Are you a California resident who’s curious about the pros and cons of psilocybin use? Perhaps you’ve heard about the many benefits it offers, but fear that you’ll have a “bad trip” and wonder what you can do to avoid a negative psychedelic experience.
To help answer your questions, we’ve put together this guide on your therapeutic treatment options like psychedelic-assisted therapy, and how they help in dealing with depression symptoms and reducing your level of anxiety.
As laws vary from state to state, it’s important to understand the legal landscape of psilocybin. In California, Oakland, Santa Cruz, Arcata, Berkeley and San Francisco are the only cities where psychedelics like magic mushrooms are decriminalized, which means psychedelic-assisted therapy is not currently available.
Though psychedelics are federally illegal under the controlled substances act, there is much hope on the horizon. This guide lays out your legal options for therapeutic psychedelic experiences near you, and how we can help in your healing journey.
Remember that mental health professionals are not yet legally allowed to provide in-person support for psychedelic experience, so our psychedelic concierge services are sometimes, but not always provided by licensed therapists, but more on that later.
This article will tell you exactly where to find psychedelic therapy in California.
Key Takeaways
- Therapeutic Benefits and Healing Potential: Psilocybin and other psychedelics offer profound therapeutic benefits, including the ability to access the subconscious, address past traumas, and encourage personal growth and transformation.
- Legal Landscape in California: The legal status of psychedelic therapy in California is evolving, with cities like Oakland, Santa Cruz, Berkeley, and San Francisco leading in decriminalization efforts.
- Treatment Options in California: Californians have access to various therapeutic options, including ketamine-assisted psychotherapy and professionally guided psychedelic therapy.
- 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.
Download Our Free Psilocybin Sourcing Guide
For harm-reduction purposes, we provide links to online psilocybin vendors, local stores, delivery services, and spore vendors for growing your own medicine at home.
The Benefits of Therapeutic Psychedelic Experiences
Many are beginning to realize that psychoactive plants, fungi, and chemicals like psilocybin are beneficial when consumed in a therapeutic setting, but science is starting to suggest that they contain massive healing potential, including for those with mental health disorders.
When used responsibly and with the right guidance, psychedelics allow you to access your subconscious, enabling healing and transformation on a deeper level.
These therapeutic experiences give you greater awareness of mental models and limiting beliefs that hold you captive, so you have a real chance to address the trauma of your past and unlock the potential of your future.
Guided psychedelic experiences are a form of treatment that provides holistic healing on every level to address spiritual, mental, and physical pain.
We find that it provides greater benefit with fewer side-effects than traditional medicines can offer when treating mental health disorders like depression, help with PTSD, or reduce your anxiety.
Legal Status of Psychedelic Therapy in California 2024
In the evolving landscape of psychedelic therapy, California has emerged as a pioneering state, navigating the complex interplay of legal, social, and medical considerations. This journey began in Oakland in June 2019, when the City Council took a bold step by passing Resolution No. 87731 CMS.
This resolution made it clear that the city would not use its resources to enforce criminal penalties on adults using and possessing entheogenic plants, marking a significant shift towards decriminalization.
Following Oakland’s lead, several other Californian cities, including Santa Cruz and Berkeley, have adopted similar resolutions, each contributing to a growing movement that challenges traditional perspectives on psychedelic substances.
The resolutions advocate for a reevaluation of the legal status of these plants and compounds, emphasizing their potential in community-based healing ceremonies and therapeutic applications.
The legal journey took a significant turn with the introduction of Senate Bill 519 by Senator Scott Wiener in February 2021. This bill aimed to decriminalize the possession and social sharing of several psychedelic substances for personal use. Despite initial momentum, the bill encountered resistance and ultimately did not pass, highlighting the complex dynamics at play in legislative efforts to reform drug policies.
