Policies & Important Info
Here you will find all of the important policies and information you need to be successful.
Mission Statement of Ascend Psychedelics
At Ascend Psychedelics, we are revolutionizing the field of psychedelic facilitation by setting the
gold standard for training in Colorado and beyond. Our mission is to empower compassionate,
skilled, and ethically grounded facilitators who lead with safety, integrity, and reverence in every
sacred space.
Through our Psychedelic Facilitator Certification Program, we blend ancient wisdom, modern
science, and trauma-informed care to create transformative education. Our approach honors
individual journeys while safeguarding the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of all
participants.
Rooted in our values of heart-centered leadership, self-autonomy, and continuous growth, we
cultivate facilitators who hold transformative spaces with confidence, care, and deep reverence.
Together, we are expanding access to healing, fostering trust, accountability, and connection,
and redefining the future of psychedelic facilitation.
Purpose of the Ascend Psychedelics Psychedelic Facilitator Certification Program
The purpose of this program is to provide comprehensive, heart-centered training that prepares facilitators to safely and ethically guide individuals through transformative psychedelic
experiences. Rooted in ancient wisdom, modern science, and trauma-informed practices, this
program seeks to develop skilled practitioners capable of holding space with compassion,
cultural sensitivity, and respect for the sacredness of the healing journey and the medicine
supporting it.
This training emphasizes the highest standards of safety, integrity, and accountability, ensuring
that facilitators can create environments that minimize risks, honor individual needs, and foster
deep personal and collective healing. It also seeks to set a benchmark for excellence in
Colorado, while inspiring facilitators to provide safe spaces for participants worldwide.
Outcome Competencies
Participants who complete the Psychedelic Facilitator Certification Program will demonstrate the following competencies:
1. Core Knowledge and Skills
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Psychedelic Science and Safety: Deep understanding of the pharmacology, therapeutic potential, and risks associated with psilocybin.
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Preparation and Integration: Ability to guide participants in setting intentions, preparing
for experiences, mindful administration and integrating insights afterward.
2. Ethical and Cultural Competence
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Cultural Sensitivity: Respect for Indigenous traditions and ethical use of natural
medicines, avoiding cultural appropriation while embracing reciprocity and humility. -
Ethical Boundaries: Recognizing and maintaining appropriate boundaries, especially
around physical touch, power dynamics, and emotional safety.
3. Trauma-Informed Facilitation
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Recognizing Trauma Responses: Ability to identify and appropriately respond to
trauma, including grounding techniques and safe co-regulation strategies. -
Creating a Safe Container: Skills to establish trust, safety, and clear agreements in
ceremony settings.
4. Risk Management and Crisis Response
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Managing Adverse Reactions: Training in how to recognize and respond to
psychological distress, challenging emotional states, and medical emergencies. -
Referral and Collaboration: Understanding when to refer participants to higher levels of
care and how to collaborate with mental health professionals when needed.
5. Leadership and Self-Care
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Facilitator Self-Care: Knowledge of how to manage personal well-being, be well
resourced and avoid burnout in this emotionally and energetically demanding work. -
Heart-Centered Leadership: Embodying empathy, integrity, and balance of masculine
and feminine energies in facilitation roles.
By completing this program, facilitators will not only gain the technical and interpersonal skills
necessary for safe and effective work but will also embody the vision of Heart Centered
Humans—bringing healing, connection, and transformation to the lives they touch.
Mission & Purpose
Student Policies
1. Program Expectations
Students enrolled in Ascend’s Psychedelic Certification Program are expected to:
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Attend and participate actively in all scheduled sessions, whether in-person or virtual.
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Engage thoughtfully with all required readings, assignments, and experiential practices by the designated deadlines.
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Exhibit professionalism, respect, and integrity in interactions with peers, instructors, and guest speakers.
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Preserve confidentiality regarding shared personal experiences, client scenarios, or sensitive program discussions.
2. Code of Conduct
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Students must contribute to creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment.
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Discrimination, harassment, or harmful behavior of any kind will result in disciplinary action and possibly expulsion from program.
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Unauthorized sharing of program materials or discussions outside the program is prohibited.
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Participants agree to abide by the program’s ethical use guidelines for psychedelics, emphasizing safety, legality, and respect.
3. Attendance Policy
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Students must attend a minimum of 90% of live sessions to meet program requirements.
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If a session is missed, students are required to notify the program coordinator in advance and review the recorded session.
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More than two unexcused absences may necessitate a meeting to determine the student’s continuation in the program.
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Attendance policies align with our mission to provide a consistent, immersive learning experience.
4. Academic Integrity
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All assignments, assessments, and contributions must represent the student’s authentic work and efforts.
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Plagiarism, fabrication, or academic dishonesty is strictly prohibited and may result in dismissal from the program.
5. Confidentiality and Ethical Guidelines
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All students must adhere to strict confidentiality concerning shared experiences, case studies, and client examples.
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Violations of confidentiality, including unauthorized dissemination of sensitive program materials, are grounds for immediate dismissal.
