[Solved] What screening and selection criteria apply to psychedelic therapy?

At Triptherapie are applied during the screening prior to a psychedelic session to the safety, suitability and effectiveness to ensure the quality of the therapy. This screening is conducted via an extensive intake procedure and is always personally assessed by experienced counselors.

The most important screening criteria

1. Mental health
   The intake investigates whether there is:

   1. Psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia or paranoid delusions (contraindication)

   2. Bipolar disorder (only possible in stable phase and under conditions)

   3. Severe depression or suicidal thoughts (only after careful consideration)

   4. PTSD, anxiety disorder, or addiction issues (often precisely an indication for session)

2. Medication use
   Psychedelics can cause interactions with, among others:

   1. SSRIs (can block the effects of psilocybin)

   2. MAO inhibitors (dangerous in combination with some substances)

   3. Antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, lithium (often a contraindication)
      This medication is always carefully evaluated. In the forum topic about antidepressants read why certain combinations are risky.

3. Physical health
   The following is being examined:

   1. Cardiovascular problems (such as high blood pressure, heart rhythm disorders)

   2. Liver or kidney problems

   3. Pregnancy or breastfeeding
      In the case of serious medical conditions, participation may be advised against or must take place under specific medical conditions.

4. Neurological disorders
   Epilepsy is a possible contraindication, depending on the severity and medication. For some forms, the session may take place under low dosage or extra supervision.

5. Mental stability and motivation
   The intake assesses whether you:

   1. Are emotionally stable enough to handle the session

   2. Are able to open yourself up to inner work

   3. Are genuinely motivated (not merely curiosity or escapism)

   4. Open to retroactive integration

6. Family tax
   A hereditary predisposition to psychosis or schizophrenia in the family (e.g., parents, brothers, or sisters) is considered a risk factor. This often leads to exclusion.

7. Lifestyle, preparation and support
   Your willingness to live healthier prior to the session (nutrition, supplements, stress levels) and to be open to guidance is crucial for success.

As a guide on the Tripforum puts it:

“Psychedelic therapy is not a magic pill. It amplifies what you bring with you. That is why screening is essential: we only want to guide people who are mentally and physically ready for it.”

What if you are unsure?

If you are unsure whether your situation is suitable, feel free to fill out the intake in. You always receive honest, personal advice — with suggestions for alternatives if a full session is not (yet) suitable, such as microdosing, integration coaching, or a psycholytic session at a lower dosage.

The intake procedure is also important, but suitability must be assessed on an individual basis. For example, if you use SSRIs, this can reduce the efficacy of psilocybin, but that does not automatically mean you are unsuitable. An experienced supervisor can then consider timing, dosage, or alternative psychedelic substances.

Something many people miss is that psychological stability is not the same as perfect well-being. You can be depressed or anxious and still be suitable for psychedelic therapy. The screening looks more at whether you are capable of doing inner work, whether it is not physically harmful, and whether the experience can help.

Also important: the screening goes beyond medication use. It also concerns your motivation and willingness to change. Someone who hopes that psilocybin will cure them without any effort of their own will benefit less than someone who understands that psychedelics are a tool in a larger process.