Frequently asked questions

Q: Can I bring a friend or partner?
A: While this is most likely permitted and often encouraged, your psychotherapist will recommend, based on your unique situation and goals, if this is the right decision for optimal healing. Purchase of another healing package is required in order for an additional person to participate (we do love referrals, and offer $100 off the package price to the Referrer).

Q: Are these medicines illegal?
A: Catbird does not facilitate the procurement or sale of the various medicinal substances directly, and we do not work with illegal drugs at all. We operate in specific locales that have decriminalized the growing, donating, and ingesting of psychoactive plants, fungi, etc that come from nature so our Members can safely procure these substances on their own.

Q: Will I feel safe?
A: We work very hard to ensure your safety in a variety of ways. Catbird is a team of experienced, compassionate practitioners who have been in your position and deeply empathize to concerns you may have. We are dedicated to offering a safe space to engage with these alternative healing therapies while feeling fully supported, seen and nurtured. Our Preparation programming is extensive, and helps to build your toolbox for creating a safe container for yourself (internally). Some of these tools involve trauma work, somatic experiencing, breathwork, meditation, and mantras. Plant-based psychedelic fatalities have never been reported within a safe container / professional setting (versus taking a macrodose of mushrooms and wandering into a forest). So the actual substance is safe when not mixed with other drugs (see below). That being said, we have serious protocols for our harm reduction protocols, including but not limited to:
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•Strict adherence to the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies’  Zendo Project Manual for best practices on harm reduction services, and requiring our providers to consent to do so as well.
•Pre-screening forms for ALL pre-existing health conditions, which our board-certified physician reviews to ensure proper qualification before Treatment
•Disqualification of any Member if they are currently on pharmacological medications such as SSRIs, SNRIs, heart or blood pressure medication, and any other medication on this list
•Compliance to safety and harm reduction protocols to ensure real-time protocols in the case of adverse reactions or health challenges. Ex: increased heart rate / not enough oxygen intake / early onset panic attack / etc
•Requirement of specific educational trainings during The Preparation Phase that involves teaching our Members specific tools and techniques to deploy during Treatment to mitigate issues such as noted above (breathwork, meditation, mantras, etc)
•Ongoing screening across the Healing Team throughout the process, to flag anyone who is not eligible. For instance, one of our Members did not disclose active addiction on their intake form, but admitted to their Therapeutic Coach that they were using. This disqualified them from Treatment.
•Dedication to continued learning and education on new insights, information and updates to harm reduction best practices as new clinical trial and academic study results are published.

Q: When is it not right to engage with psychedelic treatment?
‍There are both medical and psychiatric contraindications as they pertain to side effects to psychedelics. We utilize the MAPS model to determine if a potential client meets our requirements for treatments. The most common medical side effect of classic psychedelics is an elevation in blood pressure and heart rate. While this effect can be safe for most people to tolerate, it is dangerous for others whose bodies cannot safely handle high blood pressure. As a result, psychedelics are contraindicated if someone is pregnant, or has a history of epilepsy/other seizure disorder, or severe cardiovascular disease including uncontrolled blood pressure, heart failure, coronary artery disease or previous heart attack or stroke.Because psychedelics work by activating Serotonin receptors in the brain, they can lead to a life threatening condition called Serotonin Syndrome if used in conjunction with other medications or substances that also increase Serotonin levels in the brain. As a result, they are contraindicated in people using medications like SSRI or MAO-I antidepressants who are not able to be weaned off of these medications before treatment.
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In terms of psychiatric contraindications, prolonged psychosis and suicidality are the main conditions. Engaging with psychedelics can be incredibly dangerous for people who have a personal or family history of primary psychotic or affective disorders like Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective disorder, or Bipolar 1 disorder.  It can also be dangerous for people who experience psychotic symptoms in the setting of depression. This is because it can increase the risk of psychotic episodes in these groups of people. At Catbird, we have a board-certified physician review every Member's comprehensive health

Q: Where are these therapies being offered?
At this time, Catbird is able to offer these healing therapies in specific locales where plant-based psychedelics have been decriminalized and our vetted Partner Network of practitioners has been established. This includes San Francisco Bay Area, Denver, Los Angeles and Chicago. We are expanding into Los Angeles, New York, Miami and others in the future.A: At this time, Catbird is able to offer these healing therapies in the Bay Area and Denver only. We are expanding into Los Angeles, Los Cabos, Washington D.C. and other locales in the near future.

Q: What about lodging / accommodations?
A: We have identified some specific accommodations within a ~15min Uber/Lyft whose environment will nurture your healing journey below. At this time, Catbird does not act as a travel agency; we are responsible for facilitating your therapy sessions only.

Bay Area
‍Buddha Suite - $230/nt
‍Studio at 41 - $86/nt
‍Bayview Cottage - $160/nt
‍Rest + Revive - $110/nt
‍Stunning Cabana - $200/nt

Denver Area
‍Private Mountain Retreat - $143/nt
‍Canyon Escape - $134/nt
‍Studio with Views - $169/nt

Catbird is dedicated to creating equitable access to healing therapies for all. For those with limited financial means, we do have host families available that can offer you a warm bed or air mattress in their home. Inquire: hello@catbirdclub.com


Q: How long do I have to book my healing session once I complete my payment?
A: Catbird allows you to book up to 12-months from the date you are charged.

‍Q: Do you offer refunds? 
A: While we do not issue refunds, we are happy to apply your funds to another healing therapy of your choice.

‍Additional questions/concerns?
Bring ‘em! Reach out to hello@catbirdclub.com