What is "safe" and who gets to decide? A collaborative assessment for psychedelic-assisted therapy

As the psychedelic field expands into wellness culture, social media, and profit-driven models, distinguishing safe and ethical care becomes increasingly complex—especially for underserved and marginalized communities. This panel offers grounded guidance for aspiring therapists, underground practitioners, and prospective clients seeking clarity amid the noise. Presenters will introduce a culturally sensitive, harm-reduction-based tool for “assessing clients in” to psychedelic services—shifting the focus from exclusion to inclusion, while still prioritizing safety and readiness.Drawing from their lived experiences as co-founders of nonprofit sliding-scale clinics, panelists will share practical insights on building accessible care models that resist commodification and center community healing. A participant with firsthand experience navigating psychedelic-assisted therapy will also share their perspective to inform how clinicians can create safer, more ethical, and more responsive therapeutic environments. This session is a call for integrity, equity, and discernment as the psychedelic renaissance meets the realities of late-stage capitalism.