However, the discussion did not end with SB 519. In December 2022, State Senator Wiener introduced SB 58, a bill proposing the legalization of specific psychedelics, marking another ambitious attempt to reshape California’s approach to these substances. This bill, too, faced challenges but represented a continued effort to align legal frameworks with emerging perspectives on psychedelic therapy and its potential benefits.
The push for decriminalization and legalization is part of a broader conversation about the role of psychedelics in mental health treatment. Research and anecdotal evidence suggest that these substances can offer significant benefits in treating conditions such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety, prompting a reevaluation of their therapeutic potential.
Cities like Berkeley and Eureka have joined this movement, passing resolutions to decriminalize the possession of psychedelic substances, furthering the cause of redefining drug policy.
Governor Gavin Newsom’s veto of SB 58 in October 2023, while a setback for advocates of decriminalization, opened the door for future legislative efforts. The governor’s call for the establishment of regulated treatment guidelines before decriminalization suggests a path forward that balances the need for therapeutic use with concerns about safety and regulation.
The legal status of psychedelic therapy in California reflects a dynamic interplay between grassroots advocacy, legislative action, and ongoing debates about drug policy, mental health, and personal freedom.
As California continues to navigate these issues, it remains at the forefront of a national conversation about how best to integrate psychedelics into society and healthcare systems.
The evolving legal landscape in California serves as a testament to the state’s role as a battleground for progressive drug policy reform, reflecting a broader shift towards recognizing the potential of psychedelics not just as substances to be regulated, but as tools for healing and personal growth.
The legal terrain surrounding psychedelics in California has already undergone rapid transformations, and the momentum for further change is building. Discover the latest updates, what’s next, and how to get involved by visiting our California state page.
Choosing Between a Licensed Therapist & a Psychedelic Guide
Typically, the word “therapy” means you’re working with a licensed therapist, but “therapeutic” is defined as having a beneficial effect on the body or mind. It means that mindfulness-enhancing activities like breathwork, meditation, and psychedelics can be considered therapeutic—with or without the presence of a therapist.
When choosing between a therapist and a psychedelic guide, it’s helpful to ask yourself this question to help clarify the type of treatment that you’re seeking: do you want to have a psychedelic trip in the presence of a licensed psychotherapist or do you want a therapeutic psychedelic experience?
It may seem like splitting hairs, but it’s important to have clarity on the type of experience that you want and how much support you seek.
Psychedelic assisted therapy with a licensed mental health professional is not currently a treatment option in California, but luckily, you can still have a supported therapeutic psychedelic experience in your area, with the Psychedelic Passage facilitator network.
Legal Therapeutic Psychedelic Treatment Options in California
As a resident of the great state of California, you’ll be happy to know that you do have a variety of options to choose from when it comes to psychedelic substances and experiences. The two treatment options listed below each have different benefits and potential drawbacks, so we recommend carefully reviewing them to determine which one is right for you.
1. Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy
Although it’s not a traditional psychedelic, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy has shown to help improve both mental and emotional health when used in a therapeutic setting. Scientific research has proven that it can be extremely effective in dealing with depression.
However, it’s also common knowledge that ketamine assisted psychotherapy at ketamine clinics usually doesn’t offer a comprehensive treatment approach which increases your risk of having a negative or poorly integrated psychedelic experience.
While ketamine clinics offer new avenues for treating conditions like treatment-resistant depression and anxiety, they also present several challenges and limitations.
One key concern is the variability in ketamine therapy models—from clinical settings with minimal support to at-home programs—raises questions about the adequacy of care and support provided to patients.
The clinical-only model, focusing solely on ketamine infusions, may not offer the comprehensive care necessary for addressing complex mental health issues, underscoring the importance of a supportive therapy model that includes guidance throughout the treatment process.
Cost is another significant barrier, with treatments ranging from $300 to $2,000 per session, and a typical course requiring multiple sessions. This financial burden may limit access for many, despite the potential benefits of ketamine therapy.
To learn more, check out our article on the benefits and pitfalls of ketamine therapy.
