scholarships and discounts are not available at this time. We encourage participants to explore external funding opportunities and we will provide updates as soon as the scholarship program becomes available.
How does the enrolment process work?
The enrolment process consists of three simple steps:
- Registration: Start by registering on our website, or via this link.
- Enrolment Form: Once your enrolment form is complete, you will receive a payment link for the non-refundable €80 enrolment fee. Enrolment Fee: After registering, you will receive an email with a link to your enrolment form.
Prepare the following documents for your enrolment form:
- Personal and professional background questions
- BIG Registration number (for applicants in the Netherlands) or a certificate of professional qualification (for international applicants)
- A motivation letter (500 words)
- Your CV
- Two references
What is ADEPT?
ADEPT stands for Advanced Education in Psychedelic Therapy. It is a comprehensive training program designed for licensed mental health professionals. Combining theoretical knowledge, hands-on experiential learning, and ethical guidance, the program focuses on the clinical, cultural, and neurobiological aspects of psychedelic-assisted therapy, aiming to set the standard for safe and effective psychedelic care in Europe. It contains 10 online modules (of 4 weeks each), weekly tutorials, live Q&A sessions, five in-person training days, and three experiential workshops held at a central location in the Netherlands.
In the first year, the focus is on non-substance-based experiential practices such as breath-work and somatic practices across three in-person training days. To provide foundational exposure to the therapeutic process, participants will engage in a three-day experiential workshop with psilocybin-containing truffles.
The second year, while still incorporating theory, the focus shifts towards supervised, substance-based experiential sessions. Participants will practice in two in-person training days and two five-day experiential workshops. During these workshops, participants will both facilitate and undergo self-experiences with psilocybin-containing truffles. This comprehensive approach ensures that participants gain both the academic knowledge and practical skills necessary for providing safe and effective psychedelic-assisted therapy.
How will practical experience be incorporated?
ADEPT incorporates practical experience through a combination of non-substance and substance-based sessions across the two-year program.
In Year 1, participants attend three in-person gatherings focusing on somatic exercises, breath-work, and role-play to practice guiding altered states. Additionally, there is one three-day self-experience workshop with substances.
In Year 2, participants attend two more in-person training days and engage in two supervised, multi-day, substance-based sessions to gain direct experience in client preparation, session facilitation, and integration, under expert supervision, ensuring a safe and structured learning environment.
Participation in the ADEPT program and the OPEN Foundation do no promote, condone, or facilitate the use of unauthorised medical products.
Is taking the substance required for course participation and certification?
Participation in the experiential workshops is mandatory, as they are an essential part of the program. However, taking the substance during these workshops is not required.
Participation in the ADEPT program and the OPEN Foundation do no promote, condone, or facilitate the use of unauthorised medical products.
Accreditation
Is there certification and accreditation?
Upon completing the two-year professional training program and fulfilling all requirements, participants will receive a Certificate in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy from the OPEN Foundation, provided they attend at least 80% of all scheduled online activities (online lectures, tutorials and live Q&A’s) and fulfil all course requirements and assignments. For in-person meetings and experiential sessions, 100% attendance is required to ensure full engagement with the program’s core components.
The ADEPT certificate reflects the participant’s mastery of advanced knowledge, practical skills, and ethical competencies necessary for this emerging field. Issued by the Open Foundation, the certificate holds international recognition, symbolizing participation in a rigorous, science-based program co-developed by leading experts in the field.
Continuing (Medical) Education (CE/CME) Credits are pending approval. We will pursue accreditation for psychiatrists, clinical and healthcare psychologists, and psychotherapists from Dutch organizations NVvP, FGzPT, NVP, and NIP. Additional accreditation for other professions is currently under discussion.
This certification recognises your advanced knowledge and skills in psychedelic-assisted therapy, enabling you to integrate these techniques into your existing practice within legal boundaries. However, please be aware that this certificate does not provide a license or legal authority to independently practice psychedelic-assisted therapy outside of regulated settings.
Contact Us
You can reach the ADEPT team via email.
adept@open-foundation.org
