For years, psilocybin—the psychoactive ingredient in many species of mushrooms—was viewed only as a countercultural, recreational drug and was largely condemned by society. However, its stigma is now being lifted as its therapeutic potential is being discovered. With groundbreaking scientific research to support its efficacy, psilocybin is emerging as a powerful tool to address various mental health concerns. Psilocybin treatments offer profound and transformative relief for people struggling with their mental health, especially those who have not found relief from other methods.
While this psychedelic-assisted therapy is not yet available at Viking Psychiatry, we are excited about the growing body of evidence supporting its ability to facilitate profound healing. Our dedicated providers have received specialized certifications that will allow us to offer these services as they become available. For now, our preferred partner is Bend Inner Alchemy.
Psilocybin is a naturally occurring compound found in over 200 species of mushrooms. When psilocybin is ingested, it boosts serotonin levels in areas of the brain involved in decision-making, emotional regulation, and perception of reality. This helps people regulate mood and self-esteem, offering an increased sense of well-being.
Psilocybin therapy also temporarily affects the connections between neurons in the brain. For those with depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions, this can help break down negative thinking patterns, shine new perspectives on past experiences, and restructure thoughts and behaviors.
This psychedelic can sometimes alter consciousness and produce mild visual or auditory hallucinations. These experiences are monitored closely by clinicians to create a safe space through which clients can explore deep emotional introspection, process traumas, and discover new perspectives.
Due to its extensive clinical backing, psilocybin is the most common psychedelic used for mental health treatment. This cutting-edge mental health treatment can produce quick and long-lasting results. Multiple studies have found that psilocybin reduced depression and anxiety symptoms in about 80 percent of participants after just one week of treatment. Psilocybin has also proven to be effective for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and substance abuse.
Research shows that psilocybin is most effective when combined with traditional psychotherapy techniques. Clinicians will administer safe doses of psilocybin at the beginning of your therapy session. You will then be able to explore thoughts and feelings with your certified provider while being carefully monitored.
While psilocybin-assisted therapy can offer life-changing mental health improvements for many, it is not right for everyone. Good candidates will be 18 or older and motivated to engage in deep self-exploration and reflection. Using psilocybin can be psychologically intense, so your clinician should ensure that you understand what to expect and feel prepared for the experience. Certain medical conditions, including a history of psychosis, may make you ineligible for psilocybin treatments.
The best way to determine whether you are a good candidate for psilocybin treatments is to schedule an initial consultation with certified clinicians who will meet with you to discuss your medical history, full medication list, and goals for treatment. While our team at Viking continues working toward being able to offer these services, we recommend that good candidates for psilocybin treatments reach out to https://www.bendinneralchemy.com/ to begin your psychedelic-assisted therapy journey.
Psilocybin treatments offer a groundbreaking approach to mental health that encourages deep emotional exploration and self-reflection. Ongoing research continues to affirm psilocybin’s potential to offer transformative personal growth, especially in those who have not had success with other methods.
Our team is here to guide and support you toward wellness through compassionate mental health intervention. Contact us today to schedule a visit and learn more about what treatment options are best for you.
