Oregon’s Emerging Psilocybin Services Workforce: A Survey of the First Legal Psilocybin Facilitators and Their Training Programs
Jason B. Luoma, Kim Hoffman, Adrianne R Wilson-Poe, Ximena A. Levander, Alissa Bazinet, Ryan Cook, Dennis McCarty, Kellie Pertl, Sarann Bielavitz, Devin Gregoire, R Cameron Wolf, Don C Des Jarlais, Harland V. Harrison, Christopher S. Stauffer, Philip Todd Korthuis
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs January 29, 2025 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2025.2454474 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Cross-sectional survey and program review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 106 |
| Population | Psilocybin facilitators who had completed or were enrolled in Oregon Health Authority-approved training programs |
| Duration | July to November 2023 |
| Topics | Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Healthcare-certification Psilocybin-facilitators Mental-health-workforce Oregon-regulations Licensure Psychedelics Workforce survey Psychedelic-therapy |
| Citations | 3 |
| Key findings | Oregon's emerging psilocybin facilitator workforce is relatively diverse, with many holding existing healthcare licenses, but training expenses pose a moderate-to-severe financial strain for most. |
Abstract
New legal frameworks for supervised psychedelic services are emerging, with Oregon and Colorado implementing programs to train and license psilocybin facilitators. This study describes Oregon's early psilocybin facilitator workforce and assesses state-approved training programs. The Open Psychedelic Evaluation Nexus (OPEN) reviewed Oregon Health Authority-approved training programs and surveyed facilitators who had completed or were enrolled in these programs between July and November 2023. Data collection included a review of public listings, contact with training programs, and facilitator survey. Results indicated that in the 16 active training programs, the mean tuition was $9,359 and half offered diversity scholarships. Survey respondents (n = 106) were relatively diverse; many had an existing healthcare license. The majority reported that training expenses were a moderate-to-severe financial strain. Most were satisfied with training. The mean planned price for a session was $1,388 and the most common areas of specialization were trauma, mental disorders, consciousness exploration, and spirituality. Facilitators requested ongoing training opportunities. In conclusion, Oregon's emerging psilocybin facilitator workforce and training programs are in early development. These findings are crucial for informing future policy and training program development to support a diverse and effective workforce.
Comparable studies
Other cross-sectional and survey studies on psilocybin, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Survey study of challenging experiences after ingesting psilocybin mushrooms: Acute and enduring positive and negative consequences Individuals who had consumed psilocybin mushrooms and experienced a psychologically... | 2016 | Cross-sectional survey | n = 1,993 |
| The Challenging Experience Questionnaire: Characterization of challenging experiences with psilocybin mushrooms Internet survey respondents reporting challenging experiences with psilocybin | 2016 | Questionnaire development and validation | |
| Psychedelics and Mental Health: A Population Study Adult population in the United States | 2013 | Cross-sectional survey | n = 130,152 |
| Cessation and reduction in alcohol consumption and misuse after psychedelic use Individuals with prior alcohol use disorder who reported cessation or reduction in... | 2019 | Cross-sectional survey | n = 343 |
| Patterns of simultaneous polysubstance use in drug using university students Drug-using university students | 2006 | Cross-sectional survey | n = 149 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 6
- Psilocybin and Mental Health Outcomes: Scoping Review with ☸SAIMSARA SAIMSARA Journal June 15, 2026
- Balancing safety and access in Oregon’s psilocybin services International Journal of Drug Policy June 13, 2026
- Ethical Complexities and Best Practices in Informed Consent Processes for Psilocybin Services: A Qualitative Study Neuroethics May 13, 2026
- Level of Preparedness to Use Psilocybin Among Individuals Seeking Psychedelic Risk Reduction: A retrospective study of a pilot psychiatric consultation service medRxiv August 19, 2026
- Who Is Reached by Supervised Psilocybin Services? Oregon Services Versus National Psilocybin Use
and 1 more in the library
Cites 8
- Psilocybin produces substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer: A randomized double-blind trial Journal of Psychopharmacology November 30, 2016
- Psilocybin-assisted treatment for alcohol dependence: A proof-of-concept study Journal of Psychopharmacology January 13, 2015
- Single-Dose Psilocybin for a Treatment-Resistant Episode of Major Depression. New England Journal of Medicine November 3, 2022
- Percentage of Heavy Drinking Days Following Psilocybin-Assisted Psychotherapy vs Placebo in the Treatment of Adult Patients With Alcohol Use Disorder JAMA Psychiatry August 24, 2022
- Single-Dose Psilocybin Treatment for Major Depressive Disorder JAMA August 31, 2023
and 3 more in the library