If there is one thing we can say about Oregon, it’s that the state finds itself at the forefront of a profound shift in mental health treatment and the so-called psychedelic renaissance.
As societal attitudes evolve and the demand for alternative approaches to mental well-being intensifies, the race for new and pivotal treatments for the growing mental health crisis becomes evermore pertinent.
Oregon’s recent policies—specifically Measures 109 and 110–laid the groundwork for more lenient and practical psychedelic regulation, as they became the first state to pass a bill allowing for a framework for legal therapeutic psychedelic use.
Even so, it’s important to continually assess regulatory models set forth now and in the future, so that we can maintain a critical eye on the goals and outcomes generated by these new government policies.
In this article, we evaluate The Oregon Health Authority’s regulatory model for psychedelic therapy, the phenomena of modern service centers, licensed facilitators and more. We hope to shed light on the challenges inherent in the current system and show you your options for transformative psychedelic use.
Key Takeaways
- Before venturing into psychedelic therapy, individuals must carefully consider factors such as setting, substance, wait times, cost, facilitator qualifications, and guidance to ensure a well-informed and personally tailored experience.
- Oregon’s evolving model for psilocybin therapy presents significant challenges, including extended waitlists, affordability issues, low licensure qualifications for facilitators, practical limitations on the experience, and client application complexities.
- Alternative solutions, like those offered by Psychedelic Passage, aim to provide more accessible, affordable, and high-quality facilitation services. These alternatives prioritize individual agency and safety for a transformative psychedelic journey.
- Psychedelic Passage: Your Psychedelic Concierge — The easy, legal way to find trustworthy psilocybin guides, facilitators and psychedelic-assisted therapy near you in the United States.
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What You Should Know Before a Therapeutic Psychedelic Experience
Before we jump into the 5 key points of this article, we believe that you, the journeyer, should be aware of some key considerations when preparing for your therapeutic psychedelic journey. These areas of consideration will help you navigate and make decisions with greater ease.
When choosing a psychedelic service provider, consider the following factors:
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- Setting: Do I want the experience to be in a clinical, state-mandated location with little access to nature and amenities or in the comfort of my own home or private location with access to nature and amenities?
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- Substance: Do I want to take the state-mandated psychedelic, p. Cubensis, or am I interested in other psychedelics or mushroom strains?
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- Wait Times: Am I willing and able to wait for extensive periods of time, including up to years at a time for treatment?
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- Cost: Am I willing to spend more money for necessary and additional preparation and integration sessions and amenities or am I content with minimal services and quality?
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- Facilitator Qualifications: Do I value that my facilitator as a state license, a license as a clinical therapist, or greater standards of qualification than those mandated by the Oregon Health Authority?
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- Guidance: Do I need additional guidance and screening to make sure this process is safe for me and my specific needs and mental state?
Keeping these questions in mind, let’s take a look at Oregon’s regulatory model for psychedelic therapy and whether or not this avenue is right for you (and we go over our own standards and services in comparison).
5 Key Issues to Be Aware of With Oregon’s Psychedelic Therapy Services
Problem #1: Oregon’s Excessively Long Waitlists
Oregon is currently facing a significant challenge within the realm of psilocybin therapy services, marked by excessively long waitlists that have ramifications for individuals seeking this innovative form of treatment.
The extended wait times are currently as high as 5,000 people, and this not only hinders general access to therapeutic interventions but also poses potential risks to those in need of more immediate psychological support, especially for those who haven’t had success with more traditional therapies.
While not all therapy centers are seeing such high demand, delay is particularly concerning as psilocybin therapy is often sought by individuals dealing with mental health crises that demand prompt attention, meaning that wait times prevent timely access for those seeking relief from conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
Prolonged waitlists within the psilocybin therapy domain highlight systemic challenges, including the need for more facilitation services, streamlined processes, and increased resources.
For comparison, we (Psychedelic Passage) currently have no wait times in the state of Oregon and aim to provide greater accessibility to higher quality facilitation services which outperform the low standards and bottlenecked services currently provided by state-regulatory models.
While our services extend to nearly every state in the U.S.—even those without state programs for psychedelic therapy—our network of qualified guides in Oregon are ready to support you as you begin your journey with intentional psychedelic use.
Getting started is as easy as booking a call with our concierges today to be connected with our network of facilitators, but for those looking to learn more about Oregon’s psilocybin therapy, just keep reading this article.
