Frequently Asked Questions

Natural medicines are completely safe for most people with very minimal adverse effects. That said, natural medicines may not be for everyone. People with certain physical problems like heart conditions, high blood pressure, or a history of seizures should consult their physician prior to engaging in ANY natural medicine session, even in the privacy of your own home. Natural medicines can increase your heart rate and blood pressure, and have been linked to seizures in the past. 

People with certain mental conditions like borderline personality disorder, schizophrenia, severe bipolar disorder, severe PTSD, treatment-resistant depression, or have suicidal ideations or tendencies should consult their psychiatrist prior to engaging in ANY natural medicine session, even in the privacy of  your own home. 

All participants MUST complete a mental health assessment prior to ANY natural medicine session at NHCA, and we reserve the right to request a physician's bill of health prior to any natural medicine session. Your health and safety are our TOP priority!

This is nuanced question because the definition of adverse effects is "an undesired effect of a drug or treatment." The most common adverse effects people report are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, muscle weakness, paranoia, and confusion.  99% of those adverse effects can be prevented with a proper hydration, diet, and fasting prior to natural medicine facilitation, and having the proper guide. 

Many indigenous cultures believe that vomiting is your body purging all the negative energy out of you, and many require you to partake in their dieta routine for several days before you ingest any medicine to purge your body and soul. We are not that strict, but we will recommend that you follow a particular diet the week leading up to your appointment and fast the day of your session.

We say this is a nuanced question because many people consider feelings of sadness, loneliness, inadequateness, guilt, and shame as undesirable negative emotions when these are normal feelings everyone has. When we take natural psychotropic medicines, our mind manifests all the emotions we have repressed and need to heal from. Many Indigenous cultures view these difficult thoughts as barriers we must overcome to grow emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Many people consider these experiences to be some of the MOST insightful and beneficial. We firmly stand by the saying "There is no such thing as a bad trip, just difficult experiences that lead to beautiful places!" and we work with you through any difficult experiences so you can finally heal from them!

Please be aware that the following conditions or situations are contraindicative of psilocybin services:

• Mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, schizophreniform disorder, major depressive disorder with psychotic features, psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, mania, delusional disorder, any dissociative disorder, substance-induced psychosis, or severe paranoia
• Current drug or alcohol withdrawal symptoms or active/severe drug or alcohol misuse
• Cardiovascular conditions such as: poorly controlled high blood pressure, prolonged QTc interval, congestive heart failure, history of cardiac arrest, history of ventricular arrhythmia (V. Fib/V.Tach), presence of AICD (Automatic Implantable Cardiac Defibrillator), coronary artery disease, angina, tachycardia, arrhythmia (e.g. atrial fibrillation), Wolff-Parkinson White Syndrome, heart valve disease, artificial heart valve, cardiac hypertrophy, cardiomyopathy, aortic disease, aneurysms
• Gastrointestinal conditions such as: moderate to severe liver impairment, gastric outlet obstruction
• Dialysis or severe kidney disease
• Neurologic conditions such as dementia, cognitive impairment, seizure disorders, epilepsy, history of stroke or transient ischemic attack, cerebral aneurysm
• Taking medications such as Lithium, two or more medications affecting your serotonin system (e.g.drug classes such as SSRI, SNRI, SPARI, TCA, and MAO inhibitors), Angle-closure glaucoma (You can still participate if you stop taking your medications. Talk with your doctor and see if this is an option for you.)
• Pregnancy
• Tuberculosis, COVID and other highly contagious diseases
• 1st degree relative (parent, sibling, child) with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or any psychotic or dissociative disorder

If you are living with any of the above conditions or situations,  there is a high probability that you will not be deemed eligible for psilocybin services at our facility. In the event we can't sit with you, we will make every effort possible to connect you with a facilitator that you can trust. A physician's bill of health may be requested prior to any natural medicine session to ensure your safety.

No! We welcome anyone 21+ to join us for a guided session or one of our retreats! Our helpful staff know the area very well, and can help you choose travel accommodations that will fit your budget! 

Most drug tests do not test for psychedelic substances, even 10 panel urine analysis. That said, there are tests out there that can test for psychedelics specifically, but these are costly and uncommon as it only detectable in urine for up to 24 hours. Psilocin, the metabolized form of psilocybin, is detectable with a hair follicle test for up to 90 days, but again these are costly and uncommon. If you have a government or federal job, SAMHSA only conducts urine tests to save taxpayer money.

All guided natural medicine journeys include two 1-hour Preparation Sessions 30 days before administration, an Administration Session at our healing center with natural medicine provided by NHCA (Psilocybe Cubensis variation that can be prepared in several ways i.e. dried mushrooms, tea, chocolate bars, capsules, etc.), an Integration Session within 7 days of Administration Session, and continued support by phone. Drinks and snacks will be provided, and all sessions include a non-licensed helper to assist with facilitation and ensure all ethical standards are maintained.