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Ethical practice is central to the program and includes honoring boundaries, cultural respect, and client well-being.
6. Technology Requirements
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Reliable internet access and a functional device capable of video conferencing are essential.
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Students must use a private, distraction-free space during virtual sessions to maintain the integrity of the learning environment.
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Technical issues must be reported promptly to the program coordinator to arrange accommodations as needed.
7. Financial Policies
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Tuition must be paid in full or through an approved payment plan before the program start date.
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Refunds are provided according to the terms outlined in the enrollment agreement and are subject to administrative processing.
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Students who default on payment agreements may be withdrawn from the program.
8. Certification Requirements
To qualify for certification, students must:
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Complete all required modules, experiential practices, and assignments with demonstrated proficiency.
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Actively engage in all aspects of the program, including group discussions, and assessments.
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Fulfill attendance and participation requirements, ensuring a consistent learning journey.
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Attendance required to meet hours for experiential ceremonies/administration as receivers, support and training facilitators and exhibit a high standard of facilitation within ceremonial administration.
9. Student Support and Grievance Procedure
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Ascend is committed to supporting students through accessible resources, mentorship opportunities, and regular feedback.
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Students experiencing challenges should contact the Student Experience Director for guidance or adjustments.
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Grievances should first be addressed informally with instructors or coordinators. If unresolved, a formal written grievance can be submitted for administrative review.
10. Program Termination
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Ascend reserves the right to terminate enrollment for breaches of the student policies, failure to meet program expectations, or disruptive behavior.
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Students will receive written notice of termination and have an opportunity to appeal the decision in writing within 10 days.
11. Contact Information
For questions, concerns, or assistance, please contact Ascend’s administrative team at
hello@ascendpsychedelics.com.
1. Recruitment Policies
At Ascend Psychedelics LLC, we are committed to recruiting students in a manner that is
ethical, transparent, and compliant with DORA’s guidelines.
a) Recruitment Transparency
● All program materials, including brochures, websites, and verbal communications, will
provide accurate and detailed information regarding:
○ Program curriculum, structure, and duration.
○ Faculty credentials and qualifications.
○ Tuition, fees, and refund policies.
○ Certification outcomes, including any limitations regarding licensure or
employment guarantees.
○ Program prerequisites for enrollment (e.g., minimum education level, interview
requirements).
b) Ethical Recruitment Practices
● Recruitment representatives are trained to:
○ Communicate program benefits without making exaggerated claims regarding
career opportunities, income potential, or clinical licensure equivalence.
○ Ensure students fully understand the scope of certification and the
responsibilities of facilitators.
○ Avoid pressure tactics or misleading statements to encourage enrollment.
● No guarantees of employment or specific earnings will be made to prospective students.
c) Student Eligibility
● Applicants must meet the following requirements to be considered for enrollment:
○ Minimum age: 21 years old.
○ Education: A high school diploma, GED, or higher education equivalent.
○ Demonstration of personal readiness for facilitator training through an interview
and screening process.
○ Minimum of 1 year personal experience with psychedelics.
● Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, gender identity, sexual
orientation, disability, or socioeconomic background.
2. Advertising Policies
All advertising and promotional materials for Ascend’s Psychedelic Facilitation Certification
Program will adhere to DORA’s standards for truthfulness, clarity, and transparency.
a) Accuracy of Advertising
● All advertisements will:
○ Accurately reflect the program’s curriculum, faculty, costs, and certification
outcomes.
○ Include clear disclaimers regarding certification scope:
Disclaimer: “Certification through Ascend’s Psychedelic Facilitation Program
does not constitute clinical licensure or guarantee employment. Facilitators must
adhere to all applicable state and federal laws when practicing.”
○ Provide total program costs, including tuition and fees, without hidden charges.
b) Use of Testimonials
● Only testimonials from real graduates who provide written consent will be used in
advertising.
● Testimonials will not include:
○ Promises of employment or financial outcomes.
○ Misleading claims about program outcomes.
c) Responsible Ad Placement
● Advertising will be placed in appropriate and ethical forums, including but not limited to:
○ Educational platforms.
○ Health and wellness publications.
○ Online channels targeted to individuals seeking professional facilitator training.
○ Local community boards.
● Advertising will not exploit vulnerable populations or suggest psychedelic facilitation as a
cure for medical conditions outside of the program’s scope.
3. Refund Policies
Ascend Psychedelics LLC maintains a fair and transparent refund policy that ensures
students are aware of their financial rights prior to enrollment.
a) Refund Policy Overview
● Students who withdraw from the program may be eligible for a refund based on the
timing of their withdrawal.
● The following refund schedule will apply:
Withdrawal Timing Refund Amount
Before the program start date: 100% refund (minus application fees)
During the first 10% of the program: 90% of tuition refunded
Between 11% and 25% of program completion: 75% of tuition refunded
Between 26% and 50% of program completion: 50% of tuition refunded
After 50% of program completion: No refund
b) Non-Refundable Fees
● The following fees are non-refundable:
○ Application Fee: $300
○ Administrative Processing Fee: $150
c) Withdrawal Process
● To request a refund, students must submit a formal written withdrawal request to
Ascend Psychedelics LLC via email or certified mail.
