Putting a PEP in Our Step: A New Partnership with the 1440 Foundation & U-PEP

A profound shift is taking place in psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT)—one that acknowledges the deep need for health equity, cultural competence, and access for those historically left out of transformative care. In a new and meaningful partnership, the PMHA Alliance, 1440 Foundation, and the University Psychedelic Education Program (U-PEP) are coming together to develop a shared curriculum that will illuminate the essential principles of equitable access and best practices in PAT for marginalized communities.

U-PEP is an initiative designed to equip university faculty—particularly in nursing, social work, and other healthcare disciplines—with the tools to integrate evidence-based psychedelic education into their curricula. Offered at no cost to institutions, the program provides in-depth knowledge, mentorship, and resources to prepare the next generation of professionals to support safe, equitable, and culturally attuned psychedelic care. Learn more about U-PEP here.

At the heart of this effort is a recognition that therapy, healing, and well-being cannot be one-size-fits-all. The voices of those most impacted—communities that have long carried both wisdom and wounds—must be woven into the fabric of how care is delivered. To that end, PMHA Alliance is leading the development of the first training module, the first of many educational tools designed to support U-PEP partner organizations, the broader PAT training ecosystem, and medical professionals seeking to integrate inclusive, responsive, and safe PAT practices into their work.

Education is an invitation—to listen, to expand, and to transform. As this partnership takes shape, the first module is set to launch in June 2025, marking a step toward a future where psychedelic therapies are not just accessible, but truly attuned to the diverse realities of those seeking healing. Stay tuned—this is just the beginning!