Question 1

What is psychedelic-assisted therapy?

Accepted Answer

Psychedelic-assisted therapy combines carefully dosed psychedelic sessions with professional psychological support. The model involves three phases: preparation (developing rapport and intention-setting with a therapist), the dosing session (guided by trained facilitators in a clinical setting), and integration (processing the experience over subsequent sessions). Oregon's licensed psilocybin services and clinical trials follow this structured model.

Question 2

How do I find a legal psilocybin therapist or facilitator?

Accepted Answer

Legal access currently exists in Oregon (licensed service centers) and Colorado (healing centers). In Oregon, licensed facilitators are listed through the Oregon Health Authority. Ketamine is legally available through licensed clinics in all states for depression treatment. For psilocybin-assisted therapy outside legal frameworks, researchers are working through clinical trials at institutions like Johns Hopkins and UCSF. Resources like the MAPS therapist directory and Psychedelic Alpha can help locate vetted practitioners.

Question 3

What questions should I ask a prospective psychedelic therapist or facilitator?

Accepted Answer

Key questions include: What is your training and certification? Do you follow a structured preparation-session-integration model? What safety protocols are in place for medical emergencies? How do you handle difficult or challenging sessions? What is your approach to informed consent? Are you licensed by the relevant state authority (in Oregon or Colorado)? What are your ethics policies around physical contact during sessions? Red flags include pressure to engage in physical contact, lack of formal training, and promises of guaranteed outcomes.