Interior Design of therapeutic environments for psilocybin service centers in Oregon
A friend came to me several months ago to look at floorplans for a possible psilocybin service center location. She was in talks with a few other facilitators and was looking at the viability of the office space. The building, and ultimately the collaboration, fell through, but it got me thinking about the needs of these spaces. We sat down to chat about where the industry is at, and what the potential for these spaces might look like. She shared what brought her to facilitator training, and discussed some of the granular details of what a treatment room might offer. As a burgeoning service field, there is a lot of opportunity for creating spaces that are therapeutic, comfortable, and somehow strike the balance between being a noninvasive container, and one that could possibly influence the journey experience in a positive and experiential way.
It was helpful to have some background on where the industry is at. Similarly to the beginning of the Cannabis industry in Oregon, a lot is in flux and only the bravest pioneers are striking out early, while overhead costs are still prohibitively high for most, and overall systems are still evolving. Many of the service center websites I visited showed images of their space, and I wonder if investing in design services is simply out of reach at this time. Clearly, an effort is being made to provide intentionally curated spaces, with yet many opportunities for elevating the design.
My friend questioned who would want to journey in a ‘clinical’ space. Not everyone is familiar with doing psychedelics ‘underground’, whether with a ‘sitter’ (she provided underground services in NY prior to entering her training program in OR) or being in environments where experimentation was fostered through music, art, dance, and connection to nature, as in the once underground rave scene or outdoor gatherings like Moontribe (where I spent most of my late teens and twenties). Those with more conservative backgrounds, Veterans, or those who are in recovery may be ideal candidates for not only the treatment but also the service center setting. The setting itself is one way to signify therapeutic intent, as opposed to recreational use.
Set and Setting, a concept coined by Leary, is a factor in the preparation and experience of a psychedelic journey. As a designer, I’m particularly interested in how the setting can affect the experience and outcome of the session. While I’m not a researcher, I believe this could be a rich area of study for evidence-based design. The following are great overviews of set and setting, which refer to the mind-set you come to your journey with, and the setting or physical environment in which you experience the journey.
One of my primary questions is about the influence of the surrounding space on the experience of the client. Psilocybin can be highly visual, and wearing an eye mask is part of the therapeutic protocol. As visual input is restricted, to what extent is the treatment room design a consideration? Well, as my friend reported about her recent experience, the mask came off and she spent a lot of time moving around on the floor. Protocol be damned! She had a difficult time getting comfortable. Scents that she brought with her, which normally are of comfort, were disgusting. Her temperature fluctuated. And music she usually finds soothing was irritating. Even if during the intake process these preferences are discussed, the journey itself may produce entirely different preferences and sensory experiences that should be accommodated with a range of environmental factors. Designing for comfort, ADA accessibility, and adaptability to fluctuating needs are key.
Specific requirements for service centers include video surveillance, and a safe, for the medical dispensary area. Therapists with dual licensure as a facilitator may not hold psilocybin sessions in the same space as counseling sessions, so additional space or repurposing space within an office to provide separate treatment rooms is a consideration.
Session duration can last as long as eight hours. Attending to both client and facilitator needs during such an extended time period is crucial. Access to a restroom nearby should be planned for. A variety of seating, of high quality and performance, with access and ergonomic considerations between client and facilitator (who sometimes use light therapeutic touch with informed consent), ambient temperature controls as well as a variety of blanket weights and textures available, and a concealed storage area for other accessories and therapeutic tools such as foam rollers or aromatherapy. Creating a space that is uncluttered and neutral, while providing access to whatever might be needed, would be a balanced approach. Thematic spaces could be useful as well, however, as psilocybin naturally creates visual manifestations, I wonder how much external stimuli would be supportive, or if it would be unnecessarily impactful and influential.
Designing for the facilitator’s needs includes planning for seating, charting space for a computer or tablet such as a side table or small desk, beverages, and adequate electrical outlets. My friend also likes to invite her clients to set up an altar, bringing special objects and touchstones into the space to help them ground and focus, so providing a surface for altar creation would be a wonderful option. Having lighting on dimmers is always ideal, but especially in a space where senses are heightened, paying attention to lighting is extra important. Installing a sound system that can be easily accessed via Bluetooth, or providing headphones, will give the client options for sound input.
I visited many of the websites for service centers that have bravely already opened. Let’s take a look at how the spaces are set up!
Private facilitation rooms, Group micro-dosing in group sharing circles, Warm and welcoming indoor spaces, Best practices to establish optimal set and setting.
The Journey has created rental space for the psilocybin psychonaut and their facilitator, and have a clear intention of creating a safe and secure environment, as stated in their mission. I do wish they had put the finishing touches on these spaces prior to photographing them, however, as they don’t feel quite complete. I appreciate the biophilic design element shown in the photo with the facilitators and the client. It’s an interesting application hat appears movable or temporary, that I think might be more successful if were wallpaper instead. The second room feels a bit cramped and I’d like to see furniture that fit the scale of the room more appropriately. Love the mushroom lamp! In the third photo, the room is not fully set up. I’d love to see more proportional furniture, and while plants are always lovely, I wonder if these might be in the way. I also have concern about accessibility with floor padding. It’s a great option, but some clients may not have mobility to get down and up this low. Drapery would soften with window blinds considerably. Best of luck, Journey and thank you for creating this sacred space!
