Underground psilocybin therapy — red flags and what legitimate guides look like

Green flags: significant preparation sessions before any psychedelic work (2+ hours of getting to know you before any substance is discussed). Clear screening — they ask about medications, psychiatric history, and aren't just trying to close the sale. They are comfortable saying 'I don't think this is right for you right now.' They discuss integration explicitly — what happens after the session. They have clear emergency protocols. References from people you can actually contact.

Red flags: pushing a specific psychedelic or dose before understanding you. Minimal preparation — 'show up and we'll handle it.' Sexual or romantic dynamics — psilocybin sessions involve vulnerability and a deeply unequal power dynamic; any romantic framing from a guide is a serious boundary violation. High pressure to pay quickly. Vague or evasive answers about their training and experience. Promising specific outcomes ('this will heal your depression'). Sessions in unfamiliar or uncomfortable locations they won't describe in advance.

The honest answer about underground work: it ranges from genuinely skilled, ethical practitioners doing excellent work to exploitative, dangerous situations. The legal framework in Oregon and Colorado exists precisely because the unregulated version has real risks. If you proceed: meet in person first. Trust your instincts about the person. Have a trusted third party who knows where you are. Harm reduction organizations (Zendo Project, Fireside Project) can provide real-time support if something goes wrong.