Problem #2: Lack of Affordability for Service Centers & Facilitators
Beyond the issue of prolonged waitlists, a significant hurdle in Oregon’s psilocybin therapy landscape is the prohibitive cost associated with accessing therapeutic journeys through state-licensed service centers.
This financial challenge poses a considerable barrier for those seeking both initial and follow-up treatment or those who find the current pricing structure to be less cost-effective.
The breakdown of costs within Oregon’s service centers reveals a threefold expense structure, including the psilocybin itself, the service center room, and the facilitator fee.
While these centers are mandated to provide package deals covering minimal preparation, administration, and integration, additional charges might be incurred for more comprehensive support and additional sessions in any of the three support categories.
To illustrate, Satya Therapeutics, a prominent service center, supposedly offers packages averaging around $1,250, with facilitation prices ranging from $800 to $2,800.
Despite this relatively lower cost, there’s a potential trade-off between affordability and the quality of the therapeutic setting, as the general setting and ambience appears to be lower quality with just a small, clinical room, a couch, and a single window to the outside.
Epic Healing Eugene, the pioneering service center in Oregon, provides more appealing accommodations but comes with a higher price point. Moreover, their waitlist has reached a staggering 5,000 people, underscoring the demand and the limited accessibility due to both cost and availability.
On the higher end of the spectrum, Lucid Cradle offers a luxurious setting with access to nature and private, spacious surroundings. However, the packages start at a substantial $10,000 for first-timers, raising questions about the economic feasibility for benefiting a broader demographic.
Now, let’s be exceedingly clear. The issue doesn’t lie with the service centers themselves or the facilitators. The costs associated with personal training and certification are exceptionally steep, with reports indicating fees as high as $12,000. Moreover, service centers are obligated to pay annual fees, such as $10,000, along with expenses for insurance and security that may reach $60,000.
Service centers encounter pricing difficulties because they are unable to write off fundamental costs like rent and wages due to the illegal status of psilocybin under federal law.
The US tax code, specifically 280E, denies businesses dealing with Schedule I and Schedule II controlled substances, including psilocybin, the tax benefits available to other businesses. Consequently, service centers find themselves compelled to set prices approximately 30% higher to offset these limitations.
For example, if a service center charges $3,000, approximately $1,000 will be earmarked to settle obligations to the federal government. Therefore, these challenges are not attributed to the service centers themselves, but rather to the regulations they must adhere to.
Nonetheless, this financial challenge prompts a critical reflection on the accessibility of psilocybin therapy, as the high costs associated with minimal accommodations may exclude a significant portion of the population from experiencing the potential therapeutic benefits.
In response to these affordability concerns, Psychedelic Passage maintains its status as an alternative concierge service with a commitment to providing more accessible and affordable options for psychedelic journeys.
Our ceremonial pricing reflects a dedication to inclusivity, with sliding scale options and scholarships available for those in need. Not only are we a more affordable option, but we also hold our network of facilitators to higher standards in comparison (which we will cover later in this article).
Additionally, we offer a supportive microdosing program, recognizing that diverse financial circumstances should not be a barrier to experiencing the healing potential of psilocybin therapy at all levels.
Through these initiatives, we aim to contribute to a more equitable and accessible landscape for individuals seeking transformative psychedelic journeys in nearly every state, not just Oregon.
Problem #3: State Facilitator Licensure Requirements are Surprisingly Low
Another concern within Oregon’s evolving psilocybin therapy framework is the notably low licensure requirements for state facilitators. This problem stems from a lack of robust training standards, absence of firsthand experience prerequisites, and a significant gap in professional oversight.
To become licensed as a psilocybin facilitator in the state of Oregon, all that’s required is that you are a resident of the state, are 21 or older, have a high school diploma, pass a background check, and complete their training program and exam.
One of the most troubling parts of the OHA’s requirements (or lack thereof) for licensure as a psilocybin facilitator is the absence of any requirement for firsthand or professional experience.
Without personal familiarity with the effects of psilocybin, facilitators may struggle to empathize with and effectively support individuals undergoing transformative experiences.
Imagine sitting down for a meal—would you feel comfortable if the chef had never tasted the dish they’re serving? Now, consider if this dish could profoundly shift consciousness, potentially exacerbating mental health conditions, causing derealization, or retraumatization.
Furthermore, contrary to popular assumptions, Oregon’s licensed facilitators are not required to be licensed mental health professionals or therapists. We believe that being a licensed mental health professional is not a prerequisite for being a competent facilitator. However, it is crucial for clients to be aware of this distinction to prevent any misconceptions and manage their expectations.
