Training, certification, and community for healers and helpers.
A progressive training pathway for healers + helpers called to hold sacred space during psychedelic-assisted healing, grounded in the Doula Model of Care.
Our Next SPORE Level I Cohort Begins September 22, 2026!
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?
Psychedelic Doula Academy honors this calling and provides the training and support you need to create a meaningful impact using Guardian at the Gateway's tried and true method of care.
Spore is the first of three levels of training. Upon completion, you'll have the foundational knowledge and tools required to safely assist someone through the preparation and integration phases of a psychedelic journey; and be invited to continue into Level 2: Mycelium.
The Full Training
Psychedelic Doula Academy’s three-level training pathway
You begin with Spore, the foundational level. This page covers what Spore includes and how to apply.
Mycelium and Mushroom are invite-only and open up after you graduate.
After graduating from Mushroom Level III, you'll be invited to join an affordable membership to continue receiving ongoing education and mentorship.
9/22 – 12/8 • ENROLLING NOW!
LEVEL I
Spore
Foundational knowledge, experiential learning, and hands-on skills to safely support someone through preparation and integration.
January - June 2027
LEVEL II
Mycelium
For Spore graduates & those with a solid foundation in place — deepens skill with pro bono prep & integration support, advanced coursework, and group mentorship.
Sept - Dec 2027
LEVEL III
Mushroom
For Mycelium graduates ready for advanced trainings focusing on ceremony support, advanced trauma-aware care, business, and leadership.
T E S T I M O N I A L
“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
Why Psychedelic Doula Academy?
A unique blend of clinical expertise 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.
We offer a progressive training pathway, starting with foundational knowledge in Spore Level I, and advancing to deeper 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 in-person experiential learning throughout your journey, you’ll develop the confidence, skills, and integrity to guide others through transformative healing experiences.
Is this you?
This program is for healers and helpers who want to safely 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
Meet your Guide
Angela Ward
BSN, RN, HWNC-BC
Board-certified health and wellness nurse coach
Certified Psychedelic Practitioner
Angela Ward, BSN, RN, HWNC-BC, 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 (2022)
— 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)
Participation is required for students who wish to progress in the Psychedelic Doula Academy program. The workshop fee is separate from SPORE Level 1 tuition. More details below.
Deliberate Practice in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy (Essentials of Deliberate Practice Series)
Required to be used throughout all 3 levels of training.
*Approximate total; book price may vary.
Spore Level I Tuition
$1,800
Payment plans available via Afterpay or Klarna at checkout.
Doula Exchange Workshop
$800
Required Reading
~$40 (+/-)
Total Investment
~$2,640*
The Doula Exchange Workshop
+ $800
An in-person, experiential workshop designed to bring your learning into practice.
Partner with another Psychedelic Doula Academy student to practice the skills and approaches you are learning in SPORE Level 1 within a safely held container. This hands-on experience offers an opportunity to learn through both giving and receiving support, while deepening your understanding of the doula model of care.
Participation in the Doula Exchange Workshop is required to progress in the program. Students must also be medically cleared to participate.
You will have the option to purchase your workshop spot when you register for SPORE Level 1. Space is limited, and we cannot guarantee a spot for every student, so we recommend reserving your place early.
THIS COHORT: OCT 22-23
🌱 Needs-Based Scholarship
We're open to offering needs-based scholarship support for Spore Level I — it doesn't hurt to ask!
Fill out the short form below and we'll follow up.
Testimonials
What our graduates are saying
"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
"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
“Wonderful Wonderful training/mentorship etc! Can’t really find the right words to describe all I have learned and will continue to through Guardian at the Gateway!”
KELI
"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
"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’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
“The Guardian at the Gateway Psychedelic Doula Certification exceeded every expectation I had. The program strikes a beautiful balance between evidence-based education, trauma-informed care, and the deeply human aspects of supporting people through transformative experiences. I left not only with practical skills and confidence, but with a greater understanding of presence, ethics, and the responsibility that comes with holding space. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, coach, or simply called to this work, this training provides a solid foundation rooted in compassion, integrity, and safety. I’m incredibly grateful for the knowledge, community, and mentorship I received. It has profoundly influenced the way I show up in this my work and my life…. This was the perfect addition to my toolkit as a nurse and a healer.”
