Can Group Therapy Make Oregon's Psilocybin Services Affordable and Accessible?

Posted: April 9, 2026

Key Takeaways

•A 2026 study in Oregon showed that psilocybin therapy in a group was a good and effective treatment for depression in people with low incomes.

•People in the study felt much less depressed after getting psilocybin in a supportive group. The good effects lasted for at least 4 to 6 weeks.

•Group therapy is a key way to lower the high cost of psychedelic therapy. One study found it could cut therapist costs by almost 35%.

•But so far, mostly wealthier people have used Oregon's psilocybin services. This shows there is a big gap in who can get this care.

•The author, Jeff Jones, LPC, feels strongly that mental health care should be affordable for all. He is committed to accepting insurance and working with clients on cost.

Introduction

Oregon's Measure 109 was a historic law. It made Oregon the first state to create a legal system for people to use psilocybin, the psychedelic compound in “magic mushrooms.” The goal was to offer a new path to wellness. But there has been a big problem: the cost. A single session can cost thousands of dollars. This has made it hard for people with less money to get this care.

A new 2026 study looked at a solution: group therapy. The study focused on people with low incomes. It found that giving psilocybin therapy in a group setting works well (1). This is a topic I care about deeply. I believe money should never stop someone from getting mental health support. That’s why I will always accept health insurance and work with people on payment options to make sure they can get the care they need.

How Well Does Group Psilocybin Therapy Work?

The Oregon study showed that the group model is a powerful idea. In the study, people with depression were given psilocybin in a group. The setting was supportive and designed to be cheaper than one-on-one therapy. The results were very positive. People felt much less depressed after the group sessions. These good feelings were still there when researchers checked in with them 4 to 6 weeks later (1).

This finding fits with other research. A 2019 review found that psychedelic group therapy has been used since the 1950s and often has good results (2). New data from Oregon’s program also shows that people who use the services feel better. They report less depression and anxiety 30 days after their session (3). Sharing the experience with others can create a sense of community. This can be very healing, especially for people who feel alone because of their depression.

Can Group Therapy Solve the High Cost of Treatment?

The high price of psychedelic therapy is a major problem. The cost is high because it takes a lot of time from trained guides, called facilitators. They have to be there to help people prepare for the session, be present for the entire experience (which can be 8 hours long), and help them process it afterward.

Group therapy is a simple and practical answer to this problem. A 2023 study looked at the cost savings of group therapy for both MDMA and psilocybin. The results were huge. The study estimated that a group model could cut therapist costs for psilocybin therapy by nearly 35%. That’s a savings of almost $1,000 for each patient (4). A small team of facilitators can help several people at once. This cuts down on the number of therapist hours needed for each person. This makes the treatment cheaper for everyone. It also helps with the shortage of trained therapists. It could allow thousands more people to get the help they need.

Who Is Actually Using Oregon's Psilocybin Services?

Even with the option of group therapy, there is a troubling trend in Oregon. A 2025 report from the state’s health authority showed that the people using psilocybin services were much wealthier than the average person in Oregon (5). This shows that even with group options, the cost is still too high for many.

The people who could benefit most from cheaper therapy are being left out. This includes people in low-income communities. This is a big issue that needs to be fixed as other states think about legalizing psychedelic therapy. It shows how important it is to design these programs to be accessible to everyone. This means promoting group therapy. It also means making sure there are service centers in all kinds of neighborhoods. And it means pushing for insurance to cover the cost. In my own practice, I try to help bridge this gap by working with insurance and offering payment plans for people seeking help for issues like anxiety and depression.

What Does This Mean for the Future of Psychedelic Therapy?

The Oregon group therapy study is a big step forward. It shows for the first time that psilocybin therapy can be given safely and effectively to people with low incomes. It proves that a community-based model can work.

But there is still more work to do. The data from Oregon is a warning. For psychedelic medicine to help everyone, it must be fair and accessible. This means we need to keep studying group therapy. We need to fight for insurance coverage. We need to build a system that serves everyone in our society. The future of psychedelic therapy must not be a luxury for the rich. We must focus on fairness and equality as we move forward (6).

Take the Next Step with Serenity Professional Counseling

I believe that everyone deserves good mental healthcare, no matter how much money they have. If you are looking for healing and are worried about the cost, please know there are options. At Serenity Professional Counseling, I am proud to accept a range of health insurances and offer flexible options. To talk about your needs and start your journey, please contact me today.

About the Author

This article was written by Jeff Jones, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Texas in practice since 1999. He is a 2024 graduate of the CIIS Center for Psychedelic Therapies and Research program. With a compassionate and evidence-based approach, he helps clients navigate life's challenges and find a path toward healing.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The use of psychedelic substances is illegal in many jurisdictions and can carry significant risks. The information presented here is based on scientific research conducted in controlled, clinical settings. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions about your treatment.

References

1.Hicks, M., et al. (2026). Low-income group psilocybin assisted therapy for depression. Journal of Psychedelic Studies. https://akjournals.com/view/journals/2054/aop/article-10.1556-2054.2026.00485/article-10.1556-2054.2026.00485.xml

2.Trope, A., et al. (2019 ). Psychedelic-Assisted Group Therapy: A Systematic Review. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 51(2), 174-188. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02791072.2019.1593559

3.Gow, A., et al. (2026 ). Psilocybin services and mental health outcomes within Oregon’s state-regulated model. medRxiv. https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2026.02.18.26346580v1

4.Marseille, E., et al. (2023 ). Group psychedelic therapy: empirical estimates of cost-savings and improved access. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 14. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1293243/full

5.Oregon Health Authority. (2025 ). Oregon Psilocybin Services: Data Dashboard. Oregon Health Authority. https://www.oregon.gov/oha/ph/preventionwellness/pages/psilocybin-data-dashboard.aspx

6.Williams, M. T., & Labate, B. C. (2020 ). Diversity, equity, and access in psychedelic medicine. Journal of Psychedelic Studies, 4(1), 1-4. https://akjournals.com/view/journals/2054/4/1/article-p1.xml