Group psilocybin therapy shows promise for low‑income adults with depression

The Oregon state‑regulated psilocybin program recently conducted a feasibility study that invited 20 low‑income adults with major depressive disorder to join group therapy. Participants earned $200 for completing the trial and were split into cohorts of up to six people. Two 90‑minute preparation sessions were held online, followed by two in‑person dosing sessions one week apart. During the dosing, each person drank a tea made from whole psilocybin mushrooms (B+ strain) and chose a dose guided by facilitators; doses ranged from 18 to 20 mg for most, up to 35 mg for non‑SSRI users and 50 mg for those on antidepressants. Attendance was 98 % and 19 of 20 participants finished the study.

Depression scores fell sharply, from an average of 22.21 on the Hamilton scale at baseline to 8.79 two days after the final dose and 11.89 at three months, while satisfaction averaged 4.8 of 5. No serious adverse events were reported; common side effects were mild nausea, headaches, and unease. However, the study had no control group and all participants continued regular psychotherapy, so the specific contribution of psilocybin remains uncertain. The sample also lacked racial diversity, and the short follow‑up limits conclusions about long‑term benefit.