Psychedelic Therapy Starter Screening
Understand if psychedelic-assisted therapy is suitable for you — and potential next steps
Key takeaways
- Comprehensive initial self-evaluation of medical and practical factors
- Takes around 7 minutes to complete
- Assesses 38 questions across 4 dimensions, from medical history to treatment goals and support systems
- Based on established PAT eligibility criteria
- Delivers one of three clear recommendations: Green (PAT is suitable), Yellow (requires consultation), or Red (not advisable at this time)
- Results include personalized guidance on next steps and helpful resources
About This Test
This psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) self-assessment is a tool that evaluates whether PAT aligns with your specific situation: not just medical safety, but also practical readiness, personal goals, support systems, and life circumstances. Whether you’re new to psychedelic therapy, curious about emerging treatments, or seriously considering it, this screening clarifies if PAT is the right fit for you right now.
Psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) can be transformative for certain people who meet specific eligibility criteria. This screening goes beyond asking, “Are there medical reasons you can’t do PAT?” It also asks, “Given your goals, circumstances, medical history, support system, and practical capacity, is PAT actually the right fit for you right now?”
The assessment evaluates four key dimensions:
- Medical & Psychiatric Safety
- Practical Readiness
- Goals & Personal Fit
- Support & Integration
The goal is to give you clear, evidence-based information to help you make an informed decision about whether this type of therapy can be genuinely suitable for you at this moment in your life.
The science behind psychedelics
Recent research on psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) shows its promise for treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, PTSD, and existential distress. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses report low rates of serious adverse events in controlled clinical settings. Key effects include rapid symptom relief, enhanced neuroplasticity, and lasting improvements in mood and well-being. However, PAT is more than just the dosing session itself. It’s a comprehensive, multi-step therapeutic process composed of preparation and integration sessions with trained mental health practitioners before and after the experience.
How the test works
Step 1 — Answer questions.
Questions focus on factors that clinical research has identified as important for PAT safety, suitability, and effectiveness.
Step 2 — Get your result.
Your responses are evaluated against established clinical contraindications, readiness indicators, and practical feasibility factors. You receive one of three results:
Green: No identified barriers based on the information you provided. PAT appears suitable for your situation.
Yellow: Some factors require professional assessment or preparation before proceeding.
Red: Contraindications or barriers make PAT inadvisable at this time.
Step 3 — Know your next steps.
Your personalized results page provides clear guidance based on your suitability profile. Depending on your screening outcome, you'll receive tailored recommendations, whether that's connecting with verified providers or learning more about your specific condition. The goal is to give you a concrete action plan.
Scientific basis
This online screening is based on several reviews exploring safety, contraindications, therapeutic effects, and risks associated with psychedelic-assisted therapy:
1. Martin L. Williams, Karen Hitchcock, Angus H. Miller, Simon A. Beck. Eligibility for psychedelic therapy: Clinical trial medical exclusion criteria and their implications for hospital practice. General Hospital Psychiatry, Volume 98, 2026, Pages 116-125, ISSN 0163-8343. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2025.12.009
2. Schipper S., Nigam K., Schmid Y., Piechotta V., Ljuslin M., Beaussant Y., Schwarzer G., Boehlke C. Psychedelic‐assisted therapy for treating anxiety, depression, and existential distress in people with life‐threatening diseases. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2024, Issue 9. Art. No.: CD015383. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD015383.pub2
3. B. Romeo, E. Kervadec, B. Fauvel, L. Strika-Bruneau, A. Amirouche, V. Verroust, P. Piolino, A. Benyamina. Safety and risk assessment of psychedelic psychotherapy: A meta-analysis and systematic review. Psychiatry Research, Volume 335, 2024, 115880, ISSN 0165-1781. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2024.115880
Test Author
This assessment was developed by States of Mind and draws upon multiple peer-reviewed sources on PAT safety, eligibility, and outcomes.
Medical Reviewer
Public Health Professional
FAQ:
Who should take psychedelic therapy screening?
You should take this screening if you're considering psychedelic-assisted therapy, whether you're just exploring the idea or actively planning treatment. It's especially useful if you're wondering whether PAT is right for your specific situation, if you have health conditions that might be relevant, or if you want to understand what practical preparation would be needed. Even if you're skeptical about psychedelics, this screening provides clarity based on evidence. The goal is to help anyone, from curious newcomers to experienced enthusiasts, understand whether PAT fits their life situation.
What makes someone ineligible for psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT)?
Common reasons for ineligibility include active suicidal ideation, untreated psychotic symptoms, bipolar disorder, pregnancy or breastfeeding, uncontrolled cardiovascular conditions, and certain medication interactions (such as MAOIs, SSRIs, or lithium). Other factors include lack of post-session support, unstable housing, and age under 18. However, ineligibility can be temporary, and the screening identifies which of these factors apply to you.
What is my PAT suitability profile?
Your suitability profile is a summary of how psychedelic-assisted therapy aligns with your specific situation across four key dimensions: medical and psychiatric safety, practical readiness, your goals, whether PAT addresses them, and your access to support and integration resources. Your profile is not a judgment about you or your mental health. Understanding your summary of factors helps you make informed decisions about next steps in treatment.
What does my screening result mean?
The screening suggests one of three results: Green (no identified barriers for PAT), Yellow (some factors require further professional assessment), or Red (contraindications make PAT inadvisable at this time). Each result comes with personalized recommendations based on your specific profile. Green results guide you toward trusted verified providers, Yellow results outline what consultation or preparation is needed, and Red results offer treatment resources and information to learn more.
Can I retake this screening?
Yes, you can retake the PAT screening anytime. This is particularly useful if your circumstances, symptoms, medications, or support systems have changed. Retesting periodically can help you track changes resulting from treatment and lifestyle adjustments.
What should I do after getting my screening results?
Your results page shows personalized guidance based on your individual profile. The next steps might involve connecting with healthcare professionals, exploring treatment resources, or gathering more information about your condition. The key is to use your results as a starting point for informed decision-making. This screening provides guidance, not medical recommendations. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals for clinical assessment.
Is this PAT screening scientifically valid?
This screening is informed by clinical research on psychedelic therapy, but is not a validated diagnostic instrument. It's based on what researchers have learned about who can benefit from PAT, what safety concerns matter, and how to make it work well. The evidence shows that when PAT is done properly, with good preparation and integration support afterward, it can be promising for people with different mental health conditions, such as depression or PTSD. That said, this is a screening tool to help you think things through and understand your options, not a medical diagnosis.
Can psychedelic-assisted therapy replace other treatments?
No, PAT is not a replacement for other treatments. It works best as part of a comprehensive approach, often alongside therapy, medication, or lifestyle changes. The screening helps you understand whether PAT fits your current situation and what additional support you might need.
How accurate is this screening?
This screening provides initial guidance based on clinical evidence and established eligibility criteria. However, like any self-assessment tool, accuracy depends on how honestly and accurately you answer the questions. The more detailed information you provide, including answers to optional questions, the more accurate and personalized your results will be.
This test is an educational screening tool for adults. It is not a diagnosis, treatment advice, or a substitute for assessment by a qualified clinician. Psychedelic-assisted therapy is still in its investigational stages and is not the first-line treatment for most mental health conditions. Most importantly, its legal status, regulatory approval, and permitted use vary widely by country and region — and may be illegal or restricted to clinical trials or specific populations. If you feel unsafe or are at immediate risk, seek urgent local help or contact emergency or crisis services in your area.
Last Updated:
11 May 2026
