Psychedelic Doula Academy

Training certification and community for healers and helpers.

“The Psychedelic Doula Academy course delves into nuanced aspects of psychedelic support, offering profound insights. Additional value lies in the community it fosters. Engaging with diverse practitioners and sharing experiences and knowledge made the journey incredibly enriching. It’s not just another online certification; it’s an authentic, supportive space that surpasses typical learning experiences through shared wisdom and connections.”

-Kavan P.

Level II Mycelium Certified Doula

Do you feel called to hold sacred space for others during their most profound moments of healing?

Are you searching for a community and framework that empowers you to safely guide others through transformational journeys with confidence?

At the Psychedelic Doula Academy, we honor this calling and provide the training and support you need to create a meaningful impact.

Psychedelic Doula Academy is a training and certification program using Guardian at the Gateway's tried and true method of care.

You will learn a broad spectrum of information to help you become a skilled, ethical, and knowledgeable psychedelic practitioner. 

Spore is the first of three levels of training. Upon completion of Spore, you will have the foundational knowledge and tools required to safely assist someone along the preparation and integration phases of their psychedelic journey, and be invited to continue your education through our next level, Mycelium.

Why Psychedelic Doula Academy?

The Academy offers a unique blend of clinical expertise, intuitive care, and heart-centered guidance. Grounded in the proven Doula Model of Care, you’ll gain tools to provide continuous support before, during, and after psychedelic journeys.

Unlike other programs, we offer a progressive training pathway, starting with foundational knowledge and skills in Spore Level I, and advancing to deeper levels of exploration and applied practice in Levels II and III.

Along the way, you’ll connect with a supportive network of peers, advanced practitioners, and expert mentors. With opportunities for experiential learning and collaboration throughout, you’ll develop the confidence, skills, and integrity to guide others through transformative healing experiences.

Is the Psychedelic Doula Academy Right For Me?

This program is for healers and helpers who want to safely and effectively incorporate psychedelic support into their work. This includes (but is not limited to!):

  • Nurses, midwives, birth & death doulas

  • Coaches, bodyworkers, yoga teachers, meditation facilitators

  • Retreat organizers and facilitators

  • Therapists, counsellors, social workers

  • Those who want to support their family, friends, and community

  • Those feeling called to work with plant medicines

“A meaningful blend of the art of caring, and science; as well as an invitation to a blooming community of skilled and like-minded individuals. This was the perfect addition to my toolkit as a nurse and a healer.”
— Jenna H. | Level I Spore Certified Doula

The Spore Level 1 certification course is the first of three levels of training offered through the Psychedelic Doula Academy. It will teach you how to guide others through the ‘rebirth’ that’s possible through psychedelic-assisted therapy. You will learn all aspects of our proven method of care, from both the facilitator (aka doula)’s perspective and the participant (aka the voyager)’s perspective.

You will meet with your cohort regularly and, throughout the program, there will be ample time for connection and discussion with others who are on a similar journey. You'll be able to discuss psychedelics in an intimate, stigma and judgment-free ‘safe space’.

At the end of SPORE Level I, you will have the foundational knowledge and tools required to safely assist someone through the preparation and integration phases of their psychedelic journey, and be invited to participate in our next (of three) level of training.

Our next cohort begins Monday, January 27th, 2025!

Interested in joining us – or think you might be?
Apply Now!

Module 1 • Essential Qualities of the Psychedelic Doula

Module 2 • The Voyager & Extraordinary States of Consciousness

Module 3 • Resonance: Screening, Intake, & Psychedelic Coaching

Module 4 • Embarking: Intention & Preparation

Module 5 • Psychedelics Overview

Module 6 • Testing, Dosing, & Resources

Module 7 • Enthrall: Supporting the Journey

Module 8 • Coming Home: Aftercare & Integration

Module 9 • Engaging the Senses: Movement, Music, & Beauty

Module 10 • Considerations: Ethics, Consent, & Trauma-Aware Care

Module 11 • Doula in Service: Hard & Soft Skills

+ In addition to the core syllabus, you’ll have access to three substance-specific modules (Ketamine, MDMA, Psilocybin). For SPORE Level Certification, you are required to complete one of your choice, with all three required for full certification by the final level.

SPORE Level I Course Outline

Psychedelic Doula Academy
Monthly Meeting Schedule

  • Live Classes: 2nd & 4th Mondays, 6–7:30 pm (Spore Level Only; Required for Graduation)

  • Skill Development Labs: 1st Tuesday, 6–8 pm (All Levels; Required for Graduation)

  • PDA Open Door: 1st and 3rd Monday, 6–7 pm (All Levels & Alumni; Informal Connection & Questions)

“Innovative and simple, yet detailed, I absolutely enjoyed learning more with Angela Ward. She is knowledgeable and trustworthy.”
— Sue R | Level I Spore Certified Doula

INVESTMENT for SPORE Level I

In an effort to make the Psychedelic Doula Academy as accessible as possible, tuition is priced on a self-select sliding scale. This model is based on trust and honesty, allowing you to choose a tier that fits your financial situation. Payment plans are also available to make this training even more easily accessible. By choosing thoughtfully, you help us create a more inclusive and supportive community.

