Oregon's pioneering psilocybin program is set to refine its operations in 2025 after a year of service. Hundreds of specialists are now trained to guide patients in supervised psychedelic experiences, with thousands having undergone treatment for conditions like depression, anxiety, trauma, and addiction. The focus will be on studying the program's impacts and outcomes, according to the Healing Advocacy Fund.
Program Overview and Initial Impact
Oregon voters approved the use of psilocybin in clinical settings in 2020, leading to the establishment of licensed service centers. As of December 11, 356 psilocybin facilitators have been licensed, and approximately 8,000 clients will have participated in a psilocybin session by the end of the year. Heidi Pendergast, the Oregon director of the Healing Advocacy Fund, noted that many clients are utilizing psilocybin for mental health issues, including depression and PTSD.
Notably, military veterans are accessing psilocybin therapy for the first time in the U.S. through partnerships with organizations like the Heroic Hearts Project. Out of the 8,000 clients, only five required emergency calls after taking psilocybin, highlighting the effectiveness of the state's training, regulation, and screening processes.
Challenges of Access and Affordability
Despite the program's success, challenges remain in statewide access and affordability. Many areas, particularly eastern Oregon, lack service centers. The cost of therapy, which can exceed $1,000 per session, is also a barrier, as insurance companies do not currently cover the treatment due to federal illegality and a need for more efficacy evidence.
Adie Rae, co-director of the Open Psychedelic Evaluation Nexus at Oregon Health & Science University, emphasized the need for additional evidence to persuade communities to allow psilocybin services. Voters in several Oregon cities have banned the regulated sales and use of psilocybin mushrooms, citing a lack of evidence.
Research and Future Directions
The Open Psychedelic Evaluation Nexus is conducting a study following clients for up to a year after their psilocybin therapy. Preliminary results are expected in the first quarter of 2025. Pendergast highlighted that the 8,000 clients who have received psilocybin therapy in Oregon represent a significant pool for research, exceeding the number of clients served in all previous psilocybin clinical trials combined.
Advocates plan to approach the state Legislature with a "Psilocybin Program Improvement Bill," which would include legal protections for healthcare providers discussing psilocybin services with clients and a "dual licensure" provision. This provision would allow healthcare providers who are also licensed psilocybin facilitators to participate in both the preparation and integration sessions, ensuring continuity of care.
