"Psilocybin has provided me with many of my greatest insights into the nature of reality and my place in it.”
What I have continually found is that insight was a temporary fix to something deeper within my system. Any deep healing through psychedelics is going to be a journey as opposed to a destination.
Psilocybin
Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic prodrug compound produced by more than 200 species of fungi.
Services
The preparation, administration and integration sessions provided by a licensed psilocybin facilitator.
What is psilocybin and what has it got to do with healing?
Psilocybin is a naturally occurring compound found in certain mushrooms, often referred to as "magic mushrooms." Research suggests that psilocybin may have potential benefits for working with mental health issues, and its effects are thought to be linked to several mechanisms, including neurogenesis, neuroplasticity, anti-inflammatory properties, and its impact on the Default Mode Network (DMN).
- Neurogenesis
Neurogenesis is the process by which new neurons (nerve cells) are created in the brain. It is essential for learning, memory, and overall brain health. Psilocybin may promote neurogenesis by stimulating the growth of new neurons, particularly in regions of the brain associated with mood regulation and emotional processing. This could potentially help individuals with mental health issues by enhancing their brain's ability to adapt and heal. - Neuroplasticity
Neuroplasticity refers to the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new connections between neurons. Psilocybin may enhance neuroplasticity by altering the brain's connectivity patterns. This can lead to changes in thought patterns and behaviors, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals dealing with conditions like depression or anxiety, where rigid thinking patterns are often a challenge. - Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Chronic inflammation in the brain has been linked to various mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety. Some studies suggest that psilocybin has anti-inflammatory properties and can reduce inflammation in the brain. By decreasing inflammation, psilocybin may help alleviate symptoms associated with mental health issues. - Default Mode Network (DMN)
The DMN is a network of brain regions that becomes active when our minds are at rest and we engage in self-referential or mind-wandering thoughts. Overactivity of the DMN has been associated with conditions like depression and anxiety. Psilocybin appears to temporarily reduce the activity of the DMN. This "quieting" of the DMN may allow individuals to break free from negative thought patterns and gain new perspectives on their problems.
In practical terms, a psilocybin experience is often described as a profound and introspective journey. During such experiences, individuals may have heightened self-awareness, a sense of connectedness with others and the universe, and a shift in their perception of reality. These effects can be therapeutic when guided by a trained professional in a controlled and supportive setting.
It's important to note that while psilocybin shows promise for mental health issues, it is not a standalone treatment.
Psilocybin is not a cure-all, and its effectiveness can vary from person to person. It should always be considered as part of a comprehensive well-being treatment plan, which may include ongoing therapy and lifestyle changes.
Experience Matters
Steve is a certified and licensed psilocybin provider with over four decades of deep knowledge and insight into the world of psychedelics.
His expertise is not only based on academic or observational studies, but also on personal experiences, including participation in an FDA-regulated psilocybin study. In this study, Steve underwent a regimen of three progressively increasing doses over a span of three months, culminating in one of the highest doses ever documented in an FDA-sanctioned research.
In addition to his own journeys with substances such as psilocybin, LSD, MDMA, ibogaine, ayahuasca, peyote, and DMT, Steve has had the privilege to train and collaborate with some of the foremost experts in the field of psychedelic therapy.
For the past four years, Steve has been actively facilitating therapeutic sessions at OmTerra, primarily utilizing cannabis and ketamine. His therapeutic approach, especially with clients suffering from C-PTSD, depression, and anxiety, is deeply empathetic, informed by his personal challenges with C-PTSD, brushes with suicide, periods spent in psychiatric care, experiences in drug treatment centres, and the shortcomings he found in conventional western psychiatric methodologies.
Psilocybin Intake Process
Consultation
This is a time for you to meet your facilitator virtually, ask questions and see if psilocybin is right for you.
15-20 minutes
Intake
Fill out a few medical evaluation forms to see if you qualify to receive psilocybin services and to help your facilitator get a better idea on how to move forward.
20-30 minutes
Preparation
Either in-person or virtually, you and your facilitator will work together to create a plan for your psilocybin session. This includes, setting intentions, discussing music preferences, answering any questions you have and reviewing some paperwork
2-4 hours
Psilocybin Session
Meet your facilitator at the Psilocybin Service Center where the psilocybin will be purchased and consumed. Your facilitator will accompany you in a safe, private space for the duration of your psilocybin experience.
4-8 hours (depending on dosage)
Integration
This phase is optional, but highly recommended. The goal here is for you to have a safe place to process your psilocybin experience and be intentional about ongoing growth and healing.
1+ hours as needed
Cost & Info
Facilitator Fee
The fee for preparation, the session and integration is a sliding scale from $1200 - $1800. Additional hours are billed at $175 if needed.
Service Center Fee
I provide psilocybin services at two psilocybin service centers in Ashland, OR. The fee that Omnia Group charges for rental of a room for the day is $900.
Satya Therapeutics charges from $300- 500 depending on room size. Payment for the room for both service centers is paid directly to the serbice center.
Psilocybin Fee
There is a fee for the psilocybin that you will consume for your session. A typical dose will be from 3 to 5 grams – up to 35 mg of psilocybin analyte. This is paid in cash to the service center.
Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain species of mushrooms. It has been used for centuries in various cultures for its psychoactive and therapeutic properties.
Yes, psilocybin is considered safe when used in a controlled, therapeutic setting with proper guidance. According to a 2016 study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, psilocybin has a "favorable safety profile" and "no serious adverse effects" were reported in controlled environments . Another study in Neuropharmacology in 2017 found that "psilocybin is physiologically safe and well-tolerated" when administered by trained professionals . Additionally, a 2020 review in Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology highlighted that "psilocybin has a long history of safe use in both indigenous cultures and clinical research" .
Yes, under Measure 109, psilocybin services are legal in Oregon for therapeutic use. This measure, passed in November 2020, allows licensed facilitators to administer psilocybin in a controlled, professional setting. Steve Elfrink is a licensed psilocybin facilitator.
Psilocybin facilitation involves a licensed professional guiding an individual through a psilocybin experience. This includes preparation, the psilocybin session itself, and integration afterward to help process and make sense of the experience.
Individuals who fall into the following categories are generally not eligible for psilocybin services:
- Medical Exclusions:
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Serious heart conditions
- History of stroke
- Severe liver or kidney disease
- Psychological Exclusions:
- Current or past diagnosis of schizophrenia, psychotic disorders, or bipolar disorder
- Severe depression with suicidal ideation
- Severe anxiety or panic disorders
- Active substance use disorders
- Situational Exclusions:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- Individuals currently using medications that could interact negatively with psilocybin (e.g., certain antidepressants, antipsychotics)
Yes, participants must be at least 21 years old to be eligible for psilocybin services in Oregon.
Wear comfortable clothing and bring any personal items that make you feel at ease. And, a water bottle, any favorite snacks for the end of the session.
While psilocybin is generally considered safe when administered in a controlled setting, there are potential risks, including psychological distress or challenging experiences. Facilitators are trained to manage and mitigate these risks.
A typical session includes three phases:
1. Preparation: Discussion of intentions, expectations, and concerns.
2. Administration: Consumption of psilocybin in a controlled setting with the facilitator present.
3. Integration: Post-session support to help process the experience and integrate insights into daily life.