● Refunds will be issued within 30 days of receiving the withdrawal request.
d) Extenuating Circumstances
● Students may appeal refund decisions in cases of medical emergencies or personal
crises. Appeals will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director and
Compliance Officer.
e) Record Keeping
● All tuition payments, refund requests, and decisions will be documented and retained for
5 years in compliance with DORA requirements.
4. Student Agreement and Acknowledgment
All prospective students will be provided with a Student Enrollment Agreement that includes:
● Program details (curriculum, duration, costs).
● Refund policy and process.
● Disclaimers about the scope of certification.
Students must sign and acknowledge their understanding of these terms prior to enrollment.
Contact Information for Questions
For further inquiries regarding recruitment, advertising, or refund policies, please contact:
Chelsea Carter
Program Director
Email: chelsea@heartcenteredhumans.com
This document reflects Ascend Psychedelics LLC's commitment to ethical practices, regulatory
compliance, and student transparency as required by DORA in the state of Colorado.
Signed:
Chelsea Carter
Program Director
Ascend Psychedelics LLC
Date: 12/18/2024
Standards for Recruitment, Advertising, and Refund Policies
Support Plan for Students in the Psychedelic Facilitation
Certification Program
1. Behavioral and Physical Health Support
To foster a supportive environment for students’ well-being, the program will implement the
following measures:
a) Behavioral Health Resources:
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Provide resources for licensed mental health professionals for students experiencing
emotional challenges during the program. -
Facilitate regular check-ins with faculty mentors to address stress, anxiety, or other
concerns. -
Offer mindfulness and grounding practices as part of the curriculum to promote
emotional regulation.
b) Physical Health Considerations:
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Ensure all training spaces meet safety and comfort standards, including adequate
ventilation and accessible facilities. -
Provide students with guidance on self-care practices to support physical health during intensive program periods.
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Respond promptly to health-related emergencies with trained staff and clear protocols.
2. Learning Support
The program is designed to ensure that all students receive the tools and resources they need
for successful learning:
a) Comprehensive Curriculum Design:
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Deliver content through diverse learning modalities, including lectures, experiential
activities, practicums, and self-paced materials. -
Incorporate visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning techniques to accommodate
different learning styles.
b) Faculty Access:
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Maintain an open-door policy for students to seek guidance, clarification, or additional
instruction from faculty members. -
Provide structured office hours and optional one-on-one mentorship sessions.
c) Academic Resources:
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Offer supplementary resources such as reading lists, video tutorials, and study guides.
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Utilize an online learning management system (LMS) to give students easy access to
course materials, assignments, and recorded lectures.
3. Equitable Access
The program is committed to fostering equity and inclusivity for all students:
a) Financial Accessibility:
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Provide flexible payment plans and offer a limited number of need-based scholarships to
reduce financial barriers. -
Clearly communicate tuition costs, payment deadlines, and refund policies during
enrollment. -
Creation of an in-house scholarship program to support students in 25%-50%
scholarships on a need basis starting with cohort 3.
b) Inclusive Environment:
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Create a welcoming atmosphere that celebrates diversity in gender, ethnicity, age,
conomic backgrounds.religion, and socioe -
Provide cultural competency training for faculty and staff to ensure sensitivity and
inclusivity.
c) Equity Monitoring:
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Regularly review program policies and materials to identify and address potential
inequities. -
Conduct anonymous surveys to gather student feedback on inclusivity and accessibility.
4. Career Advisement
Supporting students in building a meaningful career after certification is a key priority:
a) Career Resources:
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Provide workshops on resume building, interview skills, and starting a private practice.
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Offer guidance on state regulations and licensure requirements for psychedelic
facilitators. -
Offer ongoing integration support and a library of resources to continue facilitator
development.
b) Networking Opportunities:
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Host alumni panels and guest lectures from industry leaders to give students insight into
various career paths. -
Facilitate networking events with other professionals in the psychedelic therapy field.
c) Ongoing Support:
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Maintain an alumni network for continued professional development and collaboration
opportunities. -
Offer optional career coaching sessions to help graduates navigate the job market.
5. Disability Accommodations
Ascend Psychedelics LLC is dedicated to ensuring that students with disabilities have equal
access to learning opportunities:
a) Accessibility Services:
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Conduct a pre-enrollment assessment to identify any necessary accommodations.
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Provide adaptive technology, such as screen readers or captioning for videos, as
required.
b) Physical Accessibility:
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Ensure all facilities meet ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance standards.
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Offer remote participation options for students who may have mobility limitations.
c) Individualized Support Plans:
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Develop tailored accommodation plans in collaboration with students to address specific
needs. -
Assign a disability services liaison to assist students in navigating accommodations and advocating for their needs.