 YES, YES, and YES! All three sessions are vitally important to maximize your healing experience! This process of Preparation, Administration, and Integration is one of the oldest processes for healing in human history dating back thousands of years and passed down through the generations by medicine people and shamans across the world. Colorado regulators were VERY thoughtful in this approach and consulted with several indigenous tribes on the most tried and true methods, and this three step approach is what everyone in the indigenous community and western medical practitioners agreed on.

You can choose to opt out of one of the 1-hour Preparation Sessions. However, the more we know about you, and the more you trust us, the better your natural medicine journey experience will be.

We offer various doses ranging from 1-5 gram equivalent of dried mushrooms depending on several factors including: 

• what type of experience you're seeking
• your past history with psychedelics
• what conditions you are seeking help for
• Any prescription medication or over-the-counter supplements you're taking

Our knowledgeable and helpful staff will go over all this during your intake call and help you choose the best experience for you! All natural medicine products are included in the cost of a guided natural medicine journey with the option to start with a small dose and a "booster" dose at your discretion after one hour of ingesting the initial dose!

*Body weight and size do not factor into natural psychotropic medicine dosing, contrary to popular belief. This is the consensus of both indigenous practitioners and western medical science. We have personally seen a 350 lb person have an out of body experience with just 2 grams of cubensis, while a 90 lb person in the same group took 5 grams of the same cubensis to get the same experience.

You will start to feel the medicine take effect after 30-45 minutes after ingestion with a "peak" in your experience after 90-120 minutes after ingestion. The entire experience, including the "comedown" period, lasts roughly 4-8 hours depending on several factors such as dosage size, past experiences with natural medicines, and your metabolism to name a few. When you come, be prepared to spend at least 8 hours at our facility, just in case your journey takes longer. You are not allowed to drive or operate any heavy machinery for the remainder of the day, and we personally recommend you do the same the following day and just relax while you process your journey. We are looking into offering a shuttle service to your house, hotel, airport, etc. but be prepared to make other travel arrangements in case.

Prior to your journey, you have the option to select a "starter" dose that is smaller and an option for a "booster" dose that can be administered at your discretion 60-90 minutes after your initial "starter" dose if you're worried about taking too much or not enough.* 

*The option to select a 2 dose regimen MUST be made prior to your Administration Session while you are still have a sound mind. "Booster" doses CANNOT be administered after your initial dose without prior consent. This is for your safety and our facilitators will not break this rule of consent for anyone.

All of the products that you ingest at NHCA is grown by two of our own facilitators who cultivate unconditional love and compassion in their own lives, and the cubensis they grow. Your safety is of the utmost concern for us, as well as making sure you have a quality journey with us! All of our products go through rigorous testing methods, both in house and through a third-party testing facility. We refuse to serve a sub-par product and guarantee you will receive the highest quality medicine available!

No you cannot. While Colorado's SB23-290 decriminalized the use and gifting of natural medicines on a personal level, it STRICTLY forbids the sell of natural medicines with misdemeanor charges being levied on anyone caught selling natural medicines outside the regulated model. The regulated model allows licensed cultivators to sell natural medicine products to licensed healing centers for use in guided facilitation services ONLY. Healing centers in Colorado are not legally allowed to let you leave with any natural medicine products at all, even as gifts. 

This is why we include the price of the natural medicine products in our packages, so you can "dose up" if you choose to start small during your intake call. PLEASE DO NOT ASK US TO BREAK THE LAW!!!

Set refers to your mindset. Setting refers to the environment around you. Set and setting are VITALLY important for any natural medicine journey. 

Your intentions, Set/Mindset, create your experience with natural medicines. If you start a journey while you are in a negative mood, you will likely have a negative experience. On the other hand, if you go in with a positive outlook of healing, you will likely have an amazing experience even if bad memories arose. Holding an intention of healing or personal growth allows you maximize your healing!

Your environment, Setting, is complex as it includes not just where you are, but also who you're with. It doesn't take a psychiatrist to know that taking "mind manifesting" plants in an unfinished basement with your ex-partner will make you feel trapped and confined, versus taking them in nature with trusted others will leave you feeling free and a part of something larger! We strive to create the perfect setting, and experience, you are looking for, so please let your facilitator know your intentions and what you're looking for during your intake call!

Yes and Yes. We want you to feel as comfortable and at home as possible. So feel free to bring 1 friend or family member (over 21) to sit with you while you go through your journey. Just be mindful of the fact that you may admit things and talk about things that could be potentially hurtful to those you bring, especially if they had a part in the traumas you have. In other words, we advise against bringing an abusive parent or sibling along as this would hinder your healing experience.

