Ethical Guidelines for Ketamine Clinicians

A 2-hour CE course from an NBCC-approved provider, for licensed mental health professionals providing or supporting ketamine-assisted therapy who want clear, practical guidance for ethical clinical practice. Learn how to navigate non-ordinary states of consciousness, uphold professional boundaries, and strengthen therapeutic safety, without hype, dogma, or overreach.
Format

Online Course

Credit Hour

2 Credit Hour, NBCC

Author

Dr. Peter H Addy

Price

$ 87

Feeling the Ethical Weight of Ketamine-Assisted Therapy?

Write your awesome label here.
Are you confident that your clinical boundaries hold up when working with non-ordinary states of consciousness?

Do questions about power dynamics, consent, and therapeutic responsibility feel higher-stakes in ketamine-assisted work?

Have you noticed that many trainings talk about transformation - but offer little guidance on navigating specific ethical dilemmas like power dynamics, consent, and scope?

You’re not alone.

As ketamine-assisted therapy becomes more visible, many clinicians recognize that ethical clarity - not technique - is what most protects clients, clinicians, and the field itself.

We See the Challenges

Here’s the reality for clinicians working with ketamine:
  • Ethical Complexity: Altered states can intensify vulnerability, transference, and power dynamics—requiring more, not less, ethical precision.
  • Unclear Best Practices: Many clinicians are left piecing together guidance without a coherent ethical framework specific to ketamine work.
  • Risk of Overreach: Without clear boundaries, even well-intentioned clinicians can drift beyond scope or professional responsibility.
  • Training Gaps: Too many courses emphasize experience or outcomes, while underemphasizing ethics, safety, and long-term professional integrity.

But it doesn’t have to be this way.

Ethical Guidelines for Ketamine Clinicians provides a grounded, practical framework for navigating the ethical realities of ketamine-assisted therapy - so you can work with clarity, care, and confidence.

introducing

Ethical Guidelines for Ketamine Clinicians

This is a practical, intermediate-level, clinician-focused CE course designed to support ethical, trauma-informed ketamine-assisted therapy. Built for licensed mental health professionals, this course addresses the real ethical questions that arise when working with non-ordinary states - beyond abstract codes of ethics or idealized scenarios. Grounded in professional standards and real clinical experience, the course emphasizes thoughtful boundary-setting, informed consent, therapeutic safety, and ongoing professional development. The focus is not on rigid rules, but on ethical discernment that holds up in complex, real-world situations.

This course is delivered as an on-demand, video-based home study program. This program offers 2 NBCC credit hours upon completion. Partial credit is not available.
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this program, participants will be able to:
Analyze ethical challenges introduced by non-ordinary states of consciousness in ketamine-assisted therapy.
Apply strategies for establishing and maintaining appropriate therapeutic boundaries before, during, and after ketamine sessions.
Demonstrate trauma-informed ethical principles that support client autonomy and reduce harm in ketamine-assisted practice.
Develop a plan for continued ethical accountability and professional growth in a rapidly evolving clinical field.
5 Stars          
Peter's understanding of the nuances of medicine work and the standards for providing ethical, fair and justice oriented treatment is clear in this course. I highly recommend this course to anyone wanting to enrich their ethical awareness and maintain integrity in the sacred practice of medicine work.
Gail Neves, LMHC · EMDR Therapist, Ketamine Therapist
10 out of 10
I appreciated Dr. Addy's attention to detail, as well as the lovely relational pause to incorporate information on the wounded healer and Radical Healership. :) Very authentic and important. I appreciate Dr. Addy's style and approach as well as audio and visual methods of teaching and handouts to return to if needed for reference.
Chesley S., LPC
9 out of 10
Excellent training. I like how the information was presented in a variety of ways, both conceptual, as well as with case study examples. I also like the segment on radical healership and really reflecting on our own shadows and potential unconscious motivations. Important to be aware of!
Arah G., LPC
9 out of 10
Thank you for this presentation, I am ongoingly engaged in my growth and development as a KAP therapist and purchased the book you recommended. I am taking it with me on vacation and will work on self reflection.
Ana A., LPC
8 out of 10
I thought the course was good. I'm taking it for psychedelic facilitator CE and found the principles for the Ketamine course applicable. 
Geoffrey F.