To further compare, our network of facilitators undergo a rigorous vetting process which encompasses far higher standards than those required by the OHA.
You can check out our network requirements for more information on our high standards, but to briefly highlight, we require extensive personal and professional experience with psychedelics, training and apprenticeships, more extensive background checks, a college degree, and more.
We take this process seriously and know that the role of psychedelic facilitator bears a high level of importance for those seeking out supported engagement with these powerful medicines.
Lastly, the process for investigating complaints against state-licensed facilitators remains unclear. Without transparency and a defined accountability structure, individuals who have concerns about the conduct or qualifications of a facilitator may find it challenging to seek resolution.
Problem #4: Practical Limitations on the Psychedelic Experience
When it comes to journeying at an Oregon service center, there are many limitations placed on the setting and substance. The primary constraint is the restriction on conducting sessions in one’s own home or a carefully chosen environment.
Under the OHA’s model, psychedelic therapy is only permitted at licensed service centers, and with only 17 being open on the market as of this year and with the extensive waitlists, your personal ability to choose an optimal setting may be greatly limited.
Given that comfort, familiarity, and even aesthetic play pivotal roles in the efficacy of psychedelic therapy, current regulations push aside these needs. Just think… would you rather journey in an unfamiliar, clinical environment or in a cozy, natural, and personally selected location?
Now, for many, the answer is very clear. Some would do all they could to avoid what’s been described as “sterile” clinical environments, in favor of a familiar and comfortable one. For others, the opposite reigns true- they may much prefer the medical, professional setting.
For those that see themselves at ease in a natural, at-home environment, it may be a downside that many of these service centers provide little access to nature and the outdoors, have a small space with minimal comforts, and even prohibit bringing food from home or food that isn’t pre-packaged.
The demand for psychedelic therapy is on a surge, yet the infrastructure to support this demand lags behind, leaving many individuals without viable options.
And to add another layer to these constraints, it’s also worth noting that OHA requires Oregon service centers to provide and administer the substance, which is only permitted to be one particular strain of psilocybin mushroom (psilocybin cubensis).
Not only does this exclude all other forms of psychedelic therapy, including MDMA, LSD, and DMT therapies, but you can’t even decide which type of psychedelic mushroom you want to consume.
These limitations collectively contribute to a landscape where the potential benefits of psychedelic therapy are not fully realized. The rigid regulatory framework, coupled with a shortage of service centers and restricted substance options, obstructs the democratization of this therapeutic modality.
In navigating these constraints, it’s important that you know your options and personal priorities for your psychedelic experience. Psychedelic Passage connects you to facilitators who provide personally curated support with greater agency over setting and substance.
From journeying at home or traveling to some near or far dream location or utilizing a wider variety of psychedelic medicines, our network of facilitators is here to support and guide you without infringing on your personal autonomy.
Problem #5: Facilitator Application Complications
Another significant challenge within the psychedelic therapy scene stems from facilitator application issues, particularly related to the evaluation process under existing guidelines.
The guidelines provided by the Oregon Health Authority lack sufficient human evaluation, relying heavily on standardized criteria. There is no human interview conducted as part of the facilitator licensure process.
This absence of nuanced, individual assessments can make it challenging for prospective clients to navigate the therapeutic process with confidence in their facilitator’s capacity to hold a safe space.
The lack of a mandate for professional experience and the absence of psychological evaluations or human interviews for facilitators raise concerns about mentally ill individuals serving in this vulnerable setting.
This increases the risk of a facilitator’s trauma being triggered during a client’s session, questioning who advocates for the client’s well-being—the state with low standards or the facilitator?
Oregon’s regulatory system along with high demand and limited accessibility could mean that this screening process isn’t as intensive as is needed to ensure the safety and effectiveness of treatment.
Another notable concern is the difficulty in distinguishing between reviews of service centers and those of individual facilitators. It’s important that you as the journeyer seek out reviews for both the prospective service center and individual facilitator.
To put it simply, just because a service center gets good reviews doesn’t mean you will be paired with an experienced or properly qualified facilitator, so we encourage you to be aware of that caveat during the planning of your experience.
Here at Psychedelic Passage, we provide human interviews and screenings for both our network of facilitators and each client that comes to us, including health screenings and general intake screening.
By addressing these client application issues and promoting a more robust assessment framework, we enhance transparency, build trust, and facilitate a smoother application process for those seeking this unique form of mental health treatment.
