It’s been over a year since Oregon rolled out its legal psilocybin program. Since then, providers and regulators have been gathering data on who’s using the program and why. In January 2023, Oregon launched this state-regulated therapy program through the Oregon Health Authority, with clients starting to receive services in May 2023.

Psilocybin therapy has shown promise for people dealing with mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and addiction. The therapy is delivered in licensed centers under the watchful eye of trained facilitators. According to The Source Weekly, Angie Albee, manager of Oregon Psilocybin Services, says, "We think that nationwide and globally, people will benefit from seeing this data come to life from Oregon."

Tracking the Progress

Oregon Psilocybin Services will start sharing data from service centers across the state by 2025. This data will cover the number of clients, their reasons for seeking therapy, and any outcomes or side effects. This information is required by Senate Bill 303, which passed in 2023.

Since launching, the state has licensed 347 facilitators, 29 service centers, 12 manufacturers, and two testing labs. They’ve also issued 634 worker permits. These centers have sold over 10,000 psilocybin products for use in therapy sessions. Many users are finding benefits from these services. Heidi Pendergast, Oregon director of the Healing Advocacy Fund, says, "A single psilocybin session can jumpstart a renewed sense of hope" for those not helped by traditional mental health treatments.

Real Lives, Real Impacts

While there isn't a comprehensive system to track client progress, service centers like Drop Thesis in Bend are noting positive outcomes. Drop Thesis received its license in December and started sessions in March. Gary Bracelin from Drop Thesis says, "Every day, we see that the services we offer are changing people’s lives."

First Annual Report

In May, the psilocybin center Bendable released its first annual report based on client data. The report looked at demographic details, mental health history, reasons for seeking services, and some barriers clients faced. Amanda Gow, Executive Director of Bendable, emphasized the importance of this data: "We wanted to make sure that we were measuring outcomes so clients can make better-informed decisions."

The report found that mental health conditions were the top reason for seeking services, mentioned 281 times out of 408 applications. Coping with trauma and grief was mentioned 68 times. Among those approved for a session, 87% found the experience positive, and 65% reported lasting mental health improvements.

Addressing Barriers

Cost remains a significant barrier for many trying to access psilocybin therapy. Gow explains, "Very few people can afford these sorts of treatments, or it comes at a sacrifice." Bendable has offered over $178,000 in scholarships, but it's still a challenge. Gow hopes that proving the efficacy of psilocybin therapy may lead to insurance coverage.

Community Involvement and Safety

Oregon Psilocybin Services collects data to ensure transparency and improve the program. Angie Albee says, "We’re always weighing out public health and safety." The state aims to create an inclusive and accessible program through robust rule-making and public feedback sessions.

Gary Bracelin notes that the state is open to working with providers to improve the system: "We’re learning every day how we can make the system better, easier to navigate and more friendly to the public."

Future Outlook

As the program evolves, there's hope for expanding access and proving the benefits of psilocybin therapy. "We’re demonstrating that we can do this work safely in Oregon," says Albee, adding that the program is gaining national and global attention. The long-term goal is to build a supportive care system for all clients.