Psilocybin therapy, the use of the psychoactive compound found in magic mushrooms for therapeutic purposes, has been gaining popularity in recent years. Many people in the United States are interested in exploring the potential benefits of psilocybin therapy, but are unsure of how to go about where to find psilocybin therapy.
While psilocybin therapy is not yet widely available, there are several ways to access it if you are interested in exploring this option. In this article, we will explore some of the options available for finding psilocybin therapy in the United States.
One of the most common ways to look where to find psilocybin therapy is through clinical trials. Clinical trials are research studies that test the safety and effectiveness of new treatments, including psilocybin therapy. Many research centers across the country are conducting clinical trials of psilocybin therapy for various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and addiction.
To find clinical trials that are recruiting participants for psilocybin therapy, you can search on ClinicalTrials.gov, a database of clinical trials conducted around the world. Simply search for "psilocybin therapy" or "psilocybin clinical trials" to look where to find psilocybin therapy and filter the results by location to find trials that are taking place near you.
Participating in a clinical trial may not be the right choice for everyone, as there are strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. Additionally, there is no guarantee that you will receive the treatment you are seeking if you do participate in a clinical trial. Many clinical trials use a randomized, double-blind design, which means that participants are randomly assigned to receive either psilocybin or a placebo, and neither the participants nor the researchers know which group they are in.
Another option for looking where to find psilocybin therapy is to seek out a licensed retreat center or therapist who offers this form of treatment. While psilocybin therapy is still illegal under federal law, some states and cities have decriminalized or legalized its use under certain conditions.
If you are looking where to find psilocybin therapy, the most notable of these is Oregon, where a ballot measure passed in 2020 legalized the use of psilocybin therapy in licensed facilities for adults 21 and older who are experiencing depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. If you live in Oregon or are willing to travel there, you may be able to find a therapist or retreat center that offers psilocybin therapy.
Outside of Oregon, there are a few other places where psilocybin therapy is legal or decriminalized under certain conditions. For example, in Denver, Colorado, psilocybin mushrooms have been decriminalized, which means that possession and use of mushrooms for personal use is not a priority for law enforcement. However, it is still illegal to sell or distribute mushrooms, and there are no licensed facilities offering psilocybin therapy in Denver at this time.
It's important to note that while psilocybin therapy may be legal or decriminalized under certain conditions in some states and cities, it is still illegal under federal law. This means that even if you live in a state or city where psilocybin therapy is legal or decriminalized, you may still face legal consequences if you possess or use psilocybin outside of a licensed facility or under certain conditions.
If you are interested in finding a licensed retreat center or therapist who offers psilocybin therapy, it's important to do your research and choose a reputable provider who follows safe and ethical practices. The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) is a nonprofit research organization that is dedicated to developing medical, legal, and cultural contexts for people to benefit from the careful uses of psychedelics. They may be able to offer guidance and resources to help you find a licensed provider of where to find psilocybin therapy in your area.
It's also important to note that psilocybin therapy is not a cure-all for mental health conditions, and it may not be the best option for everyone. Like any form of therapy, it requires careful consideration and a commitment to the process.
Psilocybin therapy should only be conducted under the guidance of a trained and licensed professional who can provide a safe and supportive environment for the experience. This typically involves a series of preparatory sessions to help you set intentions, manage expectations, and develop coping strategies for any difficult emotions that may arise during the experience.
During the actual psilocybin session, you will be given a measured dose of psilocybin and will be encouraged to lie down, wear eye shades, and listen to music in a calm and comfortable environment. The experience typically lasts for several hours, and you may experience a range of emotions, insights, and visual effects.
After the session, you will have a series of integration sessions to help you process the experience and integrate any insights into your daily life. This may involve developing new coping strategies, making changes to your lifestyle or relationships, and continuing to work with a therapist or other mental health professional to maintain your progress.
Psilocybin therapy has been shown to have a range of potential benefits for mental health and well-being. Some of the most commonly reported benefits include reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety, increased feelings of connection and empathy, and enhanced creativity and problem-solving abilities.
One of the most significant potential benefits of psilocybin therapy is its ability to induce a state of ego dissolution or "oneness" with the universe. This experience has been described as a profound sense of interconnectedness with all things, and can lead to increased feelings of empathy, compassion, and social connectedness. This sense of interconnectedness has been shown to have lasting effects, even after the initial experience has ended.*
Psilocybin therapy has also been shown to help people overcome deep-seated emotional issues, such as trauma and addiction. The experience can help people confront and process difficult emotions, leading to greater self-awareness and emotional resilience. This, in turn, can lead to improvements in mood, relationships, and overall quality of life.*,*
Finally, psilocybin therapy has been shown to enhance creativity and problem-solving abilities. This may be due to the way that psilocybin temporarily alters brain function, leading to new insights and perspectives. This can be particularly helpful for people who are struggling with creative blocks or other forms of mental stagnation.
While psilocybin therapy is not a cure-all for mental health conditions, it does offer a unique and potentially transformative experience for those who are seeking alternative forms of treatment. As research into the potential benefits of psilocybin therapy continues, it is likely that we will learn even more about its potential to improve mental health and well-being.
The cost of psilocybin therapy can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including the provider, location, and duration of treatment. Since psilocybin therapy is not yet widely available in the United States, there is not yet a standardized pricing model for this form of treatment.
In some cases, psilocybin therapy may be covered by health insurance if it is being offered as part of a clinical trial or research study. However, since this form of therapy is still in the experimental stages, it is not yet recognized as a standard treatment option by most insurance companies.
For those seeking psilocybin therapy outside of a clinical trial or research study, the cost can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars per session. Licensed retreat centers may offer packages that include multiple sessions, accommodations, and other amenities, while individual therapists may charge by the hour or by the session.
It's important to carefully consider the financial costs of psilocybin therapy before committing to this form of treatment and looking where to find psilocybin therapy. However, for some people, the potential benefits of this powerful and transformative experience may outweigh the financial costs. It's also worth noting that some providers may offer sliding scale fees or other forms of financial assistance to help make psilocybin therapy more accessible to those in need.
In conclusion, while psilocybin therapy is not yet widely available in the United States, there are several options for where to find psilocybin therapy if you are interested in exploring it. Clinical trials offer a way to participate in research studies of psilocybin therapy, while licensed retreat centers and therapists may offer this form of treatment under certain conditions in some states and cities.
It's important to do your research and choose a reputable provider who follows safe and ethical practices when looking where to find psilocybin therapy. Psilocybin therapy should only be conducted under the guidance of a trained and licensed professional, and it is not a cure-all for mental health conditions. However, for some people, it may offer a powerful and transformative experience that can lead to lasting healing and growth.
