About Us
Our History
For the last four years, a group of leaders in the psychedelic field have collaborated with individuals representing a diverse range of psychedelic medicine practitioners along with leading research and training organizations in the field to develop the Board of Psychedelic Medicine and Therapies (BPMT).
The electoral process to seat BPMT’s Board of Directors involved years of planning including the solicitation of input from a diverse and respected elector group with a strategic focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion considered every step of the way. This work informed the election of a Board of Directors to lead this effort to guide all aspects necessary to address key issues, especially in the areas of job analysis and eligibility.
The electoral process and the Board of Directors have been endorsed by leaders across the psychedelic field, including Stan Grof, Andy Weil, Rick Doblin, Mary Cosimano, Janis Phelps, and Bob Jesse. We collaborated with a range of established organizations such as Heffter, MAPS, and CIIS, as well as emerging organizations like Enthea, PRATI, and Sage.
Our Organization
The BPMT is a California Non-profit Public Benefit Corporation, supported entirely by donations. We are fiscally sponsored by the Players Philanthropy Fund which is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) organization. Contributions to BPMT are charitable deductions to the full extent allowable by law. As a non-profit, our goal in this effort is not about profits, but rather about achieving our passionate goals. The Board and CEO serve without salary or compensation.
Gratitude
Our Supporters
Over these years, many people have provided strong support and advanced this cause. Philanthropic support from the Skodnek Foundation, Betsy Gordon, Michael Cotton, Oleg Gorelik/Evolve Foundation, Steven and Alexandra Cohen Foundation, and the Monroe Family Foundation has been deeply appreciated. Graham Boyd, Greg Kearns and Alice Liu from the Psychedelic Science Funders Collaborative have been extremely involved and very supportive. Alex Morrison (with the support of Evolve) offered guidance around organizational support and structure.
Many dedicated individuals have helped to further this work. Ana LaDou (previously the COO of MAPS PBC) had her time donated by MAPS and she contributed mightily to our progress. Kirk Marckwald of CEA Consulting has been serving in the role of interim Executive Director, assisted by Mitchelle De Leon. Adele Getty and Michael Williams of the Lumina Foundation provided support and prior fiscal sponsorship. Cathy Coleman (widow of Ralph Metzner) contributed valuable support and guidance to the interim board. All in all, the joint efforts of these individuals and many others have moved us much closer to a certification for the emerging profession of psychedelic medicine. We invite all aligned with this cause to support us with donations.
"Evolve supports projects that enhance the evolution of consciousness. We believe that the frontier of psychedelic medicine in mental health has the potential to enhance the well-being and consciousness for millions of people. It's our intention that any activities related to human health benefit from enhanced accountability and professionalization. To those ends, we are supporting BPMT to establish certification for psychedelic therapists. We believe that this project will support the acceptance and credibility of psychedelic work, creating a professional environment that is safe and healing."
— Oleg Gorelik
Co-Founder Evolve Foundation
"My career has revolved around the insurance industry and the health care delivery system. I became an early supporter of this project as I appreciate the value of certification to drive early insurance acceptance and ultimately reimbursement. More than that, this level of professionalism will protect public safety by enhancing ethical standards of care. If we want equitable access, strong ethical guidelines and full medical integration of these services, board certification is our most predictable path forward."
—
Michael Cotton
Principal at Caidan, LLC and former Owner/COO of Meridian Health