2. Professionally Guided Psychedelic Therapy with Psychedelic Passage
In an era where mental health treatment seeks innovative frontiers, psychedelic therapy emerges as a promising avenue. However, the burgeoning field presents its own unique challenges.
The primary hurdle for individuals interested in psychedelic therapy is the overwhelming task of navigating research and selecting the right treatment. The dilemma intensifies when considering the qualifications of facilitators, especially in an industry where state licensing does not necessarily equate to extensive experience.
Consequently, potential therapy recipients are left feeling confused and uncertain, facing a landscape filled with potential risks including facilitator abuse and ethical violations. These are not just theoretical risks but real issues that could significantly impact one’s well-being.
At Psychedelic Passage, we’ve streamlined the process of connecting with a facilitator by building a strong network of experienced psychedelic guides who are located around the U.S.
These experts are dedicated to helping people like you navigate these holistic healing experiences which hold the potential for true transformation and result in lasting change.
We prioritize selecting facilitators who we trust to approach their work ethically and with respect for both their clients and the sacred nature of the medicines they work with.
Recognizing this lack of regulation that can lead to a power imbalance, exposing individuals to potential harm if they are unable to effectively vet a prospective guide, we have committed ourselves to assembling a network of facilitators who have been thoroughly vetted, eliminating the uncertainty around their legitimacy.
Although we cannot legally provide you with any psychedelic medicines, our expert concierges will help you explore all of your safe sourcing options.
Download Our Free Psilocybin Sourcing Guide
For harm-reduction purposes, we provide links to online psilocybin vendors, local stores, delivery services, and spore vendors for growing your own medicine at home.
Our pre-vetted facilitator network is made of a variety of backgrounds such as:
- PhDs in Psychology
- Yoga instructors
- Certified psychospiritual coaches
- Certified psychedelic integration coaches
- Doctors of acupuncture
- Psychotherapists
- Retreat facilitators
- Master ceremonialists
- Transformational coaches
- Rehabilitation Counselors
Our Four-Step Solution to Psychedelic Therapy
Our service offers a four-step solution designed to guide individuals through their psychedelic therapy journey, ensuring safety, compatibility, and integrity throughout the process.
1. Initial Consultation Call
Our journey begins with a personal consultation call. During this session, you will engage with a knowledgeable individual well-versed in psychedelic services. This conversation aims to understand your unique situation, answer your queries, and provide a clear understanding of the psychedelic therapy process. You will gain insight into sourcing options, testing for substance purity, dosage information, and receive personalized referrals to suitable facilitators.
2. Concierge Guidance
Following the consultation, you will benefit from our concierge service, acting as a liaison between you and potential facilitators. This service includes ongoing support, ensuring you have all necessary information and assistance throughout your journey. Our concierge team, serving as an independent body, advocates for your needs without any conflict of interest, facilitating a connection with facilitators who run private practices.
3. Referrals to Pre-vetted Facilitators
Our referral process is meticulously tailored, considering over 20 variables to match you with the most compatible facilitator. Our network comprises facilitators who are deeply committed to their practice, with proven track records in psychedelic therapy. We enforce stringent vetting protocols surpassing state licensure requirements, ensuring facilitators uphold the highest standards of practice.
4. Ceremony and Microdosing Programs
Upon selecting a facilitator, you will embark on the chosen program, be it a ceremonial gathering or a microdosing schedule. Our facilitators are equipped to conduct thorough health screenings and intake processes, ensuring the suitability of psychedelics for your situation.
Whether you choose a ceremony or microdosing, you will be guided through programs that balance scientific and spiritual approaches, paying directly to the facilitator for a personalized and sacred experience.
Our ultimate goal is to deliver our services with a strong emphasis on harm reduction. Psilocybin is the psychedelic of choice for most of our clients, but our network of facilitators are happy to help guide you through a healing experience with other psychedelic medicines too.
