Psilocybin therapy has emerged as a promising treatment for various mental health conditions, garnering significant attention in recent years.
This blog explores the basics of psilocybin therapy, its applications, mechanisms, and legal status in the United States.
What is Psilocybin Therapy?
Psilocybin therapy is a form of treatment that uses psilocybin (the active compound found in magic mushrooms) to help with mental and physical health concerns. Psilocybin therapy can include psychotherapy (psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy) or other types of professional psychological support.
During a session, a patient ingests a carefully measured dose of psilocybin under the supervision of a trained psilocybin facilitator. The experience typically lasts 6-8 hours, during which the patient may experience altered perceptions, emotions, and thoughts.
What is Psilocybin Therapy Used For?
Research has shown promising results for psilocybin therapy in treating various mental health conditions, including:
- Treatment-resistant depression
- Anxiety disorders, particularly in patients with life-threatening illnesses
- Substance use disorders, including alcohol dependence
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
How Does Psilocybin Therapy Work?
Psilocybin therapy works through a combination of neurobiological and psychological mechanisms:
- Neuroplasticity: Psilocybin appears to increase brain plasticity, potentially allowing for the formation of new neural connections.
- Psychological Sense of Self: The drug temporarily disrupts the brain’s default mode network, which may help break rigid thought patterns and rumination associated with various mental health conditions.
- Psychological Insights: Many patients report gaining profound insights into their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors during the psilocybin experience.
- Integration: Following the psilocybin session, patients work with therapists to integrate their experiences and insights into daily life.
Where Can I Get Psilocybin Therapy?
Currently, access to psilocybin therapy in the United States is limited. Most opportunities to receive this treatment are through clinical research studies. Some options include:
- Participating in ongoing clinical trials at research institutions (see below)
- Seeking psilocybin services in states where psilocybin therapy has been legalized (see below)
It’s crucial to note that self-administration of psilocybin is illegal in most of the U.S., and taking psilocybin for health concerns without proper medical screening and supervision can also be dangerous.
Where is Psilocybin Therapy Legal?
As of 2024, the legal landscape for psilocybin therapy in the U.S. is evolving:
- Oregon: In 2020, Oregon became the first state to legalize supervised adult use of psilocybin. Although psilocybin can’t be offered as a treatment in Oregon, adults aged 21 and over may take it for any reason, including personal health concerns, under the care of a licensed facilitator at a regulated service center. Fluence had one of Oregon’s first licensed training programs and has trained dozens of facilitators under this model.
- Colorado: In 2022, Colorado voted to create a regulated access program for psilocybin therapy. Fluence is developing a professional certificate program for therapists who want to practice this modality.
- Other States: Several other states, including California, Connecticut, and New Jersey, have proposed bills to legalize psilocybin for therapeutic use.
- Federal Level: Psilocybin remains a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law.
The FDA has granted psilocybin “breakthrough therapy” designation for treatment-resistant depression. This distinction means the treatment is promising for a condition with high unmet need. Research leading toward potential FDA approval of Psilocybin for medical use is underway.
Fluence is deeply involved in this space. We have provided training for research studies of the safety and efficacy of psilocybin and related compounds for Postpartum Depression, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Eating Disorders, Adjustment Disorder, and Major Depressive Disorder, among other indications.
Through these projects, we have seen many nuances of providing psilocybin therapy to diverse patients across cultures, languages, and settings.
How Can You Become a Psilocybin Clinical Facilitator?
In Colorado, the term ‘Psilocybin Clinical Facilitator’ designates a psilocybin facilitator with a clinical psychotherapy license.
Over the last year, Fluence-trained licensed psilocybin facilitators in Oregon, such as Kayli Howard, have provided hundreds of sessions.
Check out our webinar, Behind the Scenes: A Facilitator’s View of Psilocybin Sessions, to hear about Kayli’s experience as one of the first licensed Facilitators, including her training at Fluence in one of the first licensed training programs.
As interest in psilocybin therapy grows, more qualified facilitators are needed.
If you are a healthcare professional looking to become a Psilocybin Clinical Facilitator, you must undergo training with an approved training provider such as fl.
Drawing on our experience in research and training dozens of licensed Psilocybin Facilitators in Oregon, Fluence is creating a training program for clinicians who want to become licensed Psilocybin Clinical Facilitators. Any Colorado psychotherapy license holder can start the Professional Certificate to become a Psilocybin Clinical Facilitator.
If you want to become a certified Psilocybin Clinical Facilitator, why not train with Fluence?
Join our Professional Certificate in Psilocybin Therapy waitlist today!