Psilocybin Therapy (Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy) 

 

COMING SOON….

For more information about Psilocybin Therapy Services in Boulder (expected late 2025), contact us. 

 

Psilocybin-assisted therapy is a type of psychedelic therapy that involves the use of psilocybin, a psychedelic substance that naturally occurs in certain mushrooms. Research has shown promising potential benefits with the use of psilocybin in the treatment of depression, anxiety, PTSD, addiction, and end-of-life challenges in terminally ill patients.

 

What is the status of Psilocybin Therapy in Colorado? 

In November 2022, Colorado voters approved Proposition 122, the Colorado Natural Medicine Health Act of 2022 (NMHA). The NMHA decriminalized certain psychedelics (including psilocybin) as “natural medicine” for personal use. The NMHA also creates a regulatory framework for the therapeutic use of psilocybin, so that adults can legally purchase and consume psilocybin products at licensed healing centers under the supervision of a licensed facilitator. Colorado became the second state in the U.S. (after Oregon) to legalize psilocybin mushrooms for personal use or use by healing centers, after Gov. Jared Polis signed SB23-290 in May 2023. Senate Bill 290 defines and clarifies important provisions of the NMHA, to guide and support the implementation of Colorado’s Natural Medicine Program. 

 

What is Psilocybin? 

Psilocybin is considered a classic psychedelic, that works by interacting with serotonin receptors in the brain, leading to changes in neurochemistry and altered states of consciousness. Effects of psilocybin include changes in perception, intensity of emotions, and insights into reality. At higher doses, psilocybin can induce mystical experiences, ego dissolution, and a sense of the interconnectedness of all beings, considered by many people to be among the most meaningful in their lives. In terms of safety, classical psychedelics including psilocybin, appear to be low risk and relatively well-tolerated. 

Psilocybin as been awarded FDA “breakthrough therapy” designation, for the indications of treatment-resistant depression (TRD), and major depressive disorder (MDD). This designation is intended to support expedited development and review of drugs directed at the treatment of serious health conditions. 

 

What is Psilocybin Therapy (Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy)? 

During psilocybin-assisted therapy, psilocybin is used in a professional therapeutic setting with a trained “facilitator” (ie- “guide”) to provide psychological support.

In a study focused on its use in depression, researchers found that psilocybin therapy (psilocybin-assisted therapy) was effective in producing significant and rapid antidepressant effects in patients with major depressive disorder, with no serious adverse medical events.

Other studies have found long-term increases in positive mood, life satisfaction, social connection, and healthy behavioral changes. Looking at preliminary clinical trial data, psychedelic therapy appears to have a strong therapeutic potential in the treatment of severe depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), addiction, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and anxiety related to terminal diagnoses like cancer.