FAQ

An individual journey offers a private experience shaped around one participant, one licensed facilitator and one licensed medicine handler. A group journey brings a small group together (2-8 participants) for a shared experience facilitated by licensed facilitator(s) and a licensed medicine handler, with care and support for each person’s individual process while engaging in both 1:1 preparation, group preparation and group integration sessions.

Not at all! The complimentary discovery call is a chance to explore the options, ask questions and consider whether this experience feels right. There’s no commitment to move forward.

This 30-minute conversation is an opportunity to learn about the process and discuss questions about pricing, preparation, next steps or whatever else is on your mind. You will complete a few screening questions to be certain psilocybin assisted therapy is safe for you. The Zoom link will be included in the scheduling confirmation email.

Absolutely. Preparation and integration sessions are offered virtually, while Medicine Day takes place in person at Etc in Golden, Colorado. Our team can help coordinate travel plans, lodging, and transportation as needed. Travel-related expenses are separate from the journey price.

Absolutely. Etc offers partner and private group journeys for those who would like to have a shared experience. A discovery call is a chance to discuss the options and find the right fit.

What is psilocybin?Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain species of mushrooms. These mushrooms have a long history of ceremonial and spiritual use among Indigenous communities in parts of Mexico and Central America. How does it work?After consumption, the body converts psilocybin into psilocin, which interacts with the brain’s serotonin system. This can temporarily change perception, mood and thought, influencing how a person experiences themselves and their surroundings.What might someone experience?A psilocybin experience may involve heightened emotions, vivid imagery, memories or an altered sense of time. Some people describe a sense of connection or personal meaning. Others encounter uncertainty or difficult emotions. No two experiences are alike, and neither a particular experience nor a specific outcome can be promised.What does the research say?Researchers at Johns Hopkins and other institutions are investigating psilocybin alongside psychological support for conditions including depression, distress associated with serious illness and substance use disorders. Early studies have shown promising results for some participants, while important questions remain about long-term benefits, risks and who is most likely to benefit.For example, a randomized clinical trial published in JAMA in 2023 found that a single psilocybin dose, delivered with psychological support, reduced depressive symptoms more than an active placebo over six weeks. Findings from carefully screened research participants do not guarantee the same results for every person or in every setting.Why do screening and support matter?Psilocybin is not appropriate for everyone. Certain medical and mental health conditions, as well as medications, require careful consideration. A person’s mindset, surroundings and available support can also influence the experience.Explore the researchJohns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research Research highlights, educational resources and information about potential benefits and harms.JAMA: Single-Dose Psilocybin Treatment for Major Depressive Disorder A peer-reviewed clinical trial examining psilocybin with psychological support.

You don’t need to have that answer before reaching out. A discovery call offers space to discuss your questions and what you’re seeking. If you choose to move forward, a separate intake and screening process helps assess whether this work is appropriate for you. Schedule a free Discovery Call

Your complimentary 30-minute discovery call is a confidential, judgment-free conversation with Erik Vaughan and/or Dr. Dina Karvounides. It’s a chance to ask questions, share what’s bringing you to this work and learn more about our process. You’re welcome to share as much or as little as feels comfortable, with no pressure or commitment to move forward.Schedule a free Discovery Call

Screening includes a confidential conversation about your medical and mental health history, medications, prior experiences and current support system. This helps the care team evaluate readiness and identify any additional support or consultation needed.

Yes. Your existing therapist can be an important source of ongoing support before and after your journey. We encourage you to discuss your plans with them and explore how integration might fit into your continuing work together. If coordination with your therapist would be helpful, let our care team know so we can discuss your preferences and obtain any necessary consent.

Medication questions require an individual review. Please disclose all prescriptions, over-the-counter medications and supplements during screening. Any questions about your medication or potential changes must be discussed with your prescribing clinician. Do not stop or change prescribed medications on your own.

Timing depends on appointment availability and your individual preparation needs. We typically recommend allowing at least six weeks before dosing day to complete the preparation process.Before your journey, you’ll complete intake and screening, two preparation sessions and any additional consultations recommended by your care team. During your discovery call, we’ll discuss potential dates and a timeline that gives you space to feel prepared and supported.

Preparation includes two 60-minute virtual sessions with your facilitator. Together you’ll review informed consent, physical and mental health background, your hopes, intentions and reasons for psychedelic assisted therapy, discuss any questions or concerns and review practical details for medicine day so you feel informed and supported.Depending on your health history or current medications, a consultation with one of our medical consultants may be recommended or required prior to proceeding. The medical review and recommendations will be an added cost. Please do not stop or change prescribed medications without guidance from your prescribing clinician.Additional preparation sessions are available with your licensed facilitator if you would like more support before your journey. There may be an additional charge for those added sessions.

An individual journey offers a private experience with dedicated facilitator support. A group journey takes place alongside other participants. We can discuss your preferences, needs and available options during your discovery call.

There is no single way a journey unfolds. It may involve changes in perception, strong emotions, memories or shifts in your sense of connection. Some moments may feel meaningful or peaceful; others may feel challenging. Specific experiences and outcomes cannot be guaranteed.

Plan to reserve the full day for your journey, generally from 9am to 4pm. Your Etc Facilitator team will confirm your arrival time and schedule in advance. Each experience unfolds at its own pace, so departure may vary depending on how you’re feeling and your facilitator’s assessment.We encourage you to keep your journey evening free, as well as the following day, for rest, replenishment, and relaxation. If possible, we encourage having a trusted loved one nearby for support. Stay hydrated, nourish yourself and make space for gentle self-care as you prepare for integration.