Presenter

This course is taught by licensed clinicians who actively work with ketamine in real clinical settings.

The instruction integrates academic research, hands-on therapeutic practice, and a deep focus on ethical responsibility, boundaries, and scope of practice.

Rather than abstract principles, the teaching is grounded in real therapy-room dilemmas—helping clinicians navigate ethical complexity with clarity, discernment, and professional integrity.

Dr. Peter H. Addy

PhD, LPC, LMHC

Dr. Peter H. Addy is an expert in the field of psychedelic substances and states of consciousness. With 15 years of experience, Dr. Addy has established himself as an authority on the transformative effects of transcendence and wholeness. Dr. Addy's knowledge and expertise have led him to become a highly sought-after speaker and presenter, having given talks internationally on a range of topics related to spirituality, transpersonal states, psychedelic science, and research methodology. Dr. Addy is also an accomplished writer, having authored numerous scientific articles, book chapters, and popular press articles on typical and atypical psychedelics, substance abuse, and spirituality.

Course Lessons

Continuing Education Approvals and Information

NBCC-Approved Provider
Psychedelic Affirming Education has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7579. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Psychedelic Affirming Education is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs. This course content is primarily designed or intended for graduate-level professional counselors. However, the course content also may meet criteria for Oregon Psilocybin Services Facilitator CE hours.
This program is designed to meet continuing education requirements for the following boards:
  • Mental Health & Addiction Certification Board of Oregon
  • Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists (OAR 833-080-0011)
  • Oregon Board of Licensed Social Workers (OAR 877-025-0011)
  • Oregon Board of Psychology (OAR 858-040-0015)
  • Washington Examining Board of Psychology (WAC 246-924-240)
  • Washington Mental Health Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Social Workers Advisory Committee (WAC 246-809-620)
Please note: The responsibility for substantiating that a particular program meets the requirements rests solely with the licensee. 

Frequently asked questions

Is this course only relevant if I actively facilitate ketamine sessions?

This course is most relevant for clinicians who facilitate or closely support ketamine-assisted therapy. If you are involved in preparation, integration, or clinical decision-making around ketamine sessions, the ethical frameworks covered here will be directly applicable to your work.

Does this course cover legal or regulatory requirements for ketamine practice?

The course addresses ethical responsibilities and professional standards rather than providing legal advice. It focuses on ethical decision-making, scope of practice, and clinical responsibility, while encouraging clinicians to remain informed about regulations specific to their license and jurisdiction.

How is this different from general ethics CE courses?

Unlike general ethics trainings, this course focuses specifically on the ethical challenges that arise when working with non-ordinary states of consciousness in ketamine-assisted therapy. It addresses issues such as heightened vulnerability, power dynamics, consent, and boundary management that are often underexplored in standard ethics courses.

Will this course tell me the “right” way to practice ketamine therapy?

No. The course does not promote a single model or rigid set of rules. Instead, it offers ethical frameworks and reflective tools to help you think critically, recognize risk, and make well-reasoned clinical decisions in complex, real-world situations.

Is prior training in ketamine-assisted therapy required?

While some familiarity with ketamine-assisted therapy is helpful, it is not required. The course is designed to meet clinicians where they are, focusing on ethical principles and professional judgment rather than technical facilitation skills.

Do you offer accommodations for participants with disabilities?

Yes. Psychedelic Affirming Education is committed to providing equal access to our courses in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and similar laws. We provide appropriate accommodations for participants with physical, visual, auditory, and other legally-recognized disabilities. To request accommodations, please contact us. Our team will guide you through the process and respond to your request within 10 business days.

Can Oregon psilocybin facilitators take this course?

Yes! This course directly fulfills specific OPS curriculum requirements for the "Safety, Ethics, Law and Responsibilities" module requirements including client boundaries, ethical considerations, and documentation (OAR 333-333-3060(3)).
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