JENNA
"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
“Angela is very knowledgeable and very much committed to sharing her knowledge and information. She provided a safe place to interact and learn."
ROXANA
“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
“Innovative and simple, yet detailed, I absolutely enjoyed learning more with Angela Ward. She is knowledgeable and trustworthy.”
SUE
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.
Part 1: Self, Other, and Coming Together • Weeks 1-2
Module 1 • Essential Qualities of the Psychedelic Doula
Module 2 • The Voyager & Extraordinary States of Consciousness
Module 3 • Resonance: Screening, Intake, & Psychedelic Coaching
Part 2: Supporting the Journey • Weeks 3-4
Module 4 • Embarking: Intention & Preparation
Module 5 • Enthrall: Supporting the Journey
Module 6 • Coming Home: Aftercare & Integration
Part 3: Substances • Weeks 5-6
Module 7 • Psychedelics Overview
Module 8 • Testing, Dosing, & Resources
Module 9 • One substance-specific module of your choice: MDMA, Ketamine, or Psilocybin
Part 4: The Magic Touch: Providing Six-Star Service • Weeks 7-8
Module 10 • Engaging the Senses: Movement, Music, & Beauty
Module 11 • Considerations: Ethics, Consent, & Trauma-Aware Care
SPORE Level I Course Outline
What you’ll learn
SPORE Level I Schedule
When we meet
Our Next SPORE Level I cohort runs September 22 — December 8, 2026
SPORE Classes
2nd & 4th Tuesday, 6–7 pm pt
Required
Virtual
Spore-Level Students Only
Connect with your cohort and go deeper as you work through course material. Must participate in at least 6.
Doula Exchange Workshop
Oct 22-23
in-person, overnight
+$800
Required to progress into the next level of training
SPORE Level I
What’s required to graduate
Here’s whats expected of you to complete Level 1 training and earn your Spore certificate
✔️ Complete the SPORE course, including all lessons, homework, and quizzes
✔️ Attend and participate in at all SPORE classes, including 3 Skill Labs
✔️ Complete 1 hour of peer-to-peer screening & intake practice
you’re not only taking a course,
you’re joining a 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.
Not Ready Yet?
Start here for free
Two free resources to explore before committing to the full training.
FREE WEBINAR + GUIDEBOOK
Oracle Readings for Psychedelic Sessions
Learn how to bring oracle card readings into preparation and integration work with your clients.
FREE DOWNLOADABLE GUIDED JOURNAL
5 Core Principles of the Psychedelic Doula Model of Care
The foundational framework behind everything we teach at PDA in one short, shareable guide.
Programs FAQ
Common questions
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Yes! We offer flexible payment options to make the program accessible to everyone. Select Klarna or Afterpay. at checkout.
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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 Doula Exchange Workshops and retreats.
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You’ll need 3–4 hours per week for live sessions, video lessons, and assignments.
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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.
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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 three skills labs.
Complete one substance-specific module.
Complete 2 one-hour peer to peer screening practice (2 hr total)
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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!
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That’s great! You can expect to hear back from us within a couple of days of your application being submitted.
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SPORE currently runs 1x per year
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Level 1 provides a strong foundation in psychedelic support and doula care. Levels 2 and 3 build on that foundation with more specialized topics, live Q&As, deeper development of coaching skills and business practices, and ongoing mentoring and supervision as you begin developing your own practice.
Level 2 focuses on preparation and integration support. Level 3 is highly customized to your individual goals and areas of growth, helping you build the knowledge, skills, and confidence to provide full-spectrum support, including ceremony facilitation.
Beyond Level 3, you can continue your learning and stay connected through our ongoing monthly membership, which offers continued education, mentorship, and community.
Ready?