How to Get Psilocybin Assisted Therapy
- Fact-checked by Dr. Desiree Granados
The Sanctuary Wellness Institute does not offer Psilocybin Therapy. This web page is meant for informational use only.
Psilocybin-assisted therapy is an emerging mental health treatment that has gained significant attention in recent years. With more and more research supporting its efficacy when it comes to addressing conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD, many have begun to seek it out.
In this article, we’ll explore what psilocybin-assisted therapy entails, whether it’s effective, how you can participate in it, and more.
What Is Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy and How Does it Work?
Psilocybin-assisted therapy is a treatment that combines the use of psilocybin (a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain species of mushrooms) with psychotherapy. It aims to facilitate psychological insights and emotional healing via the altered states of consciousness induced by psilocybin.
During a typical session, the patient is guided through a psilocybin trip by a trained therapist in a safe, supportive environment, allowing them to explore the thoughts and emotions that are negatively affecting their mental health. Afterward, they discuss their experience with the therapist, who helps them apply their insights to their everyday life.
Who Can Get Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy?
While psilocybin remains illegal on the federal level, clinical trials, decriminalization, and changes in regional legislation have paved the way for legal psilocybin therapy. Currently, supervised psilocybin use is legal in Oregon and Colorado.
Psilocybin-assisted therapy is primarily available to individuals struggling with mental health conditions such as treatment-resistant depression, severe anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance use disorders. Some regions enforce age limits and other criteria.
If psilocybin therapy isn’t legal where you live, you may still be able to access it by participating in clinical trials.
How to Get Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy
To access psilocybin-assisted therapy, follow these steps:
- Check Local Laws: Familiarize yourself with the legality of psilocybin in your region, as laws regarding its use can vary from locality to locality.
- Research Qualified Providers: Start by looking for licensed therapists or clinics that offer psilocybin-assisted therapy near you. Verify their credentials and ensure they have experience with this specific treatment.
- Schedule a Consultation: Reach out to a qualified provider to schedule a consultation. During this appointment, you’ll be able to discuss your mental health history and reasons for seeking therapy.
- Complete an Assessment: Some providers may require a psychological assessment to determine your suitability for psilocybin therapy.
- Prepare for the Treatment: Speak to your provider about the process of psilocybin therapy, including dosage, setting, and the potential experiences you could have during the session.
- Participate in a Session: Once approved, you’ll be able to participate in a psilocybin-assisted therapy session.
How Much Does Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy Cost?
The cost of psilocybin-assisted therapy can vary depending on a range of factors, including the location, the provider’s credentials, and the number of sessions you attend. That said, the treatment is generally costly. For example, in Oregon, individual sessions can cost $1,500 to $3,200.
As long as psilocybin remains federally illegal, insurers will be unlikely to provide coverage for it.
The Risks & Benefits of Psilocybin Therapy
Research indicates that psilocybin therapy can treat numerous conditions. Some of its foremost benefits include:
- Reduced Anxiety and Depression
- Improved Mood
- Cognitive Flexibility
- Personal Insights
- Reduction in Substance Abuse
Despite its well-documented benefits, psilocybin therapy does carry some potential risks, including:
- Psychological Distress
- Mental Health Issues
- Physical Effects
- Dependency
- Hallucination-Persisting Perception Disorder
It is vital that you work with trained individuals who can help guide you through the process and help you determine whether or not psilocybin therapy is right for you.
Conclusion
Psilocybin-assisted therapy represents a promising frontier in mental health treatment, offering new hope to individuals grappling with mental health issues. With its ability to foster profound insights, improve emotional well-being, and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, it merits consideration for those who’ve not found relief through traditional treatments.
If you believe psilocybin therapy may be right for you, be sure to go through the proper channels to access it.
How we reviewed this article:
- Matthew W. Johnson and Roland R. Griffiths (2017). Potential Therapeutic Effects of Psilocybin
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5509636/ - Psychedelic Alpha (2024). Psychedelic Legalization & Decriminalization Tracker
https://psychedelicalpha.com/data/psychedelic-laws - Joseph Gallivan (2024). Advocates and providers aim to lower cost of psilocybin treatment
https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/06/26/psilocybin-services-magic-mushroom-treatment-price-oregon - Kathleen Davis (2023). Psilocybin (magic mushrooms): What it is, effects and risks
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/308850
Current Version
August 30, 2024
Written By
Jake Peter
Fact-checked By
Dr. Desiree Granados
Editorial Process
Our Editorial Process
First Published
January 23, 2022
Written By
Jake Peter
Fact-checked By
Dr. Desiree Granados
Editorial Process
Our Editorial Process
Jake Peter received his journalism degree from Emerson College and has been writing content for the Sanctuary Wellness Institute since 2021. He is passionate about all things cannabis.
