Psychosis or schizophrenia
MHT does not facilitate participation when this applies to you or occurs in your immediate family, because psilocybin may bring an underlying vulnerability forward.
Read before applying
Risks and contraindications
Honest information about when a psilocybin ceremony may be unsuitable, and why intake is not a formality.
The risks that matter most are psychological and situational. They also depend strongly on your personal history, health and medication.
A difficult experience can occur even with preparation and guidance. Psilocybin may also be harmful for people with certain vulnerabilities or combinations of medication. Complete and honest information during intake is therefore essential.
This page provides general information, not medical advice. Never stop or change prescribed medication on the basis of this website. Speak with your doctor or prescribing clinician.
When MHT does not proceed
This overview is not exhaustive. Intake considers your individual situation before participation is accepted.
Bipolar disorder
Psilocybin may trigger a manic episode. MHT therefore does not facilitate participation in this situation.
Medication
Some medicines can change the effect or create additional risk. Never stop prescribed medication yourself. Discuss it with your doctor and disclose it during intake.
Cardiovascular conditions
Psilocybin can temporarily increase heart rate and blood pressure. A known heart condition or poorly controlled blood pressure requires medical consultation.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding
There is insufficient information about possible effects on a child. MHT does not facilitate participation during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Epilepsy
MHT advises against participating if you have epilepsy or an increased risk of seizures.
During the experience
How MHT views a “bad trip”
MHT uses the term as a broad description of a difficult experience involving fear, panic, sadness or confusion. A difficult emotion is not automatically a sign that the experience has gone wrong. Facilitators first allow room for your own process.
If you remain stuck in the same thought or emotional loop, a facilitator may speak with you and use questions and guidance techniques to help restore movement. Preparation and guidance do not guarantee that distress or symptoms afterwards will not occur.
Safety questions
Is a psilocybin ceremony safe?
A ceremony is not risk-free. Psychological distress, physical side effects and symptoms afterwards are possible. Screening, preparation and guidance reduce some avoidable risks but cannot remove them all.
Can I have a bad trip?
Yes. Fear, panic, grief or confusion may arise. MHT does not automatically view every difficult emotion as something that must be stopped, but facilitators support you if you become stuck in a repetitive thought or emotional loop.
Can I participate while taking antidepressants or other medication?
That cannot be answered without knowing the medicine, dose and your health. Do not stop medication yourself. Discuss changes with the prescribing doctor and provide complete information during intake.
Does MHT provide medical treatment?
No. The ceremony is not a medical treatment and the information on this page is not medical advice. Contact your doctor when you have questions about your health or medication.
Unsure whether any of these points apply to you?
Tell us before you book. We can explain our intake process, but questions about changing medication or medical fitness belong with your doctor.