The main effects of psilocybin typically last around four to six hours, although timing varies from person to person. The amount of medicine, individual sensitivity and other factors can influence the duration. This is a general range rather than a fixed endpoint.At Etc, we ask you to reserve the full day so there is time to settle in beforehand and transition gently afterward. Your facilitator will assess how you’re feeling before departure. Driving after your medicine experience is not permitted, and we encourage a quiet evening of rest with a trusted loved one nearby.

Yes. Your facilitator will remain present throughout your medicine experience, offering attentive support while allowing space for your own inner journey. A dedicated handler is also available to help with practical needs such as hydration and comfort. For group journeys, facilitators support the group throughout the experience.

The amount of medicine is considered individually through screening and conversations with your facilitator. Your health history, medications, prior experiences and other relevant factors help inform the recommendation. Before medicine day, your team will explain the proposed amount, answer your questions and discuss what to expect so you can make an informed decision.Additionally, a "booster" dose may be an option early in the journey if appropriate. This possibility, including your preferences and consent, will also be discussed in advance.

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing, such as sweatpants, and consider layers and cozy socks, as you may feel warmer or cooler throughout the day. We recommend bringing a change of clothes so that you can be comfortable on your return home. You’re welcome to bring a journal and a small meaningful item, such as a photograph or keepsake. During preparation, your facilitator will review what Etc provides and anything else you may want to bring.

If you would like a loved one involved, please discuss this with our team during preparation. We can clarify whether and how they may participate in arrival, departure or other support, based on your needs and the format of your journey. Any presence during the medicine experience should be discussed and agreed upon in advance.

Your care team will review your transportation plan prior to your journey day, including who will drop you off, pick you up and where you’ll be resting afterward. If you’re traveling to Golden from out of town, we will discuss travel plans and can suggest lodging if needed. We strongly discourage you from traveling to or from Golden/metro-Denver for 36 hours prior to or after your medicine day. We can also arrange a car service in advance, as driving after your medicine experience is not permitted.

Integration is the process of reflecting on your experience and exploring how it relates to everyday life. It offers room to consider questions, emotions, insights and possible changes at your own pace. It begins the moment you return to your ordinary state of consciousness and continues for days, weeks, months, years after the experience. It is really where the power of the medicine unfolds and integrates into your life. You can access 1:1 and group integration support through the Etc community.

Your package with Etc includes 1-2 60-minute integration sessions after the medicine day, along with access to monthly Integration Circles for six months (virtual and/or in-person). These Integration Sessions offer intentional space to reflect on your experience, explore what surfaced, develop tools for maintaining reverence for your experience, and connect with ongoing support. Additional individual integration sessions are available separately if you’d like further support from a licensed facilitator.

Every journey is unique and an experience may unfold differently than you imagined. You may leave with clarity, questions, mixed emotions or a sense that you need more time to understand what happened. There’s no pressure to describe your experience as positive or meaningful. Integration offers space to explore it honestly with your facilitator, without forcing an interpretation or outcome.

Please reach out to your facilitator or the Etc care team if you’re experiencing difficult emotions, feeling unsettled or needing additional support after your journey. You don’t need to wait until your scheduled integration session to let us know how you’re feeling. We can discuss next steps, including additional integration support or connecting with an appropriate healthcare professional.Etc is not an emergency or crisis service. If you’re in immediate danger or experiencing a medical emergency, call 911. For urgent emotional support, call or text 988.For non-emergency support, please contact Fireside Project. The Psychedelic Support Line is free, confidential peer support for anyone during or after a psychedelic experience, run by the nonprofit Fireside Project. Call or text 62-FIRESIDE (623-473-7433) any day from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Individual journeys are currently $3,200. Group journeys are $2,200 per person. Payment plans are available. Visit our Services & Pricing page for current details.

Intake, preparation and integration sessions are offered virtually. Medicine day takes place at Etc in Golden, Colorado.

Your journey includes intake and screening, two 60-minute preparation sessions and access to our concierge services to help you plan your visit.On medicine day, you’ll have private access to the sanctuary for you or your group. The medicine is included, along with facilitator and practical support throughout the day. We’ll provide comfort items such as eye masks and have refreshments ready for you after your journey.After medicine day, you’ll have a 60-minute virtual integration session and access to monthly Integration Circles for six months.Additional preparation or individual integration sessions are available for an additional fee. Before you commit, your care team will walk you through any other costs that may apply, including recommended consultations or optional services.

Please contact our team to discuss payment options. Insurance coverage and eligibility for HSA or FSA reimbursement depend on the services provided and your individual plan. Confirm eligibility directly with your insurer or plan administrator before relying on reimbursement.

If cost is a concern, please bring it up during your discovery call. We can discuss available payment plans and whether any financial assistance options are currently available.

If you live outside Colorado, please reach out to discuss participation and travel planning. Intake, preparation and integration sessions are offered virtually, while medicine day takes place in person at Etc in Golden.Our team can help you plan your visit, suggest lodging and discuss transportation and support afterward. Please coordinate your timeline with us before booking travel.

We typically recommend allowing at least six weeks before dosing day to complete intake, screening, two preparation sessions and any additional consultations recommended by your care team.Timing also depends on availability and your individual needs. During your discovery call, we’ll discuss potential dates and a timeline that gives you space to feel prepared and supported.

Please contact our team as soon as possible if you need to cancel or reschedule. We’ll review the options available based on your booking terms and how close you are to your scheduled sessions. Cancellation deadlines, fees and refund terms should be reviewed before booking.

Etc is ADA accessible. Please share any accessibility or accommodation needs during your discovery call, including mobility, sensory, communication or dietary considerations. We’ll discuss the space, available support and any limitations so you can feel informed and supported before booking.