frequently Asked Questions

General Understanding

What is psilocybin therapy?

Psilocybin therapy combines a guided, intentional psychedelic experience using psilocybin (the active compound in certain mushrooms) with professional psychological support. It’s designed to help people break free from entrenched patterns of thought, often leading to lasting improvements in mental health and well-being 1.

Psilocybin has a shorter duration (4–6 hours vs. LSD’s 8–12) and a gentler onset. Unlike
MDMA, which primarily releases serotonin, psilocybin works by stimulating serotonin 2A
receptors, increasing brain network connectivity, and promoting neuroplastic states 2.

In the U.S., psilocybin is federally illegal, but Oregon and Colorado have legalized regulated services. Several cities, including Denver, Oakland, and Seattle, have decriminalized possession 3

Research supports its potential for depression (including treatment-resistant cases), PTSD, end-of-life anxiety, substance use disorders, and OCD 45 .

Psilocybin converts to psilocin, which binds to serotonin 2A receptors, disrupting the brain’s default mode network and increasing cross-network communication 67 .

Safety & Risks

Is psilocybin safe?

In controlled settings, psilocybin is physiologically safe and non-toxic, with low potential for abuse 8 .

No. It’s non-addictive, and tolerance develops rapidly, preventing habitual use 9.

Challenging experiences can occur but are often therapeutically valuable when supported by trained facilitators 10.

Those with a history of psychosis or certain bipolar presentations should avoid it due to potential triggering of symptoms 11.

SSRIs may blunt effects, and MAOIs can dangerously amplify them 12.

Therapy Process

What happens during a session?

Participants are guided in a supportive environment, often with eyeshades and music, to promote inward focus 13 .

Many studies show significant benefits after 1–3 high-dose sessions 14 .

Microdosing uses sub-perceptual doses for subtle effects, while full-dose induces transformative experiences 15 .

Mindset and environment strongly influence outcomes 16 .

Integration therapy ensures lasting behavioral change from insights gained during the session 17 .

Clinical Evidence

Does science back psilocybin therapy?

Johns Hopkins, NYU, and Imperial College London have published multiple high-impact studies showing sustained mental health improvements 1819 .

Antidepressants often require daily use, while psilocybin can produce lasting change after a few sessions 20 .

Not yet, but it’s in Phase 3 trials for major depressive disorder 21 .

Early animal studies suggest neuroplasticity benefits, but human trials are limited 22 .

Preclinical data show psilocybin reduces inflammation markers and promotes neurogenesis 23 .

Access & Cost

Where can I receive therapy legally?

Oregon, Colorado (2025), certain international retreats, and clinical trials 24 .

$1,500–$3,500 per guided high-dose session, depending on provider 25 .

Not yet, but could follow FDA approval 26 .

Yes, unless you live in a legal jurisdiction 27 .

Only in certain decriminalized cities — selling remains illegal 28 .