The American Psychedelic Practitioners Association (APPA) was born out of the need to establish, legitimize, and self-govern the reemerging field of psychedelics. PPA and the Board of Psychedelic Medicines and Therapies (BPMT), for certification and related governance, provide the professional infrastructure for the field to thrive. There is an immediate need for an indisputable, gold-standard professional association to emerge along with the certification board. These professional bodies will advocate for the safe adoption of psychedelic treatments into the healthcare system and help ensure access for all who can benefit.