We strive to make healing as affordable and equitable to everyone as possible, but our facilitators still need to eat. Please keep in mind that these prices are for two 1-hour Preparation Sessions, one 6-hour Administration Session, and two 1-hour Integration Sessions, totaling 10 hours with a licensed facilitator and 6 hours with a non-licensed helper, plus all the backend paperwork. 

We offer group sessions starting at $650, and private sessions start at $2500. We offer military and first responder discounts, sliding pay scales for those in poverty, offer scholarships, and even have payment plans available. Visit our Guided Medicine Journeys page for more information!

Unfortunately we cannot. With the federal legality of psilocybin-containing mushrooms and psilocin, no facilitator, including licensed psychiatrists, can accept insurance for natural medicine services. We hope to see this change in not too distant future.

Yes! We have a mission to make healing as equitable as possible. In line with this mission, we offer flexible payment plans, sliding pay scales, military & first responder discounts, and full scholarships! We can discuss a payment plan that fits your budget during your intake call. All payment plans are due in full 30 days before your Administration Session, and before your first Preparation Session.

If for any reason you decide that natural medicines aren't for you or you decide to go to another healing center more than 30 days from your Administration Session, you are entitled to a full refund of any deposits, payment plan installments, or facilitation packages paid in full. If you are within 30 days and your Preparation Session has been completed, you will only get a 50% refund to help cover expenses incurred. If that puts you in a bind, talk to us. We're human too and we understand. If you are feeling ill or there's some freak weather event, we will make every effort to reschedule your session. Click here to view our full cancellation policy.

Yes and Yes! Many people will read the studies, and understand that the most beneficial and longest-lasting benefits come from multiple doses, usually over time. You may be visiting beautiful Colorado for a while and want to take in all the beauty of the Rockies in between sessions. Maybe you want to start off with a lower dose the first time and work your way up to higher doses. Whatever it may be, we do offer a 10% discount for return clients and any friends or family that book a session with you!

No. We prefer to get to know you, your personal history, your intentions, and what expectations you may have before sitting with you. We have found that building this type of professional trust leads to the most beneficial session possible. 

Many people find it difficult to trust a stranger, and that's perfectly alright! We are here as a support system and will compassionately listen to you throughout this process and after. We hold several Zoom meetings with you prior to any facilitation session, and make ourselves available by phone or Zoom appointments during your entire intake process if any questions or concerns arise. Trust in your facilitator is EXTREMELY important for facilitation. We are here to gain your trust and help you heal!

Yes! Touching grass and hugging trees is VERY important to us during facilitation as it helps people feel grounded and connected to something much larger than themselves! We are currently talking with several places and will update the site once we have more information about our new location!

Hopefully yes! We are currently talking with several places and looking to host women's, men's, couple's, and group retreats for various conditions like military-induced PTSD. We will update the site once we have more information about this!

Yes, but this is a nuanced question. There has been debate on this topic within the public subcommittee meetings held by Colorado's Department of Regulatory Agencies. The two things that are unanimously agreed upon was allowing facilitators to utilize other healing centers, and allowing in-home facilitation for end of life care only. All other in-home sessions are still in the air. We will update you soon.

Your privacy is of the utmost importance to us, and we strive to be HIPAA compliant 100% of the time! Your Protected Health Information (PHI), and all related information needed for facilitation services, is recorded on paper when we create your file. Your file is then secured in a fire-proof safe bolted to the ground in our records room where very select employees have access. For added protection of your records after facilitation services, we make copies of your file and secure it in another safe bolted to the floor in another remote location that even fewer people have access to or even know about. We do this in the event of a cataclysmic event like a wildfire or the center floods.

Your information is never uploaded to any servers online ever! This helps protect your privacy the most in today's digital age with hackers stealing people's information left and right. If you want to request a copy of your records to share with another provider, or anyone else you choose, we will make a copy of your records and mail them to you via USPS First Class Mail, UPS, or FEDEX. You can request for us to scan your records and either email them to you or have them sent via a HIPPA compliant clearinghouse that handles other medical records, but we prefer physical copies.

Medical emergencies with natural medicines are extremely rare. But in the event of a medical emergency, we utilize our extensive training in first aid and call 911 immediately. We do also have a trained and licensed EMS team member on our staff as well for added piece of mind, and to check all your vitals prior to your Administration Session for added safety. If you are attending one of our retreats, we will have medical and psychological support staff on standby ready to jump into action.

If you have a mental health crisis, then you are in the perfect spot as our facilitators are trained, and personally familiar, with how to handle mental health crisis'. If for any reason we cannot talk you through it, we have a licensed psychiatrist on call who can help talk you through it. If for any reason you wish to end your session early and sober up quickly, our on staff EMS member will give you an intramuscular shot of a benzodiazepine to counteract the natural tryptamines in your system and sober you up (provided you don't have any allergies and it can be administered safely).