FAQs

What are psilocybin services and how does the Oregon program work?

In Oregon, licensed psilocybin services are a regulated, legal way for adults to take psilocybin in a structured setting under the supervision of a licensed facilitator, such as Dr. Kara Crisp.

These services consist of three main parts:

1. Preparation Session

Before a person can consume psilocybin, they meet with a licensed facilitator to:

  • Go through intake forms, informed consent, and a client bill of rights

  • Review safety and support planning (including transportation)

  • Discuss intentions and assess whether it’s safe to proceed
    This session helps decide if the person is eligible to continue.

2. Administration Session

This is the session where psilocybin products are actually consumed:

  • It happens only at a licensed service center

  • The facilitator stays with the client (or group) for the entire experience

  • Clients must remain at the facility for a set minimum time based on dosage

  • Psilocybin products must come from a state-licensed manufacturer and be tested by a licensed lab before use. The facilitator, service center, mushroom product grower and manufacturer, and lab testing facility are all licensed entities and regulated by a branch of the Oregon Health Authority called Oregon Psilocybin Services.

3. Integration Session

After the administration session, clients are offered follow-up support from the facilitator to:

  • Discuss the experience and make meaning of what came up for you during your experience.

  • Review ongoing support plan for you following your journey

  • Get referrals to community resources or peer support
    This is meant to help make sense of the session and integrate insights into daily life. 

  • The integration is critical to help ensure lasting changes take effect. 

 Who Can Participate?

  • Age 21 or older

  • No prescription or medical referral needed

  • No Oregon residency requirement — out-of-state adults can participate and are currently a majority of the participants in the program

I'm on several prescription medications, is it safe for me to take psilocybin?

Most medications are safe to take along with mushrooms, with the exception of Lithium and MAOi's. Many people seeking to do this work are suffering from mental health imabalances and are on medications such as SSRI's, sleep meds, or mood stabilizers. Dr. Crisp is trained in pharmacology, and can help you determine whether or not you are a good fit to proceed with this work and any adjustments to your mushroom dose that may be needed due to blunting effects of these medications.

Where will my psilocybin session take place?

Your experience will be held in one of our Oregon State–licensed Psilocybin Service Centers, thoughtfully designed to support a safe, comfortable, and intentional journey. The spaces offer a variety of supportive elements, including curated music by your facilitator, nature-inspired surroundings, and other options that help foster a meaningful and positive psychedelic experiences. You are also welcome to bring personal items that hold significance for you to help create a more comfortable and personalized environment.

Here are examples of a few service centers I am partnered with that will host your journey: PNW Integrative Center and 7 Gates Sanctuary

Can Dr. Crisp bill my insurance for a mushroom session?

The actual administration session is not currently billable to insurance in the state of Oregon, but data is being collected to help support the need for insurance coverage at this time. She can however bill your insurance for the preparation and integration sessions if you have one of the following plans, which must be verified with the clinic biller: Providence, Regence BCBS, Pacific Source, ASH: Cigna, Moda, UHC, Aetna, and CareOregon.

Use this link to schedule as a patient of Dr. Crisp for a psychedelic services assessment: https://www.tendingbodyandsoul.com/schedule

How much will this cost?

The total cost is based on a room rental fee from the service center, cost of my services (typically 12 hours total of my time for one session), and the cost of your mushrooms (total to be determined based on your dose).

I offer a sliding scale for the fee for my services, and the service centers I work with are often able to match the discount I am giving to my client. My full price for my fees, inlcluding two preparation sessions (on video call), one administration session (in person at the service center), and one integration session (on video, or in-person options available locally) is $1200. I can accomodate up to 50% off for those in financial need, or who are LQBTQIA2S+, Veterans, disabled, or BIPOC, which would total $600 for my services.

I use the Green Bottle Method to help determine financial need:

The Green Bottle Method - Weston McWhorter

The service center room rental is on average $500. This can also be on the sliding scale model and may be matched by Kara's discount as mentioned above, so may range from $250-$500.

The cost of mushrooms is an average of $70-$250. You dose will be determined during your preparation session based on several different factors, including medications, life experiences, emotional and pain sensitivity, your work and trauma history, and many other details.

Can I do this work with my spouse?

Yes, many couples choose to do this work together. We will meet first to discuss your goals. It is best for some people to have their experience on separate days, and provide support to each other in the evening instead of actually doing the journey side by side, together. It is not recommended that you have discussions during your session in this setting and is not meant to act as repair, but would be a good fit if you are looking to have a deep meaningful experience together as a couple.

Can I do this with my co-workers to help us gain a creative edge?

Absolutely! Many people turn to this work because they feel stuck in their life or on their current path and don't know where to go or what to do next. That is an excellent opportunity to share in a creative vision together as co-workers, students, a band, or team. You would likely consider a dose on the lower end of a macro dose so that you are maintaining the ability to remain social, communicative, and expressive during the experience. Resources may be provided to help share ideas, such as a shareable vision board and plenty of supplies will be offered to help tap into new ideas. 

Should I choose one or two psilocybin dosing sessions?

In most cases, a single dose is sufficient. That said, relying on one session can sometimes create pressure or unmet expectations, especially if it is your first time experiencing psychedelics. Adding a second dosing session often increases the likelihood of a more deeply fulfilling and well-rounded experience.


What are the benefits of a second journey?
Reduced pressure and expectations: When there is only one session, many hopes can rest on a single experience, which may lead to rigidity or disappointment. Knowing a second session is available often softens expectations, encouraging greater openness and flexibility during the first journey. 

Deeper integration insights: A second session frequently builds upon or complements the first, offering new perspectives or exploring different themes. This provides richer material and a stronger foundation for post-journey integration.
Extended neuroplastic window: Emerging evidence suggests that a second session, when scheduled soon after the first, may help prolong the period of neuroplasticity, potentially enhancing longer-term benefits.
More receptive mindset: Many participants approach the second journey feeling calmer, more curious, and more at ease. It’s common to hear that the second session was where things truly “clicked” and delivered what they had been seeking.

What is the recommended timing for a second journey?
While back-to-back sessions can be effective, spacing them by a day or more often enhances the experience by allowing time for reflection and preparation and giving your brain and neurotransmitters time to reset. For a single dosing, we recommend a three-night stay. For two dosing sessions, a four- to five-night stay is ideal.
What is the additional cost?
The second journey is typically offered at a 30% discount, depending on the cost of your first session. When factoring in overall expenses such as travel and accommodations, adding a second session usually increases the total cost by 50% or less.