Applicant FAQs

All of our retreat programs are held in partnership with retreat centers in places where plant medicine is legal. The majority of our spouse retreats are held in Mexico and incorporate the use of psilocybin. We also have a budding retreat program in the state of Oregon and Colorado.

The first step is to apply. The more information you provide, the more quickly we can determine how best to support your healing journey. Once your application is approved, you’ll be eligible for a retreat program.

When applying for a retreat or emailing our applications team, we’ll work as quickly as possible to respond to your inquiry. Please note, this may take a few days.

The process itself includes:
Initial Application approval
Retreat Selection, as retreats come available
Intake call
Safety/Medical Screening
Sign the documentation and submit your donation

We work diligently to approve initial applications as we receive them. If your application is approved, this does not yet mean you have been enrolled for a retreat. Our team will reach out to all approved applicants as retreats spots come available that you might be eligible for. An intake and safety screening are required to confirm your participation.

We look for applicants who have already put effort towards other healing modalities such as therapy, coaching, mindfulness, etc. Motivation to “do the work” and take ownership of your healing process are crucial in order for psychedelic programs to be successful. 

Applicants on antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications must be able to work with a trained medical professional to wean off of these substances 4-6 weeks before the retreat date. Some SSRIs may require an 8 week tapering schedule. We do not provide medical advice and require that you work with your medical provider to determine whether weaning off of medication is appropriate for you. 

We take several factors into account when selecting those who have requested to enroll for specific retreats:

Current and active passport with at least 9 months viability at enrollment

The needs of each spouse in question

Willingness to commit to the interpersonal work required through our program’s preparation and integration: attend all coaching calls, adhere to the preparation diet requirements, show up authentically

Amount of time each spouse has been approved and waiting to attend a retreat

Spouse’s ability to cover at least $500, the minimum financial contribution and cover their own travel expenses.

Spouses who are selected for this step will be sent an email requesting to schedule a video intake call. It’s best to schedule this video intake call as soon as possible in order to progress enrollment for the retreat programs you’d prefer. Video Intake Calls are held through Zoom, and it’s expected that you’re on camera; be sure to check your email for this link and save it to your calendars. During this call, you can expect to discuss your intentions for seeking a psychedelic retreat program. Intake calls offer us an opportunity to get to know you better and ensure you would be a good fit for one of our programs.

A Safety/Medical Screening phone call will be conducted to review your medical and health history with one of our trained Medical Screeners to help us ensure it is safe for you to attend a retreat program. Our Medical Screeners are advisors and do not give medical advice. Any changes to your lifestyle or medications should be done under the supervision of your prescribing physician.

Contraindicated heart or respiratory conditions (determined case by case)

Personal/family history of psychosis; Schizophrenia, DID, Bipolar Type I 

An inability to wean off of contra-indicated medications (e.g. SSRIs/SNRIs) 4-6 weeks in advance of the retreat commencing

Recent participation in another psychedelic retreat or the intention to participate in another retreat within 4 months from the start of the Hope Retreat Program

Unwillingness to follow the preparation diet (dieta), which includes adopting an anti-inflammatory diet, focused on whole foods, and limiting the following: red meat, dairy, processed foods, foods high in salt, sugar, oils, and saturated fats, recreational drugs (including cannabis and other psychedelics), social media, mainstream media, and sex with self or other).

Experiencing extreme crisis or suicidal thoughts may be asked to stabilize using other resources before undergoing a psychedelic program.

Homelessness, on parole, or in an in-patient treatment center.

Our Spouse Retreat Programs, both international and domestic, cost on average $6,000 per person served.

The Hope Project Grant is available to you if you cannot afford to pay your own way. We would like you to consider the following contribution amounts. Each participant is encouraged to pay what they can, and should consider what they can afford based on their own financial picture as well as the intended impact of the program they are attending. Every contribution is paid forward to support a future participant in need of services.

Financial contribution suggestions below.

$500 – Supported Contribution

This is the requested minimum contribution for participants experiencing financial hardship. This tier is designed for those who genuinely require financial assistance in order to attend. It may be appropriate for individuals facing financial challenges, students, caregivers, teachers, those working in service professions, or anyone navigating a difficult financial season.

$1,200 – Community Contribution

This contribution helps offset retreat costs for another participant and expands access to our programs. This tier may be appropriate for those who have a stable source of income and a basic level of financial security, and who would like to help support the participation of others.

$3,000 – Pay-It-Forward Contribution

This contribution covers a substantial portion of another participant’s retreat experience. This tier is intended for participants who have additional financial flexibility and feel called to invest in the healing and growth of others within our community.

$5,000-$6500 – Full Sponsorship Contribution

This contribution covers the full cost of a retreat experience for another participant. This tier is intended for those who are in a position to make a transformative impact on another person’s journey. Contributions at this level play a vital role in expanding access, increasing inclusivity, and ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent someone from receiving support.

Hope Project Alumni are asked to contribute $2,500 to attend a Domestic or International Program.