FAQ

Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain species of mushrooms. When ingested it alters perception, thought, and mood for 4-6 hours by binding to serotonin receptors in the brain.

Psilocybin has been used as medicine by people all over the world for thousands of years and is now legal in Oregon for therapeutic use.

Psilocybin has been used to treat depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, alcoholism, addiction, smoking addiction, general stuckness, chronic pain, body dysmorphia, and self-esteem issues. It can also assist in boosting creativity, as well as instigating renewed or deepened spiritual or religious experiences.

Psilocybin works by connecting areas of the brain that usually remain separate. This opens the self to a larger potential of wholeness, compassion and problem solving. A brain scan of a person on psilocybin shows that they are using far more areas of their mind than in normal daily life. This cross-collaboration of “brain compartments” allows for a larger perspective on any given subject. This temporarily acquired “distance” allows integration of unincorporated feeling, memory, and experience, and long term has been shown to cultivate a more whole sense of self.

Psilocybin may provide greater access to The Default Mode Network – the passive neurological system thought to be responsible for feelings of stuckness, apathy, and depression.

Psilocybin allows for a fuller experience of one’s own being than can be had in a normal state of mind. A journeyer may come into “mindfulness” – in the true sense of the word – allowing increased compassion, connection, and acceptance.

There is no know lethal dose of psilocybin and it is not addictive.  While many people have positive experiences with psilocybin, there are potential risks, so it’s essential to have thorough screening and consultation with your facilitator to assess your suitability for a psilocybin experience.

While there is risk of temporary emotional discomfort, psilocybin is considered safe when used in a controlled, therapeutic setting with proper guidance and support.

Common side effects include nausea, anxiety, yawning, heart rate increase, altered perception, hallucinations, tingling, laughter, crying, shaking, euphoria, joy, and fear.

Rare risks include psychosis, mania, panic, or suicidal thoughts. All our facilitators are trained to minimize risks and provide support during and after the experience. Many people testify to challenging experiences having positive long-term outcomes.

We facilitate journeys at a state licensed psilocybin service center. Our facilitators are trained in crisis intervention and first aid.

We have a thorough intake process to assess each client’s suitability for psilocybin therapy including consultation with a medical doctor who is a permanent part of our team. Proper orientation and integration are key to encouraging the most positive outcomes.

We like conversation at all levels of interest. We invite you to a complimentary meeting with an intake specialist to answer any initial questions and find out more about you and your story.

The acute experience of psilocybin typically lasts 4-6 hours, but can be longer or shorter depending on tolerance, medication, dose and disposition.

We recommend that participants are alone (with a facilitator) when they take psilocybin, as this allows for a more focused, personal experience. However, we invite you to bring any proposals to our team for discussion. This work is about you.

Services are available to adults at least 21 years old. We have a thorough intake process, including medical and psychological screening, to ensure that our therapy is suitable for each individual.

Psilocybin is currently a Schedule I controlled substance in the United States, but some states and cities have decriminalized or legalized its use for therapeutic purposes. We are excited to be able to operate in compliance with local laws and regulations given Oregon Health Authority’s Measure 109, which legalizes psilocybin therapy for both healing and wellness use within the state of Oregon.

Yes and no.

Psilocybin is the chemical in magic mushrooms that gets you high. Part of our work here at SoulDive is to destigmatize this ancient medicine from the cultural baggage which has attached itself to it over the last 75 years. We invite all questions and comments. We thrive on discussion of this fascinating topic.

Many refer to psilocybin as an “entheogen” – a chemical used to induce a spiritual experience.

Some refer to psilocybin as a sacrament.

Many of us at SoulDive refer to it as “the medicine.”

We are aware that many programs of sobriety and drug abstinence vilify psilocybin as a dangerous drug. Several of our facilitators have experience bridging these two worlds of thought – abstinence and psychedelic healing – and we would love to hear about your own experience navigating the challenges of this cultural and intellectual duality.

The short answer is: Yes. Psilocybin is the chemical in magic mushrooms which causes their effects.

One of our missions at SoulDive is to reeducate the public about the science and value of “magic mushrooms.” There is misinformation about psilocybin in the world. We love taking questions. We enjoy conversation about this topic.

While some medications conflict with psilocybin, many are safe to continue taking when doing a psilocybin journey. A full intake will be done with a specialist to ensure there are no contraindications.

We encourage those struggling with all forms of addiction to reach out for a consultation, as psilocybin has shown promise in aiding abstinence from drugs and alcohol. While you’ll need to be sober on the day of your administration session, we encourage you to talk to us about your specific habits. We provide judgement free support for addicts, alcoholics and smokers. Several of our facilitators have many years of experience with the treatment of addiction, alcoholism, and nicotine cessation.

While hard to explain in words, psilocybin is commonly referred to as a “non-specific amplifier,” meaning it expands feelings allowing the “journeyer” to bring an uncommon level of attention to their inner life. Some describe the experience as ineffable, divine, or spiritual. Others find the medicine creates a discomfort in the body which leads to greater healing awareness. Psilocybin feels intense – which is why it works, and why we treat it with respect. 

Preparation is key to a positive experience. We recommend setting intentions for your journey and engaging in self-reflection. Avoid alcohol and other substances in the days leading up to the session. You’ll have a chance to address all specific medical or psychological concerns with your facilitator.

If you think Psilocybin might be for you, you’ll start with a free consultation with an intake specialist. This gives us a chance to do an initial screening and answer any of your questions.

If you decide to proceed, we’ll match you with someone from our diverse team of facilitators. We’ll also have you complete comprehensive intake forms, which will allow your facilitator to know you over the course of the intake process.

Because SoulDive is collective, we have a diverse array of facilitation staff to meet the needs of clients. An intake specialistic will recommend someone we believe to be a good fit, but the choice is ultimately up to you. It’s important to feel comfortable and supported by your facilitator.

We provide support in follow-up integration sessions, as well as community resources.

Integration refers to the process of making sense of and incorporating insights gained during a psilocybin experience into your life. This work can involve discussions with your facilitator, journaling, or participating in integration circles. This process is crucial for maximizing the benefits of the experience.

If you’re interested in joining our collective as a member or volunteer, please reach out through our contact page. We welcome individuals who are passionate about supporting others on their healing journeys.

The Oregon Health Authority does not currently allow sessions to be conducted in the home. While this law will hopefully be changed soon, we recommend for now that you talk to us about ways of accommodating your needs at a service center.

Anecdotally, psilocybin has helped with everything from chronic pain to anxiety disorders. While we cannot promise it will address your specific goals, we do encourage you to educate yourself and seek counsel from those with experience working with psilocybin. Reach out if you would like resources for some experiential descriptions of psilocybin.

Administration sessions are scheduled at least three weeks out, but it is recommended that the intake process be started at least a month before your medicine day. This ensures proper preparation, intentionality and orientation.

Our session prices vary depending on the type of session, the facilitator and the service center. We offer sliding scale fees and package deals to make our services more accessible.

You may cancel your psilocybin journey right up until the very moment before you ingest the mushrooms, but cancellation fees do apply. Fees also apply to cancelled or missed intake and integration sessions.

Currently insurance does not cover psilocybin therapy, but we are hopeful for this in the near future.

Yes, arrangements can be made to make payments toward the cost of a journey.

If you have additional questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to provide support and information to help you feel comfortable and informed.