With the finalization of facilitator licensing regulations, Coloradans will soon access psilocybin in regulated healing centers under the guidance of licensed facilitators. Unlike Oregon’s program, which pioneered state-regulated psilocybin access, Colorado’s Natural Medicine Act (Proposition 122) creates a more expansive framework. While Colorado’s initial implementation focuses on psilocybin, the law eventually allows for regulated access to additional natural medicines, including psilocin, DMT, ibogaine, and non-peyote-derived mescaline after 2026.
The first healing centers are expected to open by early summer, creating accessible pathways for Coloradans seeking alternatives for mental health challenges, including depression, PTSD, and substance use disorders. However, unlike cannabis dispensaries, patients won’t simply purchase and take home psychedelics – instead, they’ll engage in a four-stage process, including screening, preparation, administration, and integration at a licensed healing center.
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Becoming a psilocybin facilitator
Unlike Oregon, Colorado offers multiple pathways to becoming licensed as psilocybin mushroom facilitators. The state has established several tiers of licensing: facilitator in training ($420), full facilitator ($840), clinical facilitator ($970), and distinguished educator for those interested in supervising other trainees ($1,120). While these fees are higher than other licensed professions in Colorado, they remain significantly lower than Oregon’s $2,000 annual facilitator fee.
Also distinct from Oregon, anyone 21 or older with a high school diploma who completes state-approved training can become a facilitator. Clinical backgrounds aren’t required, though specialized pathways exist for those with clinical expertise. Either way, the training commitment is substantial. Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencie (DORA)-approved programs typically cost between $7,000 and $11,000 and involve comprehensive education in safety protocols, screening procedures, administration techniques, and integration support.
One of the most significant aspects of Colorado’s natural medicine program is its recognition that both clinical expertise and psychospiritual understanding are essential for facilitators. The therapeutic model requires facilitators to skillfully navigate screening and safety protocols while holding space for the profound, sometimes ineffable experiences that emerge.
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What to look for as a patient
For those considering psilocybin sessions, finding the right facilitator is crucially important. We encourage prospective clients to ask potential facilitators about their training background and approach to psychedelic work. State-licensed facilitators will have completed at least 150 hours of training in specific competencies, but the depth of their personal development matters equally.
Question whether they engage in ongoing supervision, consultation with peers, and continuing education – ethical psychedelic care requires this sustained commitment. Do they listen deeply? Do they honor your autonomy while providing clear safety guidelines? Have they had their own experience in altered states with psilocybin mushrooms?
Also, consider how a facilitator handles screening and preparation. Quality care includes thorough medical and psychological screening, transparent discussion of risks and benefits, and clear safety protocols, including detailed conversations about touch and consent. Responsible facilitators create comprehensive preparation sessions to build trust and establish intentions before medicine work begins. They’ll also prioritize integration support after your experience, recognizing that much of the healing occurs in how insights are woven into daily life.
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It’s also vital to pay attention to how potential facilitators discuss power dynamics in psychedelic work. The vulnerable states these medicines induce require facilitators who understand the responsibility of their role and approach it with humility rather than authority. The best facilitators recognize they are not the source of healing but rather skilled companions who create conditions where your own inner healing intelligence can emerge.
Finally, trust your intuition. Your comfort level with a facilitator directly impacts the safety and potential benefit of your experience. The right facilitator relationship should feel grounded in mutual respect, good boundaries, and compassion.
*This article was submitted by guest contributors. The authors are solely responsible for the content.