Finding a Solution for Psychedelic Mushroom Therapy in Oregon
Having said all of this, it is not our intention is not to demonize Oregon’s centers. The reality is that most of the 715 individuals who availed themselves of regulated services last year likely experienced some form of benefit or positive support.
However, as we begin to observe the consequences of current standards, our responsibility is to educate where awareness is lacking. We sincerely applaud Oregon for pioneering standards in psychedelic therapy, becoming a guiding force for others.
But celebrating milestones should not overshadow the need for conversations about areas that need improvement—areas we, ourselves, have addressed and enhanced. Our aspiration is for the entire industry to evolve into an ethically competitive space.
We have genuine hopes for improvement in Oregon’s regulatory framework, seeing them as a potential proof-of-concept for broader adoption of psychedelic therapy in the US.
We believe this will require open dialogue, constructive critique, and collective efforts to elevate standards. That is why we will persist in educating the public about our services, enabling them to understand the industry’s pitfalls by comparing them to higher standards.
As we covered in this article, we know how important this process is to your mental wellbeing, regardless of if you are seeking out this treatment as a last resort for a condition which has otherwise been treatment-resistant or you’re simply interested in growing as a human being.
The psychedelic process is vulnerable yet powerful, and we believe that the right support and resources can make all the difference. That is why we offer access to facilitation services and resources which we believe are of the highest standards in the industry.
With Psychedelic Passage, you get:
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- Some of the most affordable costs in the industry
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- Higher quality accommodations and service standards
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- Complete support from the preparation stage to administration all the way through integration completion
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- Greater freedom and flexibility when it comes to setting, container, and choice of substance and dosage
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- Immediate access with minimal to no waitlists or wait times
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- The most qualified service providers in the industry
We encourage you to advocate for your own wellbeing and stay aware of your options and resources as the journeyer, and we are here to help you along the way!
Connect With a Psychedelic Therapy Provider You Can Actually Trust
Hi there! We sincerely hope that you’ve found valuable takeaways that resonate with your current intentions. To explore research-based education, stay updated with psychedelic news, and benefit from practical how-to articles, we encourage you to head over to our resources page.
If you’re seeking personalized advice and are prepared to take the first step toward a therapeutic psychedelic experience, we invite you to book a consultation with our team of experienced psychedelic concierges.
This consultation is more than just a conversation; it’s an opportunity to be matched with a trustworthy local facilitator. You’ll be seamlessly connected to our rigorously vetted network of psychedelic guides, ensuring potential matches align with your needs.
Psychedelic Passage offers confidence and peace of mind by alleviating the burden of having to guess who’s right for you. If you want to discover how Psychedelic Passage can help you, we empower you to learn more about our services and check out client testimonials from those who’ve gone before you.
Your healing path is uniquely yours, and our commitment is to serve you at every juncture. Psychedelic Passage: Your Psychedelic Concierge — The easy, legal way to find trustworthy psilocybin guides, facilitators and psychedelic-assisted therapy near you in the United States.
Learn More About Our Network
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is there a surge in interest in psychedelic therapy?
The growing interest in psychedelic therapy is fueled by its potential to offer alternative and effective solutions for mental health challenges, including treatment-resistant conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
2. What factors should I consider before choosing a psychedelic service provider?
Critical considerations include the setting (clinical or private), the substance offered, wait times, cost, facilitator qualifications, and the level of guidance provided, as each plays a crucial role in shaping the therapeutic experience.
3. What challenges are faced by Oregon’s Psilocybin Service Centers?
Oregon’s centers grapple with extended waitlists, affordability concerns, low licensure qualifications for facilitators, practical limitations on the psychedelic experience, and client application complexities, hindering smooth access to transformative therapy.
4. How does Psychedelic Passage address accessibility concerns?
Psychedelic Passage offers alternatives with no wait times, affordable pricing, and higher standards for facilitators, emphasizing inclusivity and accessibility for individuals seeking transformative psychedelic experiences.
5. Why are extended waitlists in psilocybin therapy a concern?
Prolonged waitlists hinder timely access to therapy, particularly for individuals dealing with mental health crises. Immediate support is often crucial, and extended waits may pose risks to those in urgent need.
6. What sets Psychedelic Passage apart in facilitator standards?
Psychedelic Passage maintains rigorous standards, including extensive personal and professional experience with psychedelics, comprehensive training, background checks, and a commitment to providing accessible and affordable options for transformative journeys.
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