With a luxurious bed in a separate room, an indulgent and texturally rich social area, live plants, original artwork, a sound system and the Shiftwave chair, you will be able to find both rest and excitement as your journey unfolds. If you desire conversation or ritual, Jeanette will be happy to engage. If you are feeling a pull inward, Jeanette will not dissuade your internal inquiry with distractions.
This center has a rich and earthy asthestic and I appreciate that they offer a Shiftwave seating option. There are not many pictures of this space up yet, but love how she describes her process via Instagram.
These beautiful textiles arrived, and I am smitten. Vegetable dyes and handcrafted textures create delicious nuance for the senses. Light and sound interact with these materials in complex ways. I look forward to the rich ensemble of textures, shapes and colors coming into harmonic resonance and creating an ideal holding environment for journeying minds - a lucid cradle.
The photo above is not clearly a treatment space or reception area. There are some issues with the space planning, but overall love the vibe! Beautiful work, Lucid Cradle.
Welcome to EPIC Healing Eugene’s facilitation and healing space. The environment has been created with care to provide a comfortable, safe space in which you can relax into the deepest transformational experience possible.
This space feels quintissentially Eugene. There are a nice variety of seating options and outdoor space accessible, and wonderfully mature indoor plants. The decor and color palette feel quite busy and uncoordinated to me, however, and would feel more effective if there were greater coherence. With some light editing, this space could become more calming. Congrats on being the first licensed servicecenter in Oregon!
Every tiny aspect of these rooms has been designed for comfort, nurturing and safety.
Here is a service center that has fully embraced thematic rooms. Galaxy, Garden, Fountain, and Rainbow as well as the preparation and integration lounge are shown here. Thoughtful details permeate the spaces and the sofas all look really comfortable. I want a full report on how these immersive environments affect client outcomes! Brava, Fractal Soul!
Inner Guidance Services Inc. strives to provide a comfortable, non-intrusive and safe setting where clients can engage with psilocybin services to promote wellbeing. Each client will work with their chosen facilitator to adjust the music, lighting, and environment to provide each client with the best opportunity for change.
The first thing that grabs my attention is the lighting. I desperately want to turn off the fluorescent overheads in this lobby area and create a more welcoming entrance. The colorful LED lighting provides some real ambiance, especially if the client can choose or adjust the color. Some rooms here appear to lack enough seating or surface options, while some may be too crowded. Do these lounge chairs recline? There does appear to be an effort to coordinate colors between the rugs and the artwork and lighting. I appreciate the simplicity and yet it’s not quite ‘there’. Better placements of elements in the room, as well as possibly bringing the color selections in more fully through paint could have more impact. Otherwise, I’d go even more minimal and remove the rugs and artwork, and let the light create a subtle atmosphere while the client gazes inward. Overall it looks like a comfortable place for a journey!
Whether this is your first psychedelic experience or you’ve done this before, we welcome you to experience psilocybin in a safe, supportive, and legal environment.
While I can’t find images of the physical space, the graphic art on the website is gorgeous. The inclusion of sound healing sounds like a wonderful addition to the service. Look forward to seeing your space as it unfolds!
A COMFORTABLE & CLIENT-CENTERED ENVIRONMENT
Our guided psilocybin journeys are facilitated in a legal, safe and welcoming setting, where the experience unfolds in the absence of distractions or interruptions. We create a tranquil atmosphere, so you’re able to embark on a powerful healing journey with the support of a calm and knowledgeable team of professionals.
This space blends old Portland architecture with contemporary style in balance. The textures look inviting, and the connective thread of green and plant life, natural wood, earth tones and blues feel calming and grounded. Ample natural light offers a connection to the outside. It feels homey and professional at once. Well done!
Our quiet and relaxing facility embraces the beauty of nature. Every room has a window looking into our beautiful plant-filled atrium. A rock fountain provides the sounds of splashing water to accompany you as you breathe in the fresh Oregon air. Each room is filled with the colors of nature and offer several furniture options to choose from to provide comfort as you ease into your session.
Our center is a place of calm and reflection, focused on providing the perfect setting to support your psilocybin experience. You will be settled into a private room and guided on your journey by your chosen facilitator. Blankets, tea service, and other comforts will help you to feel relaxed and at home.
This center has great elements to work with. I would only tweak some of the placements and styling, but overall has a really comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. If eye masks are not conducive to your journey, the view of the atrium is a wonderful central feature, helping ground the plant medicine with the natural world.
Satya has a modern aesthetic with contrasting neutral colors and a lot of potential. While I’m not against a neutral palette, there is a missed opportunity to nod to the name ‘Satya’, if there is an authentic connection to Hinduism and yogic philosophy, in the decor or branding. While generally wise to avoid overt religious iconography, textiles and motifs that align with the name could be used skillfully. These furniture selections have clean lines but look like they might not provide quite enough comfort for the length of time they’ll be in continuous use, and I wonder about their performance over time. The rugs look very soft, and kudos for avoiding the overhead lighting!
I’d love to hear what components of a restorative environment draw you in and help you feel comfortable. Which center are you most attracted to? Spa treatment tables, which are adjustable in so many ways, might work really well in these spaces as well. What about grounding mats or other opportunities to layer in therapeutic elements? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Stay tuned for my own design concepts- my wheels are turning!
REFERENCES
Oregon Service Center Directory
Constructing drug effects: A history of set and setting
Horizons NW: Perspectives on Psychedelics, Dec 1-3, 2023
Becca Tarnas: Astrology and Psychedelics: A Symbiotic Relationship
Cultural and Anthropological Review of Resources
Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research