Find Your Next Psychedelic Experience in Any Major California City
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Our network of facilitators provide their guiding services in every major city in California, including those which are not listed above.
Learn More About Our Network
- Book a Consultation Call
- Meet Our Referral Network
- Explore Frequently Asked Questions
- Watch Client Testimonials
- Is Psychedelic Passage Safe & Legit?
A Guide To Psychedelic Therapy in California
For those embarking on or considering the journey of psychedelic therapy in California, the path is filled with potential and questions.
- Navigating Legalities: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the Legal Status of Psychedelic Therapy in California, from city-specific decriminalization efforts to statewide legislative progress, and what it means for residents seeking therapeutic experiences.
- Understanding Therapeutic Benefits: Explore the Benefits of Psychedelic Therapy in California, detailing how psychedelics, when used in a guided therapeutic setting, can offer profound healing and transformation for mental health disorders and personal growth.
- Evaluating Personal Fit: Considering psychedelic therapy? Our guide on Is Psychedelic Therapy Right For You? provides insights into making this personal decision, highlighting considerations on readiness, therapeutic goals, and the potential for profound personal development.
- Journey Guidance Explained: Delve into How Does a Guided Psychedelic Journey Work? to understand the structure, expectations, and benefits of having a guide facilitate your psychedelic experience, ensuring safety and support throughout your journey.
- The Role of Guides: Learn more about How Guides Help You Through a Psychedelic Experience, emphasizing the importance of experienced facilitators in navigating the complexities of psychedelic states for therapeutic outcomes.
- Benefits Beyond Healing: For those wondering about the broader applications of psychedelics, How Can Psychedelics Benefit Someone Who is Happy? explores the potential of psychedelics to enhance life satisfaction, creativity, and personal growth beyond traditional therapeutic contexts.
- Connecting with Guides: If you’re ready to take the next step, Trip Sitters & Psychedelic Guides in California provides a direct link to our network of pre-vetted, experienced psychedelic facilitators across the state, ready to support your journey towards healing and self-discovery.
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.
Connect with Psychedelic Passage
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Frequently Asked Questions About Psychedelic Therapy in California
1. What legal considerations should I be aware of before pursuing psychedelic-assisted therapy in California?
In California, the legality of psychedelics, including psilocybin, varies by city, with certain cities like Oakland, Santa Cruz, Arcata, Berkeley, and San Francisco having decriminalized the use of these substances to some extent.
However, psychedelics remain federally illegal, and the state has specific regulations that limit the availability of psychedelic-assisted therapy. It’s crucial to stay informed about the latest legal developments in your area.
2. How can I avoid a negative psychedelic experience?
Ensuring a positive psychedelic experience involves careful preparation, including choosing a comfortable and safe environment, having a trusted guide or therapist present, and being in a positive state of mind. It’s also important to have clear intentions for your experience and to follow safety protocols advised by experienced professionals.
3. Can I access psychedelic-assisted therapy through licensed mental health professionals in California?
As of now, licensed mental health professionals in California are not legally allowed to administer psychedelic substances as part of therapy. However, services like Psychedelic Passage can connect individuals with experienced psychedelic guides for therapeutic experiences, even though these guides may not always be licensed therapists.
4. What are the benefits of psychedelic-assisted therapy?
Psychedelic-assisted therapy has been shown to provide profound therapeutic benefits, including helping individuals access their subconscious, heal from past traumas, and overcome mental health disorders such as depression, PTSD, and anxiety. These experiences can lead to significant personal growth and transformation.
5. How does Psychedelic Passage ensure the safety and efficacy of its psychedelic guides?
Psychedelic Passage prioritizes the safety and well-being of its clients by thoroughly vetting its network of psychedelic guides.
This vetting process includes verifying their experience, ethical standards, and commitment to providing holistic and respectful guidance. Clients are matched with facilitators based on compatibility and specific needs, ensuring a supportive and safe therapeutic experience.