Testimonials

  • "This is a very, very good program for those wanting to work helping others in the psychedelic medicine and integration space. Angela is very knowledgeable and thorough and covers all the information you will need to feel confidant in providing those services to others and creating a business model that meets your personal and professional goals."

    Debra

  • "Angela is a phenomenal teacher and guide. Her knowledge on the subject is extensive, her delivery and information are excellent. I have learned so much from her and I am so appreciative of her wisdom, generosity, coupled with the kindest compassionate heart. She is a delight to know and I highly recommend her. If you are considering studying with her do not hesitate . She gets a big YES from me."

    Pattie

  • "I am so glad I chose Guardian at the Gateway for my Psychedelic Doula training. The material is fascinating and presented so well. I love Angela’s teachings and looked forward to my class every week."

    Staci

  • "I’ve come away feeling more prepared to support someone through their psychedelic journey. It was a wonderful space to learn, connect and be inspired!"

    Leah

  • "The Spore 1 course is so thoughtfully assembled --- it somehow managed to (as Anglea would say) "eff the ineffable", and also impart necessary practical skills. Each module was a bit of a revelation. "

    Victoria

  • “Angela is very knowledgeable and very much committed to sharing her knowledge and information. She provided a safe place to interact and learn."

    Roxana

  • "My biggest takeaway is the diversity and range of practices within psychedelic work. I felt like this course opened the door to several worlds, and connected me with people who have, or will have, practices as unique as they are."

    Noriko

  • “Angela’s passion shines through. I felt supported and encouraged to dive into this work. It was very reassuring and encouraging to know that I am on the right path and to witness the many healers sharing their medicine and magic."

    Nora

  • “I've come away with a more comprehensive view to plan and support not only the journeyer, but also myself, as we walk together on an allyship to healing.”

    Tiffany

A Community Like No Other

When you join the Psychedelic Doula Academy, you’re not just taking a course – you’re becoming part of a vibrant, like-minded community.

You’ll connect with peers who share your passion, attend ongoing mentorship and skill development sessions, and have access to guidance long after the program ends. We’re here to ensure you feel supported as you grow into this important work.

Meet the Expert
Angela Ward, BSN, RN-NC, CPTR

Angela Ward, BSN, RN-NC, CPTR, is a Registered Nurse, Transformational Coach, and the CEO of Guardian at the Gateway. Originally a Labor and Delivery nurse, she has dedicated her career to bringing safe and legal psychedelic medicine as a tool to help people heal in a deep way.

She has many hours logged supporting people through expanded states of consciousness, as well as extensive training with psychedelic-assisted therapy, including:

Synthesis Institute Psychedelic Practitioners Training (2021-present)

The California Institute of Integral Studies Certificate in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy and Research (2017)

The Ketamine Training Center (2018)

The Orenda Institute's Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (2018)

What’s Next After SPORE ?

Designed for graduates of Level I SPORE, Level II Mycelium welcomes those with a solid foundation in psychedelic support. Through hands-on learning and expert mentorship, Mycelium allows you to deepen your skills in preparation, integration, and holding space for transformational experiences. This level includes opportunities for pro bono prep and integration support, advanced coursework, and live practice under expert guidance.

Mycelium Level 2

Level III Mushroom is designed for those ready to master the art of psychedelic care. You’ll refine your practice through journey facilitation experience, advanced trauma-aware care techniques, and immersive retreats that amplify your expertise. This is where advanced doulas ascend to leadership in their field.

Mushroom Level 3

Programs FAQ

Answers to common questions specific to the Psychedelic Doula Academy.

  • Yes! We offer flexible payment options to make the program accessible to everyone.

  • The course and live classes are conducted entirely online, allowing you to participate from anywhere. However, we also offer opportunities for in-person experiential learning through workshops and retreats.

  • You’ll need 3–4 hours per week for live sessions, video lessons, and assignments.

  • Attendance at the live teaching is strongly encouraged, but we recognize that life happens. All sessions will be recorded and can be watched later. Excessive absences, however, will result in not becoming certified, so please make sure the time works for you before applying.

  • To successfully complete the Spore Level I certification, participants must:

    • Watch all Spore course lesson videos.

    • Complete all module assignments and quizzes.

    • Complete the required protocol.

    • Attend and actively participate in at least four skill labs.

    • Complete one substance-specific module.

    • Complete 2 one-hour peer to peer screening practice (2 hr total)

    Most participants complete these requirements within approximately four months.

  • You will be certified at the Spore level in Guardian at the Gateway's Psychedelic Training program at the end of this course. While we do not offer CEs (yet), we hope to soon!

  • That’s great! You can expect to hear back from us within a couple of days of your application being submitted. Typically, we like to schedule an interview to ensure you are right for this program (and vice versa).

  • We run this program 2-3 times per year.

  • Level 1 covers the fundamentals. Level 2 includes more specialized topics, live Q&As, and a greater focus on coaching skills and business development. Level 3 involves mentoring and supervision as you develop your practice and includes real-time, hands-on support.

Join the next wave of Psychedelic Doulas