Considering Psychedelics? Is Ketamine or Psilocybin Best for Me?
As interest in psychedelic-assisted therapy grows, many people are wondering where to begin. Two of the most accessible and researched options right now are ketamine and psilocybin. While both offer profound healing potential and can support personal growth and mental health, they differ in several important ways.
Why Ketamine Might Be a Good Place to Start
Ketamine is a fast-acting dissociative that offers a shorter-duration psychedelic experience, typically lasting 45 to 90 minutes. It’s often described as a gentle introduction to altered states of consciousness. If the experience feels intense or uncomfortable, it passes quickly, and you can return to a grounded state more easily compared to longer-acting psychedelics.
Another key advantage: ketamine can be safely used alongside SSRIs and SNRIs, as it works on the glutamate system, not the serotonin system. This makes it accessible to individuals currently taking antidepressants—who might not be candidates for psilocybin therapy without tapering their medications.
Ketamine-assisted therapy allows clients to explore emotional material in a deeply altered but manageable state, with minimal side effects and the ability to resume normal activities the next day.
Psilocybin: A Deeper, Longer Journey
Psilocybin—the active compound in “magic mushrooms”—is a classic psychedelic that works on the serotonin system. It can lead to mystical, deeply insightful experiences, but it also lasts much longer—typically 4 to 7 hours—and can be more emotionally intense.
During a psilocybin journey, individuals may experience nausea, temporary anxiety at the peak, or moments that feel overwhelming, especially for first-time users. However, many also describe the experience as profound, sacred, and life-changing, with long-lasting positive effects on mood, mindset, and behavior.
Because psilocybin works on the serotonin system, it is generally recommended to be off SSRIs or SNRIs before undergoing a psilocybin journey, to maximize effectiveness and ensure safety.
Shared Benefits and Choosing the Right Path
Both ketamine and psilocybin support neuroplasticity—helping the brain form new, healthier patterns. They also both provide an altered state of consciousness that can reveal insights, unlock emotional healing, and help you move through stuck places in your life or therapeutic process.
If you’re new to psychedelics, I typically recommend starting with ketamine-assisted therapy. It offers a safe, supported opportunity to experience the psychedelic state, learn how your mind responds, and begin integrating therapeutic breakthroughs. Once you feel comfortable with this process, psilocybin can be a powerful next step for deeper exploration and growth.
With either medicine, working with a trained guide or therapist and having integration support afterward is key to turning your insights into lasting, meaningful change.
