Better outcomes, lower cost: three years of proof from Oregon's psilocybin program
Oregon's psilocybin program has served more than 22,000 clients, maintained a safety record that outperforms clinical trial baselines, and delivered depression remission rates that match or beat the treatments Oregon Medicaid already covers at roughly one quarter the cost per remission.
The Oregon Psilocybin Program Snapshot makes the case for what comes next: an independent economic analysis that tells the state exactly how much a publicly funded psilocybin pathway could save. Submit your email to download the full report and receive updates on Oregon policy and CPP's ongoing economic analysis work.
Why This Report Matters
Oregon is spending more on behavioral health every year, and the patients driving the largest share of costs are the ones current treatments help the least. At the same time, Oregon has quietly built the most comprehensive real-world evidence base on regulated psilocybin access anywhere in the country, and it points toward better outcomes at a fraction of what the state already pays for comparable care.
Funders, legislators, and agency staff are using this data right now to evaluate what state investment in psilocybin therapy could cost and what it could save. At a moment when proposed licensing fee increases are casting doubt on the program’s future, the case for a rigorous, Oregon-specific economic analysis has never been stronger.
What to Expect
The Snapshot covers four areas:
Oregon's behavioral health spending crisis. The Oregon Health Authority's behavioral health budget grew 44% to $1.35 billion last biennium. The patients driving the largest share of that spending are also the ones current treatments help the least.
Three years of real-world proof. Across 22,000+ clients, the program's severe adverse event rate is 0.15%, well below the ~0.9% rate in psilocybin clinical trials. Real-world depression remission rates match or beat clinical trial benchmarks. Results strengthen rather than fade at 30 days.
The cost-effectiveness case. At Oregon's own real-world costs and remission rates, psilocybin therapy runs about $5,660 per remission achieved, roughly one quarter the $22,408 per remission for TMS, which OHP already covers.
A path forward. Pause the proposed fee increases. Commission an Oregon-specific economic analysis using data the state already holds. No state dollars required to answer the question.
Take the Next Step
If you want to help protect what Oregon built, there's one more thing worth doing. We’re asking Governor Kotek to pause the proposed psilocybin licensing fee increases and allow an independent economic analysis to be completed before any fee decision is final. Add your name to our letter below.