This year marked a major milestone in the history of Zendo Project at Burning Man. For the first time, Burning Man offered direct support to bring psychedelic peer support services to Black Rock City. This development marks a shift in how harm reduction is valued, acknowledging it as essential infrastructure and advancing the long-term goal of making psychedelic harm reduction a core service at events, alongside medical care and security.
Over the years, Zendo Project has grown into a recognized and respected presence at Burning Man and other events around the world. At Burning Man alone, Zendo Project has provided support to thousands of participants. Each year, hundreds of volunteers come together, bringing patience, empathy, and training to create an environment where people can safely navigate difficult psychedelic experiences. The Zendo Project model is built on four guiding principles: safe space; sitting not guiding; talk through, not down; and difficult is not necessarily bad. These principles continue to prove effective in helping people find meaning and stability during intense experiences.
Burning Man’s decision to support Zendo Project services is more than a statement of care for Black Rock City citizens. It is an acknowledgment that psychedelic harm reduction is not an optional add-on, but an integral part of keeping participants safe and supported. This step helps set a precedent for other festivals and events, pointing toward a future where harm reduction is standard practice.
Our vision at MAPS has been that psychedelic peer support should be integrated into society’s approach to public health and safety. The growing mainstream interest in psychedelic therapy and research is part of that shift, but so is the work we do on the ground at gatherings like Burning Man. Each person who walks into a Zendo space is part of that larger picture: showing how care, compassion, and understanding can make a lasting difference.
I am proud of how far we’ve come, and grateful for the donors, volunteers, staff, participants, and supporters who have contributed along the way. Zendo Project’s return to the playa this year with formal support from the Burning Man organization is both a continuation of our history and a marker of real progress toward the future. Together, we are demonstrating that psychedelic harm reduction belongs at the heart of community care.
In Psychedelic Service,
Rick Doblin, Ph.D
Zendo Project
Founder and President, MAPS
Dr. Case Newsom on Psychedelics Today
Creating Safe Spaces: Zendo Project’s Approach to Psychedelic Support
Psychedelics + live music events = joy, chaos, and sometimes crisis. Our Medical Director, Dr. Case Newsom (ER physician + Stadium Medical + Zendo Project) talks about what it takes to create safe spaces at big events, how we’re refining harm reduction protocols, and why collaboration between medical, security, and emotional support teams matters more than ever.
Psychedelic Peer Support Learning Opportunity
Zendo’s Sitting and Integration Training (SIT) month-long cohort is coming up this October. If financial hardship is a barrier, scholarship opportunities are available—apply by Monday, 9/22 for consideration.
October 2025 4-Week Course
Dates: 10/13, 10/20, 10/27, and 11/3
Time: 4:00–7:00pm Pacific Time
In this course, you’ll learn essential skills in psychedelic harm reduction, how to navigate challenging experiences, and how to support the integration process with care and clarity.
Whether you’re completely new to psychedelic peer support or already have experience in the field, this training offers a comprehensive framework for holding space for others in non-ordinary states of consciousness.
Come learn with us — and feel free to spread the word.
Event Services Summer Recap
Once Zendo Project was called in, everything shifted. It was heartwarming to see everyone working together to offer the best outcome for the guest.
―Karen Carr, Stadium Medical
This summer, Zendo Project volunteers and staff supported guests at 5 events across four different states.
A particular highlight is our ongoing collaboration with Stadium Medical at music venues in the Denver area. Expanding on our spring work at Subtronics and Shpongle, we provided services at Phish this July. We worked with emergency response teams to support guests in need, preventing unnecessary escalation while reducing strain on medical and security resources.
In addition to returning to Burning Man and Psychedelic Science, our team also provided care at two new events: Desert Hearts (Playa Ponderosa, Flagstaff, AZ) and Deep Tropics (Nashville, TN).
Our next event is Tipper at Red Rocks on September 20 & 21. While we are not in need of volunteers for this event, you can support Zendo Project by spreading the word, letting friends know where to find us if they need care, or applying to volunteer at a future event.
We are continually amazed by our volunteers, who showed up this summer through rain, dust storms, and non-ordinary circumstances to provide critical harm reduction services. We look forward to continuing to expand our volunteer community and work in the world!
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